The Dorset Historic Churches Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £175,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: £1,500-£12,000
• Geographic Focus: Administrative County of Dorset

Contact Details

• Website: www.dhct.org.uk
• Email: postbox@dhct.org.uk

Overview

The Dorset Historic Churches Trust (DHCT) is a registered charity (282790) dedicated to the preservation of Christian churches and chapels of all denominations throughout the administrative County of Dorset. The Trust focuses on keeping churches in satisfactory condition to serve both community and spiritual purposes, with particular attention to churches facing challenges from diminishing congregations. The Trust operates an annual grant budget of £175,000 to support church preservation projects across the county.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The Trust offers preservation grants through three annual funding rounds. Grants normally only cover a modest proportion of the cost of repairs. Recent awards have ranged from £1,500 to £12,000 depending on the project.

Priority Areas

• Preservation of church fabric and contents
• Roof repairs and structural maintenance
• Supporting churches with diminishing congregations
• Maintaining churches for community and spiritual use
• Preserving churches of all Christian denominations
• Sympathetic repair to a standard that architectural value merits

What They Don't Fund

• VAT (which can often be reclaimed on Listed Buildings)
• Repairs started or carried out before application approval by Trustees (except where prior permission has been explicitly given)

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is led by Chairman His Honour David Grant. DHCT works in partnership with the National Churches Trust to support church preservation efforts across Dorset.

How to Apply to The Dorset Historic Churches Trust

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted on a Dorset Historic Churches Trust application form with audited financial accounts attached, to the Deanery Area Representative of the Trust in the area in which the church is located. Churches seeking grants should contact their Deanery Area Representative for advice and assistance. Application forms and details are available through the Trust's website at www.dhct.org.uk.

Decision Timeline

The Trust holds three Trustees meetings annually, typically in late January, early June, and late September. Applications are considered at these meetings.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Information on reapplication policies not available from current sources.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's funding priorities and conditions, successful applications likely demonstrate:

• Clear preservation needs for church fabric or contents
• Community benefit alongside spiritual purposes
• Projects that help maintain churches facing sustainability challenges
• Alignment with DHCT's mission to preserve churches of all denominations across Dorset
• Past record of support for the Trust through gifts or participation in the annual Ride + Stride fund-raising event (preference given)
• Projects not yet started (unless prior permission obtained)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• DHCT focuses exclusively on Christian churches and chapels within Dorset's administrative boundaries
• Applications must go through the Deanery Area Representative system
• Three fixed application deadlines per year (typically late January, early June, late September)
• Grants range from £1,500 to £12,000, covering a modest proportion of total repair costs
• Preference given to churches with a past record of supporting the Trust through donations or Ride + Stride participation
• Partnership with National Churches Trust may indicate alignment with broader church preservation standards
• Work cannot commence before grant approval (except with prior permission)
• VAT is not funded as it can be reclaimed on Listed Buildings

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust
• Erskine Muton Trust Fund
• The Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust
• Talbot Village Trust
• The Northumbria Historic Churches Trust
• Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust
• Friends Of Essex Churches Trust
• The Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust
• The Suffolk Historic Churches Trust
• Shropshire Historic Churches Trust

References

• Dorset Historic Churches Trust official website (www.dhct.org.uk)
• Trust grants page (dhct.org.uk/m/grants.php)
• National Churches Trust support organisations directory