Chichester Cathedral Restoration and Development Trust CIO

Chichester Cathedral Restoration and Development Trust CIO, established in 1980 and converted to a CIO in 2014, is a specialised charitable organisation dedicated to safeguarding Chichester Cathedral's spiritual, architectural, and cultural heritage through targeted fundraising. Operating independently of government or Church of England routine support, it relies on philanthropy, endowments, and matched giving to fund restoration, development, and maintenance of the Cathedral, its musical traditions, educational facilities, and historic buildings in the Cathedral Close. Core values of stewardship, excellence, inclusivity, and the transformative power of sacred heritage and music guide its mission to preserve this national asset as a living place of Christian worship and community enrichment for current and future generations.

The Trust prioritises three areas: capital conservation projects like roof renewals, LED lighting upgrades, and repairs to ancient stonework and timber; enhancement of choral, organ, and musical programmes via endowments such as the Platinum Endowment Trust for Music, supporting chorister scholarships, staff salaries, and public concerts (with over £2.6 million raised); and educational outreach, including school programmes and community engagement. Beneficiaries encompass worshippers, West Sussex residents, schoolchildren, musicians, and national visitors, with funding exclusively for Cathedral-led initiatives.

Unsolicited applications are not accepted; grants are awarded only to projects proposed by the Dean and Chapter of Chichester Cathedral, with decisions at ad hoc trustee meetings aligned to internal planning cycles—no public deadlines or forms exist. Typical grants range from £10,000 to £1.6 million annually, targeting large, established Cathedral-linked entities in Chichester and West Sussex. It excludes external charities, general operations, or unrelated projects, distinguishing itself through hyper-focused, long-term stewardship of one iconic Christian heritage site, blending conservation with sustainable musical and educational legacies.