Cornwall Historic Churches Trust

In Cornwall, 80% of churches are pre-1550. From the Trust’s foundation document it was recognized that: “The churches are still there, still praying through the storms and the rains. We must not let down the past which has loved and cared for them”. The charity’s essential task is to support these historic buildings but also give help to churches built after this period. By “church” we mean any church, chapel or other building currently being used for public worship.
From the outset the Cornwall Historic Churches Trust’s priority has been to raise money and publicise the urgency of the need to make our churches weather-tight, but not to neglect the need to protect any artistic work. Its funds are applied for “the preservation and maintenance, improvement, upkeep, beautification and reconstruction of churches in Cornwall and of monuments, fittings, fixtures, stained glass, furniture, ornaments and chattels in churches and churchyards”.
The Trust has limited capital and resources. Its work can only continue to be effective through the continuing generosity and support of both the people of Cornwall, and the many kind and benevolent friends and family from beyond its borders who share the love of this county and its Christian heritage.
If you are associated with a church in need of restoration or repair (of any denomination) we may be able to help. We will consider applications from any church, chapel or meeting house of any denomination which is open for worship. Unfortunately we cannot help closed churches or chapels.
For more information please look at the Grants section of our website www.chct.info. Here you can see a list of the previous grants made by the charity since 2007. At the moment, our top grant is £5,000, or £10,000 for churches who are Church Friends. If in the first instance, you would like to talk things over, then contact our Grants Secretary, Sue McClaughry, at [email protected].
Once we have received your application form, then arrangements will be made for your church to be visited by a member of the Trust who will discuss your project with you and see exactly what it is your church needs. The Trustees meet to consider Grants in early January, March, May and late September in each year. To be processed, Grant Applications should be submitted to the Grants Secretary by the 1st. December, 1st. March, 1st May and 1st September in each year.