Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £110,604 (2024/25)
• Total Distributed Since Formation: £1.7M
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £10,000 (typical); special anniversary grants up to £70,000
• Decision Time: 1 day after trustee meeting (6-month cycle)
• Geographic Focus: Wiltshire only (including Swindon)
• Annual Applications: Approximately 40-43 grants awarded per year

Contact Details

Website: www.wiltshirehistoricchurchestrust.org.uk

Email: sec.whct@gmail.com (general enquiries) | grantsec.whct@gmail.com (grant applications)

Phone: 07715610666

Overview

Founded in 1953, the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting church buildings of historic, architectural and community value across Wiltshire. With total assets generating annual income of approximately £116,635 (2024/25), the Trust has made some 1,200 grants totalling £1.7 million since its formation, with £1 million distributed since 2000. The Trust is non-denominational, assisting Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Free Church congregations across the county. Led by President Dame Sarah Troughton DCVO (HM Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire) and Chairman His Honour Mark Everall KC, the Trust's primary income derives from the annual September “Ride and Stride” sponsored bike ride and walk (which has raised over £1.7 million since 1984), Friends of Wiltshire Churches membership, donations, and legacies. During their 70th anniversary in 2023-24, Trustees awarded an additional £100,000 in special anniversary grants to three standout churches, demonstrating their commitment to preserving Wiltshire's ecclesiastical heritage.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Standard Grants (£1,000 - £10,000)

• Typical grants range from £1,500 to £4,000 for fabric repairs
• Examples include tower and spire restoration, roof replacement, electrical systems, lightning conductors
• Applications reviewed at bi-annual trustee meetings (June and November)
• Rolling application process with fixed deadlines

NCT Partnership Grants (Enhanced funding)

• The Trust can recommend additional grants from the National Churches Trust
• Example: WHCT grant of £2,500 plus NCT Partnership Grant of £2,500
• Another example: WHCT grant of £4,000 plus NCT Partnership Grant of £5,000
• Significantly increases total funding available to applicants

Community Enhancement Grants (£1,500 - £4,000)

• Support for accessibility improvements (wheelchair ramps, disabled access)
• Kitchen/servery installations
• Toilet facilities
• Projects that make churches more accessible and useful for congregations and wider communities

Anniversary Grants (Special occasions)

• Major grants awarded during milestone anniversaries
• 70th Anniversary: £100,000 distributed to three churches
• Example: Malmesbury Abbey received £70,000 anniversary grant plus £10,000 standard grant

Priority Areas

Fabric Repairs and Preservation:

• Tower and spire restoration including repointing and parapet restoration
• Roof re-covering (slate, tiles, cedar shingles)
• Bell tower flooring and structural repairs
• Medieval screen and historical feature conservation
• Lead theft replacement
• Stone and masonry work

Safety and Systems:

• Electrical supply system renewal and modernization
• Lightning conductor installation
• Structural safety improvements

Community Enhancements:

• Disabled access ramps and pathways
• Kitchen and servery installations
• Toilet facilities
• Projects advancing community use of church buildings

What They Don't Fund

Critical Exclusion:

• Projects that have been started before Trustees formally consider the application are ineligible
• Churches or chapels outside Wiltshire (including Swindon)
• Projects not related to fabric repair or community enhancement

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Governance and Leadership

President: Dame Sarah Troughton DCVO, HM Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire

Chairman: His Honour Mark Everall KC (appointed 15 December 2011)

Trustee Board (16 trustees, meeting bi-annually):

Religious Representatives:

• Rt Rev Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol
• Rt Rev Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury
• Venerable Christopher Bryan, Archdeacon of Malmesbury
• Venerable Alan Jeans MBE, Archdeacon of Sarum
• Venerable Emma Louise Ellis
• Miss Anne Doyle DSG, Roman Catholic Church Representative
• Rev Graham Warmington, Free Church Representative

Lay Trustees:

• The Hon Edward Buchan
• Mrs Anne Cooke
• Commodore Jamie Hay
• Mr William Hiscocks
• Mr Michael Hodges DL
• Mr Luke March DL
• Mr Neil Skelton BEM
• Mr Patrick Wintour DL (Chairman of the Friends)
• Mr Brian Woodruffe

No trustees receive remuneration or benefits from the charity. The Trust maintains 16 volunteers and has established policies on financial reserves, risk management, safeguarding, and trustee governance.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Application Method: Online application form via the Trust's website

Critical Requirements:

• Do not start work before formal trustee approval - projects started before consideration are automatically ineligible
• Submit completed application form well in advance of deadlines
• All projects must demonstrate need and a well thought-out approach
• Applications must be backed up by good professional advice
• Necessary permissions must be obtained

Application Deadlines:

• June Meeting: Submit by 17th April
• November Meeting: Submit by 17th September

Late submissions are deferred to the following meeting cycle.

Assessment Process:

1. Submit online application form
2. Receive immediate onscreen acknowledgement
3. Application forwarded to appropriate Denomination or Deanery Representative
4. Representative contacts applicant to arrange site visit
5. Representative assesses project and reports to Trustees
6. Trustees review applications at bi-annual meeting

Decision Timeline

Review Cycle: Trustees meet twice annually (June and November)

Notification: Applicants typically receive decision within one day of the trustee meeting, followed by confirmatory letter

Total Timeline: 2-6 months from application deadline to decision, depending on which cycle you apply to

Success Rates

Annual Grant Awards:

• 2023: 40 churches and chapels funded
• 2019: 41 grants awarded
• 2018: 43 grants awarded
• 2020: 19 grants (reduced due to Coronavirus restrictions)

Historical Success: Since 1953, the Trust has made approximately 1,200 grants, averaging 17 grants per year over 70 years, though the pace has accelerated significantly since 2000.

Estimated Success Rate: With approximately 40 grants awarded annually and the Trust's supportive approach to Wiltshire churches, success rates appear favourable for eligible projects that meet criteria and demonstrate need.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is documented. Contact the Grant Secretary at grantsec.whct@gmail.com for guidance on unsuccessful applications.

Application Success Factors

Critical Success Factor - Timing:

The Trust's website emphasises: “Church projects that have been started before Trustees have formally considered the application will not be eligible for a grant.” This is non-negotiable - wait for formal approval before beginning any work.

Demonstrate Need and Planning:

According to the Trust's guidance, “All projects must demonstrate need and a well thought-out approach backed up by good advice and having the necessary permissions.” Strong applications will include:

• Clear evidence of necessity for the repair or enhancement
• Professional assessments and quotes
• Evidence of proper planning permissions (where required)
• Faculty permissions (for Church of England properties)
• Architect or surveyor reports for major works

Support the Trust's Work:

While not mandatory for grant eligibility, Trustees ask if applicants have supported “Ride and Stride.” The Trust's income is primarily derived from this annual September sponsored bike ride and walk, and supporting it demonstrates commitment to the Trust's broader mission. Half the money raised goes to the participant's chosen church, with the other half supporting the county Trust.

Consider NCT Partnership Grants:

Recent grant examples show the Trust can recommend additional National Churches Trust Partnership Grants, sometimes matching or exceeding the WHCT grant amount. When planning your funding package, mention if you're seeking or would benefit from this enhanced support.

Site Visit Preparation:

Your application will receive a site visit from a Denomination or Deanery Representative who will assess your project and report to Trustees. Ensure:

• Key personnel are available during the visit
• Project plans and documentation are accessible
• You can clearly articulate the need and community benefit
• The church is presentable and the issue is visible/demonstrable

Recent Successful Projects as Examples:

• St Bartholomew's Corsham: Multiple grants over six years for spire and tower restoration
• St Andrew's Castle Combe: £7,500 total for re-roofing and medieval screen conservation
• Christ Church Shaw: £9,000 total (including NCT Partnership) for spire repairs
• Station Hill Baptist Church Chippenham: Wheelchair and pram access ramps
• Holy Trinity Dilton Marsh: Kitchen and toilet facilities

Standout Applications for Special Consideration:

According to the Trust, “Any applicant churches or chapels that stand out for their contribution to advancing the Christian religion may also be considered for a grant from the Hartham Church Charitable Trust Fund,” suggesting that demonstrating active ministry and community engagement may unlock additional funding opportunities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Never start work before formal approval - this is the most common cause of ineligibility and is strictly enforced
• Plan for the 6-month cycle - submit by April 17th for June decisions or September 17th for November decisions; build this timeline into your project planning
• Professional backing is essential - applications must demonstrate good professional advice, proper permissions, and well-thought-out approaches
• Consider NCT Partnership potential - the Trust can recommend additional National Churches Trust funding, potentially doubling your award
• Engage with Ride and Stride - while not mandatory, supporting the Trust's primary fundraising event demonstrates commitment and is noted by Trustees
• Prepare for the site visit - your Deanery Representative's assessment and report to Trustees is crucial; treat this as a key part of your application
• Demonstrate community benefit - especially for community enhancement projects, show how facilities like toilets, kitchens, or access ramps will serve congregation and wider community

References

• Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust - Official Website
• Grants - Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust
• Guidance on Grants - How to Apply
• Example Grants - Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust
• Charity Commission Register - WILTSHIRE HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST (1075598)
• 70 years of Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust - Diocese of Salisbury
• Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust | National Churches Trust
• Trustees, Officers and Representatives - Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust
• Wiltshire Ride & Stride Information

Information