The Devon Historic Churches Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £121,577 (year ending 31 March 2025)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Within a few days for emergency grants; quarterly reviews for main grants (applications due 3 weeks before meeting dates)
• 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 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 for the year ending 31 March 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 with no paid staff. The organisation is supported by Deanery Representatives who play important roles liaising with communities across Devon. Recent grant rounds show consistent support to churches across the region.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

• 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 £2,000 - Rapid 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. The Chairman position is currently vacant. The Trust is supported by Deanery Representatives who play a very important role by liaising with communities in their areas and encouraging support for the Devon Historic Churches Trust.

How to Apply to The Devon Historic Churches Trust

How to Apply

Applicants are strongly encouraged to become members of the Friends of Devon Historic Churches Trust (£20/year), though this is not a condition of receiving a grant. 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 and small repair grants: Within a few days of submission
• Main grants: Quarterly reviews (generally held in January, April, July, and October). Applications must be submitted three weeks before the meeting date. Applicants are notified within a few days of the trustees' decision.

Success Rates

Not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

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

Application Success Factors

The Trust emphasises:

• 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

The Trust provides free expert advice on conservation and grant applications to help churches prepare strong applications.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Membership (£20/year) is strongly encouraged though not mandatory - demonstrates commitment to the Trust's mission
• Emergency grants offer rapid response (within a few days) for urgent structural damage up to £2,000
• Time main grant applications to align with quarterly review cycles - submit three weeks before meeting dates
• 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:

• Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust
• The Friends Of Kent Churches
• Francis Coales Charitable Foundation
• Friends Of Essex Churches Trust
• The Northumbria Historic Churches Trust
• The Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust
• The Suffolk Historic Churches Trust
• Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust
• The National Churches Trust
• The Norfolk Churches Trust Limited

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/