Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust

Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust, an independent non-denominational charity founded in 1953, is dedicated to preserving, maintaining, repairing, and improving Christian places of worship of historic, architectural, and community significance across Wiltshire, including Swindon. Safeguarding over 500 ecclesiastical buildings from Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Free Church traditions, the Trust promotes public appreciation of Wiltshire's heritage, fosters community stewardship, and ensures these spaces endure as vital worship and community hubs. Its values emphasize strategic conservation, local responsibility, denominational inclusivity, and catalytic funding, distinguishing it as the county's sole specialist funder for historic churches with deep local insight from trustee boards including deanery, Catholic, and Free Church representatives.

The Trust prioritizes capital grants for essential fabric repairs—roofs, stonework, masonry, windows, and doors—and limited enhancements like disabled access or toilets that support ongoing use and preservation. It favors rural and village churches with urgent needs, well-planned projects backed by evidence, permissions, and sustainability plans, often leveraging grants to spur local fundraising.

Eligible applicants are Christian places of worship strictly in Wiltshire or Swindon, with no formal entity or income restrictions but a preference for smaller grassroots congregations over urban ones. Unsolicited applications are accepted via online form, considered biannually by trustees; submit 8-12 weeks ahead of the next meeting on June 8, 2026. Typical grants range from £1,000-£15,000 (often £2,000-£10,000), excluding core costs, revenue, unrestricted funds, or projects outside the area. Applicants must promote the Trust and support its Ride & Stride event, ensuring alignment with heritage-focused, community-benefiting stewardship.