What we Fund

Here are some examples of what we support if you’re wanting to do repairs to the fabric or contents of your building:

• Structural work – including weatherproofing and drainage;
• Heating and lighting – repairs or replacement;
• Repairs to pipe organs, bells, clocks, internal monuments, or windows; and,
• Repairs to churchyard walls or monuments and footpaths.

The OHCT funds new work as well as repairs, providing such work maintains the historical integrity of the building, contents and environment. Work of this kind can include:

• New toilets, kitchens and utility areas;
• Disabled access; and,
• New floors and stairs in towers (e.g. for ringing chambers).

We also support:

• Electrical work;
• Sound systems;
• Security systems;
• Pipe or electronic organs; and,
• Vestries and storage areas.

Additionally, small grants are available to encourage feasibility studies, option studies, and scoping out and investigative works relating to proposed repairs or new work.

We do not support work in respect of the following:

• Routine maintenance unless identified as part of the quinquennial inspection or work that is urgent, where further delays may result in significant deterioration of the fabric of the building;
• Work that has already started;
• Removal or replacement of pews for liturgical re-ordering
• Liturgical re-ordering e.g. nave altars and platforms;
• Free-standing church or parish halls;
• Car parks; and,
• Buildings less than fifty years old.