Sussex Historic Churches Trust

The Trust funds essential conservation activities for places of worship that are at least 100 years old. This includes reroofing, masonry renovation, spire and tower repairs, weatherproofing, and fabric restoration. Supported interventions focus on structural renewal of churches, chapels, and sacred sites of Anglican and non-Anglican traditions across East Sussex and West Sussex. The work addresses chronic dilapidation and underinvestment risks, enabling continued use for religious services, community events, and cultural heritage preservation.

Registered charities, faith groups, and community groups in East Sussex and West Sussex can apply. The Trust supports local congregations maintaining historic places of worship, as well as broader rural and urban communities that derive social cohesion and historical identity from preserved ecclesiastical architecture. It welcomes applications from all Christian traditions regardless of size or locality, with emphasis on buildings listed for exceptional heritage value in active settings.

The Trust does not fund routine maintenance, non-fabric improvements, internal modernisations, modern facilities, non-worship spaces, or projects lacking proven historical or architectural significance. It also excludes work that has not been assessed as urgent by specialist advisors.

The Trust welcomes unsolicited applications and makes decisions based on rigorous evidence provided by specialist advisors. It prioritises grassroots congregations stewarding the oldest and most vulnerable sacred structures, promoting holistic stewardship over piecemeal fixes.