The Devon Historic Churches Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £77,400 (based on recent grant awards)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 48 hours for emergency grants; quarterly for main grants
• Grant Range: £250 - £5,000
• Geographic Focus: Devon and the Diocese of Exeter

Contact Details

Website: https://www.devonhistoricchurches.co.uk/

Email: contact@devonhistoricchurches.co.uk

Phone: 01626 835820

Overview

The Devon Historic Churches Trust was founded on 1 January 1973 to help support Devon's churches with funding and expertise. The Trust is a charitable incorporated organisation (charity number 1189807) dedicated to funding repairs and maintenance to places of Christian worship in the Diocese of Exeter and throughout Devon. According to their most recent Charity Commission filing (2025), the Trust had total income of £84,825 and total expenditure of £121,577, demonstrating active grant-making activity. The Trust is governed by 14 trustees and supported by 100 volunteers, with 22 Deanery Representatives who play important roles liaising with communities across Devon. Recent grant rounds show consistent support: January 2026 awarded £16,930 to 5 churches, July 2025 awarded £19,500 to 8 churches, and April 2025 awarded £41,000 to 10 churches.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Main Grants: £250 - £5,000 - For larger structural and renovation projects, reviewed quarterly
• Small Repair Grants: Up to £2,000 - For smaller urgent repairs, processed quarterly
• Emergency Repair Grants: Up to £1,000 - Rapid 48-hour response for urgent situations

Priority Areas

• Structural repairs: masonry, tower repairs, wall repairs
• Roofing: roof slates, lead work, guttering
• Windows: stained glass restoration, window repairs
• Interior preservation: plaster works, flooring, rood screens
• Modern facilities: heating systems, lighting, toilets, kitchens, accessibility improvements

What They Don't Fund

• Bells, organs, clocks
• Detached church halls
• Churches not actively used for worship
• Churches outside Devon and the Diocese of Exeter

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is led by 14 trustees including Vice Chairman Revd Canon Nick Fennemore (Chairman position currently vacant), and supported by 22 Deanery Representatives who “play a very important role by liaising with communities in their areas and encouraging support for the Devon Historic Churches Trust.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications require membership in the Friends of Devon Historic Churches Trust (£20/year). Applications can be submitted via downloadable forms or online at devonhistoricchurches.co.uk. Required documentation includes project details, cost breakdowns, funding shortfall explanation, other funding sources, and Faculty permissions.

Decision Timeline

• Emergency grants: Within 48 hours
• Main and small grants: Quarterly reviews (January, April, July, October)

Success Rates

Not publicly available, but recent rounds show 5-10 churches funded per quarter.

Reapplication Policy

No specific policy documented; churches encouraged to contact Trust directly.

Application Success Factors

The Trust emphasizes:

• Complete applications: “Answer all questions thoroughly”
• Early planning: Apply early for necessary approvals
• Community support: Demonstrate local fundraising efforts
• Project phasing: Consider breaking large projects into manageable phases
• Clear communication: Explain unusual project aspects
• Detailed costs: Provide complete breakdowns and explain funding gaps

Recent successful projects include Chawleigh St James (£6,000 for roof and rood screen), Modbury St George (£10,000 for interior renovation and heating), and Walkhampton St Mary's (grant for accessibility improvements).

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Membership (£20/year) is required before applying - factor this into timeline
• Emergency grants offer remarkably fast 48-hour response for urgent structural damage
• Time applications to align with quarterly review cycles
• Show evidence of community fundraising and other funding sources
• Leverage their free expert advice on conservation and grant applications
• Churches must be actively used for worship to qualify
• Focus on fabric and heritage preservation while incorporating modern improvements

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Francis Coales Charitable Foundation
• Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust
• The Friends of Kent Churches
• The Northumbria Historic Churches Trust
• Friends of Essex Churches Trust
• The Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust
• The Suffolk Historic Churches Trust
• Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust
• The Herefordshire Historic Churches Trust
• The National Churches Trust

References

1. Devon Historic Churches Trust official website: https://www.devonhistoricchurches.co.uk/
2. Charity Commission Register: The Devon Historic Churches Trust (1189807): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5162463
3. Devon Historic Churches Trust - Trustees & Deanery Representatives: https://devonhistoricchurches.co.uk/who-are-we/trustees-deanery-representatives/
4. Devon Historic Churches Trust - Apply for a Grant: https://devonhistoricchurches.co.uk/how-we-can-support-your-church/apply-for-a-grant/
5. Devon Historic Churches Trust - Recent Projects & Grants Awarded: https://devonhistoricchurches.co.uk/news-activities/recent-projects/