Peterborough Cathedral Development and Preservation Trust CIO

The Peterborough Cathedral Development and Preservation Trust CIO is a dedicated charitable organisation aligned closely with Peterborough Cathedral's Chapter, focused exclusively on the development, maintenance, preservation, and operational sustainability of this medieval landmark in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Established to tackle the cathedral's ongoing financial challenges, its mission emphasises long-term stewardship of the cathedral's historic fabric as a spiritual, cultural, and civic hub, fostering community engagement, heritage conservation, and accessibility for future generations. Core values include sustainability, inclusivity, and maximising impact through strategic partnerships, with distinctive features like the ‘Cathedral Keys’ donor stewardship programme and governance by a committed board of local trustees.

The Trust funds internal cathedral priorities such as capital repairs, restoration projects (e.g., lighting, heating upgrades, and the ‘Peterborough 900: Letting it Speak for Itself’ initiative), Master Plan enhancements for energy efficiency and accessibility, music programmes via endowments like the Hastings Music Fund, and outreach for education and community belonging. Beneficiaries encompass the cathedral community, worshippers, visitors, and the broader Peterborough diocese and region, prioritising activities that blend preservation with modern relevance.

It does not accept unsolicited applications from external entities—funding decisions are made internally at ad hoc trustee meetings based on the Chapter's identified needs, with no published deadlines, processes, or grants to outside charities regardless of size, income, or structure. Typical internal allocations range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of pounds for fabric and operational needs. Uniquely differentiated by its singular, non-competitive focus on one national heritage site, the Trust excludes all external projects, statutory bodies, or activities beyond Peterborough Cathedral's direct scope, making it ideal for mission-aligned heritage or faith-based collaborators embedded within the cathedral.