Congregational and General Charitable Trust

The Congregational and General Charitable Trust, established in 1956 as the charitable arm of the Congregational and General Insurance Company and independent since 1987, is a specialist funder dedicated to advancing the Christian religion by supporting the built fabric and mission of Protestant churches across the UK. With a longstanding affinity for United Reformed, Congregational, and wider Protestant denominations, its values of stewardship, sustaining worship, and enabling community engagement drive grants for essential repairs, improvements, extensions, and adaptations to church buildings, including capital costs for church-led community projects that utilize premises and align with its Christian ethos.

It prioritizes capital projects that safeguard church infrastructure for worship and community impact, such as roof repairs, accessibility upgrades, and community space conversions, typically benefiting small to medium-sized local UK-registered charities based in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man. Eligible applicants are Protestant churches in need of physical enhancements, with no strict income thresholds but a preference for grassroots congregations over large national bodies or projects exceeding £1 million total cost.

Grants range from £1,000 to £25,000 (up to 25% of project costs), awarded quarterly following email-submitted applications using the official form, accompanied by annual reports, accounts, and cost details—next deadline 30 January 2025 (10:00am) for the March meeting. Projects must not have started, with one application allowed every two years and decisions in 6-10 weeks. Exclusions include running costs, retrospective funding, organs/bells, artworks, manses, graveyards, standalone environmental works, or revenue expenses, distinguishing it as the pre-eminent niche funder for Protestant church building sustainability and community adaptation.