The Norfolk Churches Trust Limited

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £182,713 (last financial year to 36 churches)
• Total Income: £492,280 (year ending March 2024)
• Grant Range: £2,655 - £10,000 (typical awards)
• Committee Meetings: 3 times per year
• Geographic Focus: Norfolk and Diocese of Norwich (including Waveney area of Suffolk)
• Total Granted Since 1976: Over £6.9 million

Contact Details

Website: norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk

Email: secretary@norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk

Phone: 01379 677272

Registered Charity Number: 271176

Company Number: 01247797

Overview

The Norfolk Churches Trust Limited was established in 1976 with just £300 borrowed from the Norfolk Society, with its aim to protect churches through financial aid and advice. Since then, the Trust has awarded over £6.9 million in grants to parishes within Norfolk and the Diocese of Norwich. In the most recent financial year (ending March 2024), the Trust had total income of £492,280 and awarded grants to 36 churches totalling £182,713. The Trust is governed by 8 trustees and supported by 25 volunteers, with His Majesty The King serving as Patron. The organization maintains 13 redundant churches in its direct care and continues to be a vital source of support for maintaining Norfolk's historic religious buildings. The Trust's income derives from subscriptions, donations, events, legacies, and its renowned annual Sponsored Bike Ride, Walk & Drive event, which has raised £4.4 million since 1983.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Main Grant Programme: Variable amounts (recent grants: £2,655 - £10,000)

• Awards around £150,000 annually across approximately 36 churches
• Application deadlines: 3 times per year (February, May, September)
• Grants Committee meetings in March, July, and November
• No minimum cost or match-funding requirement
• Assessment based on urgency of work and parish financial resources

“Stitch in Time” Grants: Small grants for critical repairs

• For extremely urgent small repairs identified in Quinquennial Inspection Reports
• Fast-track assessment for emergency situations

Survey and Report Grants: Small grants for professional fees

• Supports parishes without funds for structural surveys and conservation reports
• Enables essential first steps in developing repair projects

Priority Areas

The Trust funds Christian places of worship of any denomination in Norfolk and the Diocese of Norwich (covering most of Norfolk and the Waveney area of Suffolk). Eligible projects include:

• Urgent repairs and conservation projects
• Roof repairs and structural work
• Window and wall repairs
• Drainage and rainwater systems
• Electrical system repairs
• Emergency repairs
• Professional fees for architects and conservation specialists

What They Don't Fund

• Re-ordering projects
• Installation of new facilities
• Retrospective grants (work already completed)
• Projects outside Norfolk/Diocese of Norwich geographic area

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Governance and Leadership

Patron: His Majesty The King

Chair: Mrs Rosabelle Batt

Board of Trustees:

• Dr John Maddison (Chair of Grants Committee)
• Mrs Amelia Courtauld (Chair of Bike Ride Committee)
• Ian Lonsdale TD DL
• Michael Sayer
• Delphine Steel
• Julian Taylor
• Richard Wolstenholme
• Miranda Richards

Key Staff:

• Company Secretary: Mrs Linda Joel
• Finance Administrator: Amy Kearton

Governance Structure: The Grants Committee considers all applications and makes recommendations to the Advisory Council (20 members) and the Trustees, who make final grant determinations. No trustees receive remuneration. The Trust operates as both a registered charity and company limited by guarantee.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Download the Grant Application Form from norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/grants/application-process-and-deadlines/

• Latest PCC accounts
• Quotations for the work (if available)
• Specification or letter from church architect for complex repairs
• Supporting letter with background information
• Photographs of the area requiring repair

1. Join as a Member: PCCs applying for grants are required to become Trust members (£30 annual fee for churches)

1. Submit Application: Via email (as attachment) or post (typed or handwritten)

1. Contact for Help: The Trust emphasizes applicants should not feel intimidated - phone or email for assistance completing the application

Decision Timeline

Application Deadlines and Committee Meetings:

• Early February deadline → Mid-March committee meeting
• Late May deadline → Early July committee meeting
• Late September deadline → Early November committee meeting

Recommendation: Submit applications “as far in advance of these meetings as possible”

Processing Time: Approximately 4-6 weeks from deadline to committee meeting, with decisions made shortly thereafter

Success Rates

Based on available data, the Trust awarded grants to 36 churches from the funds available in the last financial year. Specific application-to-award ratios are not publicly published.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not published on the website. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Trust directly at secretary@norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk or 01379 677272 for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Assessment Criteria: The Trust explicitly states that “grants are assessed on the urgency of the work proposed and on the financial resources already available to the parish or congregation.”

Strategic Advantage: According to the Trust's guidance, “Our grant offers are very often the first support for suitable projects” and having their funding in place can “help increase your chances of getting further financial support from other sources.”

Quinquennial Reports: The Trust specifically mentions “stitch in time” grants for repairs identified in Quinquennial Inspection Reports, suggesting that referencing these reports strengthens applications.

Recent Funded Projects Include:

• Wroxham, St Mary (£3,000): Downpipe reconfiguration and internal plasterwork repairs
• Wramplingham, St Peter & St Paul (£10,000): Roof repairs
• Walpole, St Peter (£8,500): Electrical system repairs
• Upper Sheringham, All Saints (£5,000): Window and wall repairs
• Thursford, St Andrew (£2,655): Emergency repairs

Application Approach:

• Don't be intimidated by the process - the Trust actively encourages contact for help
• Include high-quality photographs of the problem areas
• Provide architect's specifications for complex repairs
• Demonstrate urgency of the work
• Show what financial resources are already available
• Consider applying for survey/report grants first if you need professional assessment

Leveraging Multiple Funders: The Trust's “Further Advice” page lists 11 organizations that can offer additional support, suggesting they value applications that demonstrate engagement with the broader conservation community, including Historic England, Church of England ChurchCare, and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No minimum or maximum amounts: Grants range from around £2,600 to £10,000 based on project needs, with no stated limits or match-funding requirements
• Urgency is key: Applications are assessed primarily on urgency of work and parish financial resources - clearly demonstrate why repairs are urgent
• Membership required: PCCs must join as members (£30/year) when applying, supporting the Trust's sustainability
• Use as anchor funding: The Trust positions itself as often providing “the first support” - securing their grant can help unlock other funding sources
• Three chances per year: With meetings in March, July, and November, plan application timing strategically
• Quinquennial reports strengthen applications: Reference these official inspection reports, especially for “stitch in time” emergency grants
• Don't hesitate to ask for help: The Trust explicitly encourages applicants to contact them for assistance - use this support
• Geographic specificity matters: Ensure your church is within Norfolk or the Diocese of Norwich (including Waveney area of Suffolk)

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• THE ARCHBISHOPS' COUNCIL
• Christian Aid
• THE CHURCH CHARITY
• THE LIGHTHOUSE
• Parish Council

References

• Norfolk Churches Trust official website: https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/
• Grants page: https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/grants/
• Application Process and Deadlines: https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/grants/application-process-and-deadlines/
• Further Advice page: https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/grants/further-advice/
• Recent Grants: https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/recent-grants/
• Charity Commission Register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/271176
• Membership information: https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/membership/
• About Us and Governance: https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/about-us/patrons-and-trustees/
• Diocese of Norwich information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocese_of_Norwich