Devon Historic Churches Trust

The Trust funds conservation and repair of the historic fabric of churches and chapels in Devon, within the Diocese of Exeter. Supported work includes roof re-leading, masonry repairs, window restoration, structural timber conservation, and other capital works that prevent further deterioration. Emergency repairs are also funded to address urgent structural issues. The Trust prioritises preservation, repair, maintenance, and improvement of the building’s fabric. It tends to direct its funds to the historic fabric rather than internal decorations or furnishings. Applications are welcomed from all Christian denominations for churches and chapels located in the county of Devon and the Diocese of Exeter.

Eligible applicants are Christian churches and chapels (faith groups) located in Devon and the Diocese of Exeter. The Trust is non-denominational and welcomes applications from all Christian traditions, including Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Baptist, and others. The organisation must be a place of worship that owns or manages a historic building within the specified geographic area. There are no formal income limits, but the Trust tends to support smaller, grassroots organisations with urgent fabric needs. The ultimate beneficiaries are the local communities that use these buildings for worship and community activities.

The Trust does not award grants for works that have already been completed. It also does not fund internal decorations, furnishings, or non-conservation works. Projects outside the county of Devon and the Diocese of Exeter are not eligible. The focus is exclusively on the physical fabric of the building, so decorative or non-structural elements are excluded.

The Trust offers three grant programmes: Small Repair Grant, Main Grant, and Emergency Repair Grant, all for capital works on the historic fabric. Grants are one-off and not multi-year. The Trust welcomes unsolicited applications from eligible churches and chapels. Funding is directed to urgent repairs and preventive maintenance, with a preference for projects that prevent further deterioration. The Trust does not provide core cost or project funding; all grants are for specific building repairs.