Places of worship
Thanks to National Lottery players, since 1995 we have invested more than £970million in places of worship across the UK.
Our funding has helped to conserve and restore buildings so that they can be enjoyed by the wider community. With our support, thousands of people of all faiths have brought the heritage of their place of worship to life.
In Scotland, we continue to work in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland to deliver funding for places of worship.
What sort of project might we fund?
- exploring the building and bringing it to life through new interpretation, alongside necessary repair works
- running heritage learning activities and community events, and creating space for them by carrying out minor alterations to the fabric
- exploring, conserving and interpreting the biodiversity of external spaces including graveyards and cemeteries
- providing better access to heritage by digital means
- community events to involve people in recording the removal, repair and reinstallation of bells, organs, hatchments and benefactor boards, alongside the repairs
- opportunities for people to learn about the art in places of worship, alongside a programme of conservation, such as stained glass, memorials and monuments, wall paintings, statues, historic fixtures or graffiti
- discovery, conservation and learning about the creatures that live in the building, such as bats or birds of prey
- activities to help your group manage heritage more effectively, such as researching existing and new audiences, or trying new approaches to fundraising or income generation
How to get funding
Each of our funding programmes has detailed guidance and further resources to help you apply. Find out whether you are eligible for funding.
You might also want to explore the Listed Places of Worship grants scheme.
Projects
Restoration of William Butterfield painted ceilings in St Bridget's Church
The restoration of painted ceilings at St Bridget's Parish Church in Brigham, Cumbria – a Grade I listed church and part of an active Anglican parish.
Projects
World War 1 memorial stained glass window, Peace Chapel, Stoke Minster
The Friends of Stoke Minster preserved and shared the story of their war memorial window.
Projects
Three Solway Churches Development Project
The Three Solway Churches Development Project used a Your Heritage grant to complete a series of capital works to St Michael's Church, Burgh-by-Sands.
Projects
Hidden Treasures at St Martin's Church
A neglected medieval parish church was inspired to create a comfortable and welcoming community hub and share their hidden treasures with a new audience.
Projects
York Minster Revealed
The centrepiece of this major project was conserving the Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the country.