Funding can often feel like a blocker when it comes to making progress with Net Zero. However, there are many external funding options that may be suitable for your building project. These include some that rectories may be eligible for, and some local funds. There are funds for sustainable travel, biodiversity and zero waste. Information is also provided on provincial funding.
Faith in Community Scotland are happy to look over completed funding applications and provide support in the grant sourcing process. Contact them at info@faithincommunity.scot.
Catch up on recent webinars with funding experts below:
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Henri Nouwen ‘The Spirituality of Fundraising‘
Have you applied for funding already for a Net Zero related project? Please tell us more using the form below:
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Local Funding
Click on your Diocesan area below to find local funding options ->
The Scottish Communities Climate Action Network can help with accessing local funding opportunities. You can find links to your local Hub/Network here.
If you are interested in applying for provincial funding, have a look at the information below and then contact your rep from the Net Zero team.
Rectory Green Fund
The Rectory Green Fund provides financial assistance to charges undertaking works to clergy housing to improve their energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprint. Rectories should be at an EPC of C and funds can be used to improve EPC to reach or exceed this level.
A maximum of £5,000 is available for such works, with funding being matched from Provincial and Diocesan sources. Funding can also be matched from charges themselves if not possible from the Diocese. £2,500 is available Provincially in cases where Diocesan match funding is not possible.
Bishops Houses are eligible for Rectory Green Fund awards, with Diocesan match funding as a condition of award.
Rectories must be occupied by clergy, or work must be performed with the intention of sourcing a rector.
Monies must be returned if the property remains empty longer than 24 months following funding award, or if property is sold within 24 months of works performed. In recognition that vacancies can remain for several years, any property that is not occupied within this timeframe, charges may seek an extension via a written update to the Buildings Grants Group every 6 months for a maximum grace period of 5 years from the point the funds were awarded.
If a property is being constructed, and a rector not currently in place, a detailed procurement plan must be included with a complete application.
Any application must be endorsed by a member of the provincial Net Zero team before moving forward to the Building Grants Group. So start off by contacting your Diocesan contact within the Net Zero team.
Any works designed to improve energy efficiency or reduce a property’s carbon footprint will be considered – in cases where costs exceed the combined rectory green fund grant / diocesan grant they will be also eligible for grant support from the Building Grants Fund – total provincial grant funding will not normally exceed 50% of costs.
Examples of what this fund could be used for:
- Insulation
- Replacement windows and doors
- Energy efficiency heating system (air source / ground source heat pumps)
- Solar panels
- Radiant heat
Click here to find the forms and guidance notes.
Catch up with our recent webinar below:
Building Grants Fund
Building grants are available to assist in the costs of non-routine maintenance, development and acquisition of church properties. Funding is also available to assist in improving the energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of church buildings. All applications for provincial building grants and loans must be subject to diocesan review and must also be reviewed by a member of the provincial Net Zero team prior to submission.
The Building Grants Group will consider applications at each meeting and will allocate both large and small grants, with a preference for many small grants rather than few large grants. Small grants may be useful for undertaking feasibility studies as part of project planning.
2026 Deadline dates: 10 March (meeting on 31 March); 2 June (meeting on 23 June); 1 September (meeting on 22 September); 17 November (meeting on 8 December).
Total available per year is roughly £280,000 – assistance can only be provided on wholly church owned properties. If the Rectory Green Fund grant is also awarded, the total provincial grant funding will not typically exceed 50% of total cost.
Click here to find the forms and guidance notes.
Building Loans Fund
Building loans are available to assist in the costs of non-routine maintenance, development and acquisition of church properties. Funding is also available to assist in improving the energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of church buildings. All applications for provincial building grants and loans must be subject to Diocesan review and must also be reviewed by a member of the Provincial Net Zero Team prior to submission.
Loans are made for a maximum of five years, except in rare circumstances, and at an interest rate of 5% per annum, payable half-yearly, with repayment of principal expected in equal annual payments. Repayment of principal is expected in equal annual instalments. Alternatively, repayment in fixed monthly instalments over the duration of the loan is possible. Consideration will also be given to shorter term loans to assist in funding project costs prior to receipt of agreed grants from other grant-making bodies.
Click here to find the forms and guidance notes.
Diocesan funding
Some dioceses have funds available to assist with building repairs and development. Contact with the Dean or Diocesan Treasurer is recommended to ascertain what may be available and how to apply.
Sustainable Travel Grant
The Scottish Episcopal Church have opened a new Sustainable Travel Grant, which is now available for charges and dioceses to apply for.
The Sustainable Travel Grant aims to support charges and dioceses in adopting more sustainable travel practices, thereby contributing to the Net Zero 2030 vision.
The purpose of the Sustainable Travel Grant is to:
- Encourage innovative solutions for sustainable travel within the church community.
- Reduce CO2e emissions from church-business related travel by encouraging people to adopt the Sustainable Travel Hierarchy.
- Promote active travel, public transport, and the use of electric vehicles (EVs).
- Support the Sustainable Travel Hierarchy as described in the Church’s Net Zero Action Plan (2023-2030).
The application form and guidance notes are below:
Catch up on our recent webinar below:
External Funding
Local Energy Scotland CARES Community Solar Fund
You can apply for the CARES Community Solar Fund by visiting the CARES project portal log in page. Select ‘Begin a new project’ and complete the expression of interest form. Make sure to select the ‘Community Solar Fund’.
The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) is supporting community and faith organisations to install solar PV and battery storage in their buildings. This is a short-term pilot, funded by the Scottish Government and Great British Energy, with funds needing to be spent and claimed by 31 March 2026.
Demand is expected to be high for this funding, with many communities already in a position to mobilise projects very quickly. Funding will be allocated on a first come first served basis. If you are developing a new project, read the guidance and self-assessment checklist carefully and prioritise seeking a quote if you think you are eligible.
Unless invited by Local Energy Scotland you cannot apply to the CARES Community Solar Fund for the same building if you have:
- Received a CARES grant offer letter since 1 April 2025 for the installation of renewable energy or energy efficiency measures (previously funded feasibility studies are excluded from this).
or - Submitted an application to the Community Buildings Fund and recently received an email confirming that we have sufficient budget to support your project.
Applicants must complete a self-assessment checklist to help establish their eligibility. Please note, if the information you provide is inaccurate, Local Energy Scotland reserves the right to withhold your grant claim(s), even if a grant offer letter has been issued. Please also note we can ask for additional verification to evidence your eligibility at any time. It is therefore essential that you read the guidance carefully and that the self-assessment checklist is factually correct.
To be able to install within the pilot timescale, easier installation projects will be more suited to this funding. Therefore, while it is not a requirement, we suggest that the proposed project:
- Is not in a conservation area or within the curtilage of a listed building.
- Is under 50kW of solar PV.
- Is on an easily accessible roof, which is built after 1930s (as the roof will be more likely to meet structural requirements).
- Is not part of a more significant building renovation that would increase the risk of programme delays.
Solar PV is a positive step but if you haven’t already decarbonised your heating, for example by installing a heat pump or electric heating, and increased insulation where practical, we would encourage you to apply to CARES in the future to do this to ensure you take a whole building approach.
The CARES Community Solar Fund is for those who can act quickly. If you would prefer to develop projects over a longer timeframe sign up to our newsletter for future funding opportunities.
Local Energy Scotland
Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) – Community Buildings Fund
This fund is currently closed but will hopefully reopen in Spring 2026. Any interested churches could start preparing applications ready for the next funding window.
This programme is ideal for church projects, with full application and project support provided and up to 80% of costs grant funded – up to £80,000.
The CARES programme is designed to help organisations reduce costs and emissions through installation of renewable technologies and energy efficiency measures. They provide assistance with the project; for example can assign consultants to perform technological feasibility studies or link you with their trades partners. This would be relevant for church buildings or halls.
The Community Buildings Fund helps community organisations reduce their building energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions by installing renewable technologies such as heat pumps, batteries, and solar panels (PV), along with energy efficiency measures. Take a look at some of the case studies below:
- Saint Andrews, St Andrews installed solar PV, solar water heating panels, heating controls and insulation.
- Fetteresso Church, Stonehaven installed solar PV, insulation and air-to-air heat pumps.
- Peedie Kirk, Kirkwall installed solar PV panels, insulation and an air source heat pump.
- St Ninians RC Church, Dundee installed an air source heat pump, LED lighting and insulation.
- St Marys Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh received a report and grant funding.
- Cairnlea Parish Church, Airdrie installed an air source heat pump in its B-listed community hall.
Find information about the most up to date funding guidance here.
Benefact Trust – Building Improvement Grants Programme
Benefact Trust’s Building Improvement Grants Programme provides essential support to protect and enhance churches and Christian charity buildings, ensuring their continued use and the safeguarding of their heritage.
Grants available to support direct capital costs relating to energy efficiency and renewable energy measures (e.g. heating/lighting upgrades, solar panels), which improve the sustainability of church buildings/facilities and enable their continued use.
UK Churches eligible, can receive funding once every two years. To apply – complete online form along with a project budget template.
Building Improvement Grants | UK Building Grants for Churches
Amount awarded is a calculation made on total project costs and assessment criteria. You can apply for a deprivation uplift. A grant recommendation will be made to trustees – trustees are keen to support as many projects as possible.
All applicants will be expected to have secured funding for at least 30% of their total project costs before making an application – it is not possible to submit an application otherwise. Applicants should also have a clear plan for how the remainder of the match funding for the project will be secured – it should not be assumed that the entire shortfall would be covered.
There is a rolling application period, with a wait time of ~2 months for applications under £10,000 and 4-6 months for applications exceeding this amount. Awards are made to every church which applies. Quotes are not required.
You can download guidance on applying to the Benefact Trust below.
National Lottery Heritage Fund
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has included in their 2023-2033 strategic initiatives the priority of ‘Heritage in Need: Places of Worship’. The NLHF is committed to supporting places of worship and retaining both their physical heritage, but also the intangible impact they have on their communities and the wider culture.
The fund is making awards for essential repairs and maintenance for church upkeep, as well as further environmental/sustainable projects such as solar panels or insulation.
For grants up to £250,000, you can submit an optional Project Enquiry to get feedback on your project idea.
For grants over £250,000 you must first submit an Expression of Interest before applying. Start your project title with #PW.
Grants from £10,000 to £10 million are available and are aiming to support one of these criteria;
- repair listed buildings, particularly those in more rural areas
- workforce and volunteer capability to manage heritage
- heritage in places of worship that is currently inaccessible, at risk or under used
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is further committed to supporting nature recovery and environmental sustainability. This might include:
- supporting nature’s conservation and recovery
- reducing negative environmental impact
- supporting heritage to adapt to the climate crisis
Projects need to consider and assess climate projections and integrate resilience planning into their development. To help heritage thrive in a sustainable future, projects should think about the adaptation needed for long-term resilience in the face of our changing climate.
Applications are lodged the same as above, according to the ranges of £10,000 to £250,000 and £250,000 and above, through project enquiries and expressions of interest.
National Lottery Awards for All Scotland
This fund is for projects that support community spaces. Specifically, those which bring people together to build strong relationships in community, improve the places and spaces that matter to communities and support communities facing more demands because of the cost of living crisis.
Funding for community-led projects comes in the form of grants between £300 and £20,000 – and can support your project for 2 years. Physical improvements to buildings are eligible, and sustainable efforts can be combined with other projects. This fund is always oversubscribed and a successful application will stress how the project fits the programme and supports the community. Fundraising or other funding should be procured. The success rate is between 40-45% and most applicants get less than requested.
You can get specific support on your application (which is quite straightforward) from advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or call a funding officer 03001237110.
You can find out more and apply here.
Case Studies:
Historic Environment Scotland Grants
Listen to our webinar on how to apply for Historic Environment Scotland funding as a Scottish Episcopal Church here.
Historic Environment Grant applications must:
- clearly relate to a Scottish historic environment asset
- demonstrate contribution to HES Grants Priorities
- offer good value for money
- demonstrate a deliverable project
- have not started (unless discussed and agreed by HES Grants Team)
- not already receiving funded by a City Heritage Trust or similar funding programmes
Depending on the type of historic environment asset your project relates to, there may be additional eligibility criteria to be met. Please check the Programme criteria section.
- Express Grants (£1,000 to £25,000)
- Small Grants (£25,001 to £100,000)
- Large Grants (£100,001 to £500,000)
To apply, you must first submit an expression of interest, which should be approved within ten days. You will then be invited to apply.
If you are awarded a grant under the HEG, you must meet several conditions and fulfil specific reporting requirements.
As an applicant, you will also need to:
- demonstrate a financial need for the grant
- if you are an employer, demonstrate that you meet the Fair Work First requirements
- appoint a professional team led by an appropriately qualified Conservation Accredited Professional to oversee and manage the project
- either be the owner of the building, or hold a full repairing lease which has at least 20 years to run
Historic Environment Grants can support:
- Maintenance and management plans
- Repair and consolidation works
- Charities and not-for profit organisations
- Up to 40% of grant-eligible costs.
If you are awarded a Historic Environment Grant (HEG), you will be required to enter a formal legal contract with HES. Before making an application you are encouraged to read the example offer letter and all grant conditions applicable to your project which are available on the Programme resources section. You also must acknowledge the funding.
Case Study: Conservation Repairs – Holy Trinity Church, Stirling, Scotland
The Baird Trust
The Baird Trust is a Scottish Charity assisting the funds and schemes of the church in Scotland, and in particular the work of church extension. Funds are available for repairs and the upgrading of church buildings or church halls.
Applications are prioritised as follows:-
a) Work to maintain buildings wind and watertight.
b) Work to comply with statutory obligations e.g. disabled toilets, disabled access.
c) All other work.
Funds are awarded on a case-by-case basis.
For more information, please visit this page.
Beatrice Laing Trust
Grants ranging from £2,000 to £10,000 to support new church building, extension or redevelopment projects, with a particular emphasis on churches using their physical resources to communicate Christian faith and respond to needs in their local community. SEC churches have had success using this fund for environmental projects.
Applications must be physically submitted and comprise of a cover sheet and 3-4 page concise project proposal. For more information, visit this page.
National Churches Trust
Grants of up to £10,000 and £50,000 are available, respectively, from the National Churches Trust Medium and Large Grant programmes.
Medium Grants
For medium grants, the National Churches Trust offers grants of up to £10,000 for projects costing up to £80,000. This fund could support project development and investigative work up to RIBA planning stage 1, supporting churches in preparing for a major project and in developing their project to the point at which they can approach a major funder.
You must have two quotes, and you must have already secured 50% of project costs.
The next deadline is 14 April 2026.
Large Grants
Grants of up to £50,000 are available for major, urgent structural repair projects costing at more than £80,000 including VAT.
Grants of £40,000 to £50,000 are extremely limited and reserved for cases which demonstrate a very high case for investment.
We will also consider projects that introduce kitchens and accessible toilets to enable increased community use, costed at more than £30,000 including VAT. Grants will never exceed 50% of the project cost.
Stage one deadline is 3 March 2026
Case Study: Conservation Repairs – Holy Trinity Church, Stirling, Scotland
Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
Certain categories of work to listed buildings will be eligible for grants from the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme to pay the VAT on eligible works. This scheme has been capped at £25,000 per church and extended only to 31 March 2026.
It is mandatory when applying for provincial funding to have considered this – http://www.lpwscheme.org.uk/
Garfield Weston Foundation
Garfield Weston Foundation make grant awards, not usually for more than 10% of the total project cost. They award grants for building work or repairs, for local community projects (halls and church buildings), grants will not usually exceed £30,000. They expect to see local fundraising activity. They expect at least half of the budget for the plan to be raised prior to application (but this is not a hard requirement). Works done to improve environmental efficiency are looked on favourably, and they do specifically fund heritage and faith building projects.
For more information and how to apply click here.
Case studies:
The Wolfson Foundation – Funding for Places
The Wolfson Foundation funds support for places, in the form of capital initiatives, such as new builds or refurbishment and equipment. Registered charities, including places of worship, are eligible for funding.
Funding for heritage buildings – the Foundation supports organisations managing sites of outstanding historic, architectural and cultural significance which have a clear emphasis on public engagement. Grants are awarded towards conservation and restoration work – between £15,000 and £100,000. Information on this scheme and how to apply is here. This fund is only available for cathedrals.
Funding for places of worship – Grants are usually up to £10,000 and are awarded towards essential fabric repairs for churches. Churches must be A or B listed, and repairs will typically be recommendations from recent Quinquennial inspections. 50% of the required funding needs to have been secured at point of application and an accredited architect must be overseeing. Wolfson funds do not fund the renewal of heating and lighting, or the installation of facilities, e.g. WCs or access improvements. In most cases, environmental works would have to take place in conjunction with other improvements if funds are awarded (solar panels at the same time as a roof repair etc.)
Wolfson Fabric Repair grants can be allocated to fabric repairs at Grade A and B listed buildings and they may therefore be able to contribute towards the important step of getting the building watertight. Churches can apply through the Medium and Large grant programmes, where they can indicate on the application form that they are interested in being considered for a Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant, therefore being considered for two grants with one application.
Case Study: Conservation Repairs – Holy Trinity Church, Stirling, Scotland
Swire Charitable Trust
The Swire Trusts funds charities that work with the natural and built environment and help guide communities to live more sustainably. They also are supporting regeneration through restoration, funding projects that have impacts from a heritage perspective. They favour grass-roots organisations that strongly engage with local communities.
Charities are eligible for funding and they aim to prioritise those who can demonstrate the needs they are addressing and being well place to achieve their goals and monitor/evaluate outcomes.
There is no maximum or minimum grant size and, although they base our grants on the amount requested and the size of organisation, they may award more or less than you applied for. There are no set criteria for projects. Funding is hoped to be awarded with as few strings as possible.
For more information and to apply, please follow this link.
Morrisons Foundation
The Morrisons Foundation supports registered charities making a positive difference in local communities across Scotland. Grants are available for up to £10,000 for capital spend or direct project delivery. The Morrisons Foundation prioritises applications from small charities, those with an income of less than £1m. Churches are eligible for funding, and funding is available very flexibly for variable projects – one of their three main priorities is ‘enhancing community spaces, facilities and services’ so would be available for physical building improvements.
Find out more and apply here.
Business Energy Scotland
SME Loan (Small/Medium Enterprise Loan)
Loans of up to £100,000 are available for energy and carbon-saving upgrades to church buildings or halls, you can also receive a cashback grant of up to £30,000. These loans must be paid back within eight years, and are applicable for church buildings or halls.
SME Loans can be used to install:
- heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgrades.
- renewable heat technologies such as installing an air source heat pump.
- improving insulation, draught-proofing, double or secondary glazing,
- installing LED lighting.
- installing solar thermal systems, wind turbines and biomass boilers.
SME loan scheme is not currently accepting new applications for solar PV projects due to a high number of applications.
SME cashback grant:
- 75% of eligible costs up to a maximum of £20,000 can be claimed for energy efficiency measures.
- 75% of eligible costs up to a maximum of £10,000 can also be claimed for a range of renewable heat measures (heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar thermal).
To apply for SME loans, you need a report from BES which recommends the energy efficient systems, equipment or building fabric improvements. These reports are free and impartial and must be requested directly, these reports take 2-6 weeks to prepare depending on complexity. Charges should be aware the timeline for this programme is quite long and it can take, in some cases, more than a year for funds to be transferred.
SUEZ Communities Fund
SUEZ Communities Fund programmes are designed to improve a broad range of publicly accessible amenities which benefit a wide cross-section of the community. Projects that focus on long-lasting physical improvements at a specified site or amenity are considered for funding. This is typically awarded for the purchase of materials, equipment and the appointment of a contractor to undertake improvement work. The Fund does not fund staff posts, organisational running costs, training or events.
If you are applying for Public Amenity, Biodiversity or Historic Building funding, you will need to establish if your project is in the vicinity of a landfill site or transfer station. A funding zone is the area surrounding one of 80 qualifying sites owned by SUEZ recycling and recovery UK. Places of religious worship must be A listed. Also eligible for church halls. Grants between £3,000 and £25,000 are available and the total project cost must be less than £250,000.
Please also note that if churches are applying under SLCF Object E, ‘places of religious workshop they must be Grade A listed. If a building is not Grade A listed, but the church can evidence the building is being used in the same way as a community hall with regular user groups, then they may apply under Object C. In this case, the primary use needs to be for the community although obviously religious worship would take place a few times a week. The building’s importance can still be included within an application. The church will effectively apply as a community building rather than a place of worship. In cases where community usage is a minimal and there is no ability to increase, an application is less likely to be successful.
The next closing date is 18 February 2026, decisions by end of April.
The following closing date is 13 May 2026, decisions by end of July.
More information and how to apply here.
The Joseph Rank Trust
The trust funds grants for capital projects in Christian places of worship. There is no typical grant and each application is considered upon its own merits.
The Trust has the primary goal of ‘advancing the Christian faith’, funds are unrestricted and can variably be used to further any other objects or purposes which are exclusively charitable according to the law in force.
Applicants are asked to tell their story and mission in two sides of A4 paper; what is suggested to be covered includes what you are doing, why you are doing it, what you aspire to do differently, what your aspirations are, who is benefiting from your missional outreach and how you will ensure the sustainability of the work beyond Trust funding. The Trust mentions that a video can be particularly helpful.
If your application is for a building project provide evidence of existing mission, how this mission will grow in the future, and planning permission has been secured.
A summary of budget and costings of the project (for revenue applications a three-year income and expenditure budget for the period that you are asking funding for) should be placed in an appendix to the 2 x sides of A4, including details of grant applications made to other external funders (this is so they can audit your application in order to signpost you to other funders).
You must enclose a copy of your most recent monthly management accounts and a copy of your most recent annual report and accounts (a full set, not just a selection of summary pages). A covering letter is expected to accompany your submission to confirm the details of the contact person: postal address, email address and telephone number.
Further, applications must be sent by post.
The next Trustees meeting is in April 2026, please submit prior to April. The Trust may perform a site visit as part of the process.
Mailing address:
The Joseph Rank Trust
Worth Corner
Turners Hill Road
CRAWLEY
RH10 7SL
More information here
Scottish Landfill Communities Fund
The Scottish Landfill Communities Fund (SLCF) is a tax credit scheme, linked to Scottish Landfill Tax that encourages landfill site operators to provide contributions to Approved Bodies, who can then pass the funds onto community and environmental projects. The SLCF replaced the UK scheme in Scotland on 01 April 2015.
We are able to receive and process all SLCF notifications from Approved Bodies and Landfill Operators. Notification documents and guidance has been issued to all Approved Bodies.
More information can be found here. If you require additional information, please contact us.
Case Studies:
- St Columba’s in Bathgate received funding towards their solar panels.
- Conservation Repairs – Holy Trinity Church, Stirling, Scotland
Scotmid Community Grant
Scotmid’s Community Grant makes awards to ‘deserving causes’ throughout Scotland. The maximum grant available is £500. The eligibility criteria are quite nebulous, so many different projects may be eligible for support. Churches may apply.
More information here.
Safe Deposits Scotland Community Fund
The SafeDeposits Scotland Community Fund will award grants up to £5,000 to organisations who commit to deliver a project which meets at least one of the following relevant criteria; sustainability and the environment and improving the local community.
The deadline for applications is Friday 27th February 2026.
Funds are not to be awarded in the case that projects could be perceived as religious, thus projects relating to improvements to church halls and other community orientated initiatives would be best suited to this fund.
Aviva Community Fund
The Aviva Community Fund provides support to charities and community groups pursuing climate action – promoting healthy thriving communities by preventing, preparing for and protecting against the impacts of climate change. This fund matches any donations generated through fundraising campaigns, thus doubling whatever is raised. Funds are unrestricted and you can register to get started at any time.
The fund does not support projects which have an outcome that is only accessible to people of a particular faith or belief – so community spaces such as church halls would be the focus of this fund.
More information here.
The Hugh Fraser Foundation
The Hugh Fraser Foundation makes donations to charities active in the arts and culture, heritage and the environment – as long as the object of the project is charitable, the Trustees will consider any application from a registered charity.
The amount applied for is at the applicants discretion and should naturally relate to project costs.
Applications are accepted throughout the year and considered at four meetings held annually: March, June, September and December. The cut-off-date for applications is normally the beginning of the month preceding the month of the meeting date. The closing date for receipt of applications for the next meeting on 11 March 2026 will be Wednesday 4 February and all applications must be received by close of business on that date.
There is no prescribed application form, applicants should include all information they regard as relevant – more guidance and relevant application information is available here.
Turtleton Charitable Trust
The trust makes grants to charities which work, among other fields, for the advancement of heritage. Grants are available between £5,000 and £25,000.
Applications are due in 31 December each year, with the trustees meeting once a year in the spring to decide on grants for the following 12 months.
The simple application form is found here.
The Headley Trust
The Headley Trust makes limited grants to pre-1850 Anglican Cathedrals. The Trust will not support projects relating to heating or plumbing.
Funding will be considered towards restoration or repair work to the fabric of ancient cathedrals, parish church cathedrals (that are members of the Major Churches Network) and large churches of exceptional architectural merit that were built before 1850. The trust will consider applications for energy efficient measures if part of a wider appeal for fabric conservation and applications for solar panels and photovoltaic cells.
For more information and to submit an enquiry, visit this page.
Persimmon Homes – Community Champions Fund
Each Persimmon Homes office makes a donation of £6,000 a quarter to local organisations who support the local community. The application is quite simple – all you have to do is share why your charge deserves to be supported and how much is being sought.
More information and application here.
The Fyrish Foundation
The Foundation makes unrestricted grant awards, with no application deadline or period, for the promotion of faith-based projects in accordance with Christian teaching. Registered charities interested in community development and the promotion of faith-based projects which improves lives are encourages to apply.
Grants are made to support capital costs.
They have no website, but relevant information can be found here.
Applications should be made in writing to:
Calum Mitchell, Secretary
The Fyrish Foundation
C/O DICKSON MINTO
Level 4, Dashwood House
69 Old Broad Street
LONDON, EC2M 1QS
The Weir Charitable Trust
The trust supports the heritage – tangible or otherwise – of Scotland, through projects that encourage participation in and preservation of Scotland’s distinct culture. Within this, it is quite open-ended.
Charities may apply when seeking less than £25,000. Learn more and complete the straight-forward application here.
For 2026 the Trust has the following closing dates:
Application deadline: 6 February 2026. Outcomes advised March/April
Application deadline:1 May 2026. Outcomes advised June/July
Application deadline: 31 July 2026. Outcomes advised September/October
Application deadline: 30 October 2026. Outcomes advised end December
The Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust
The trust favours organisations supporting the built environment, groups promoting religion and that which work in the environmental field. Groups in Scotland will receive favourable consideration.
Environmental works for church buildings are eligible for funding. You can learn more and make an application at this page.
Applications are considered by the trustees in January, April, July and October with donations being sent out in the following month. Applications will not be acknowledged on receipt, but you will be told the result of your application.
The Dulverton Trust – Funding for Cathedrals
The Dulverton Trust is an independent grant-making charity, established in 1949, which funds a wide variety of charities working across the UK and overseas. The Trust awards grants to cathedrals towards repair or restoration work with an emphasis on heritage craft skills at its November Board meeting each year. Grants are usually between £50,000-£100,000. In recent years it has funded Brecon, Winchester and Worcester Cathedrals.
Applications should be made via the online application form.
Applications are received on a rolling basis, it is recommended that you apply at least three months of their meetings held in February, June and November.
The team are also happy to speak to potential applicants informally in advance of a full application being submitted. Please feel free to get in touch with one of the team on 020 7495 7852 or at grants@dulverton.org.
Matthew Good Foundation
The Matthew Good Foundation prioritises making applications as simple as possible, enabling charities to get started on their projects.
The Grants for Good Fund awards £60,000 of funding annually between twenty charitable organisations. The applications cycle runs quarterly, meaning every three months, they will share £15,000 between five shortlisted projects.
Their timelines are:
16 December – 15 March
Applications for funding announced in May/June
16 March – 15 June
Applications for funding announced in August/September
16 June – 15 September
Applications for funding announced in November/December
16 September – 15 December
Applications for funding announced in February/March
The only three criteria are:
- Be a UK-based local community group, charity, voluntary group or social enterprise
- Have an annual income of less than £50,000.
- Have a bank account in the organisation’s name.
More information here.
Rectory Funding
Rectory Green Fund
The Rectory Green Fund provides financial assistance to charges undertaking works to clergy housing to improve their energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprint. Rectories should be at an EPC of C and funds can be used to improve EPC to reach or exceed this level.
A maximum of £5,000 is available for such works, with funding being matched from Provincial and Diocesan sources. Funding can also be matched from charges themselves if not possible from the Diocese. £2,500 is available Provincially in cases where Diocesan match funding is not possible.
Bishops Houses are eligible for Rectory Green Fund awards, with Diocesan match funding as a condition of award.
Rectories must be occupied by clergy, or work must be performed with the intention of sourcing a rector.
Monies must be returned if the property remains empty longer than 24 months following funding award, or if property is sold within 24 months of works performed. In recognition that vacancies can remain for several years, any property that is not occupied within this timeframe, charges may seek an extension via a written update to the Buildings Grants Group every 6 months for a maximum grace period of 5 years from the point the funds were awarded.
If a property is being constructed, and a rector not currently in place, a detailed procurement plan must be included with a complete application.
Any application must be endorsed by a member of the provincial Net Zero team before moving forward to the Building Grants Group. So start off by contacting your Diocesan contact within the Net Zero team.
Any works designed to improve energy efficiency or reduce a property’s carbon footprint will be considered – in cases where costs exceed the combined rectory green fund grant / diocesan grant they will be also eligible for grant support from the Building Grants Fund – total provincial grant funding will not normally exceed 50% of costs.
Examples of what this fund could be used for:
- Insulation
- Replacement windows and doors
- Energy efficiency heating system (air source / ground source heat pumps)
- Solar panels
- Radiant heat
Click here to find the forms and guidance notes.
Catch up with our recent webinar below:
Home Energy Scotland
Private Rented Sector Landlord Loan (PRSL)
In the case of rectories being let out to private tenants, the charge is a registered landlord and domestic council tax is being paid on the property. PRSL loans are no interest if the applying group has fewer than five properties in portfolio.
Energy Efficiency– maximum loan of £15,000
Maximum loan amounts available for each energy improvement:
- External/internal wall insulation: £10,000
- Heating system (warm air units or high heat retention electric storage heaters): £5,000
- Glazing (only available for improving single glazing and not for replacing or improving existing double glazing): £4,500
- Insulated doors: £4,500
- Flat roof or room-in-roof insulation: £4,000
- Loft, floor or cavity wall insulation: £1,000
Renewable System loans
You can apply for up to two home renewable systems per property worth up to £17,500 in total, plus an energy storage system up to a maximum of £6,000. (Solar, pumps, turbines, biomass, storage, heating systems) – individual amount is subject to funding allowances
Secondary Improvements
You can request up to £500 in conjunction with another loan, for additional costs related to an improvement or new system examples include cylinder thermostats, heating controls or hot water jackets.
To apply for any of these, you must contact an advisor from HES and get referred to an application. Call: 0808 808 2282
Private Rented Sector Landlord Loan | Home Energy Scotland
Case Study: St Mary’s, Aberfoyle: Transforming a rectory – Net Zero Portal
Empty Homes Partnership
Support for properties which have been empty for twelve months or more.
Empty Homes Funds local – funds are not available in every council areas
Properties empty for two years qualify for a 5% VAT rate on work being carried out.
Merchants which offer discounts on works on empty homes are listed here.
Sustainable Travel Funding
Sustainable Travel Grant
The Scottish Episcopal Church have opened a new Sustainable Travel Grant, which is now available for charges and dioceses to apply for.
The Sustainable Travel Grant aims to support charges and dioceses in adopting more sustainable travel practices, thereby contributing to the Net Zero 2030 vision.
The purpose of the Sustainable Travel Grant is to:
- Encourage innovative solutions for sustainable travel within the church community.
- Reduce CO2e emissions from church-business related travel by encouraging people to adopt the Sustainable Travel Hierarchy.
- Promote active travel, public transport, and the use of electric vehicles (EVs).
- Support the Sustainable Travel Hierarchy as described in the Church’s Net Zero Action Plan (2023-2030).
The application form and guidance notes are below:
Catch up on our recent webinar below:
Energy Saving Trust – Domestic Charge-point Grant Fund
Grants of £400 are available to support the installation of charge points for electric vehicles. Applications are welcome from those who own, or lease, electric vehicles in rural or remote areas of Scotland.
To check eligibility and apply, visit this page.
Cycling Scotland Funding
Cycling Scotland provide funding for:
- Bikes (including E-Bikes)
- Bike accessories and bike lock loan schemes (e.g. Bike D-Locks)
- Cycle Storage and Parking (e.g. breadbin-style bike hangars and Sheffield stands)
Cycling Scotland also support organisations in finding appropriate cycle training programmes for staff.
There is no longer national funding for this programme, however cycling friendly grants and awards continue to be available on an ad hoc basis. Please fill in this form to register interest in support.
UK Government – Electric vehicle chargepoint and infrastructure grants for landlords
There are two grants you can get for installing chargepoints for electric vehicles at an owned property; an electric vehicle chargepoint grant or an electric vehicle infrastructure grant.
A chargepoint grant provides funds to help cover the cost of installing an electric vehicle chargepoint socket. You can get either £350 or %75 of the cost to buy and install a socket, whichever amount is lower.
An infrastructure grant provides funds to meet the cost of wider building and installation work that’s needed to install multiple chargepoint sockets. This includes things like wiring and posts. You can get up to £30,000 or 75% off the cost of the work, depending on how many parking spaces are covered by the work.
You can apply for a grant if you own residential or business properties. Charities may apply, so this is applicable for both churches and rectories.
More information here.
Cycle Access Fund
The Cycle Access Fund is getting more people in Scotland cycling by providing grants for bikes and equipment. This is accomplished through four different funding strands: individual bike ownership, shared use, recycle and repair. There is no limit to the number of strands an organisation can apply to. The fund only operates in specific regions of Scotland, please refer to this map to see if your area is eligible (Shetland, North East, South East and Strathclyde). These strands can help bikes be purchased for members of the community, purchase bikes for shared use, upcycle cycles or repair cycles.
More information can be found here.
Biodiversity Funding
Faith in Community Scotland – Greener Spaces, Fairer Places Grant
Small grant scheme which supports the work of faith groups taking small scale local actions which address the link between climate change and poverty. Registered charity faith groups with an income of less than £80,000 and who employ no more than two staff members are eligible.
Grants of up to £500 are eligible for local action along these themes; community mobilising (events in your community to bring people together and raise awareness), more effective use of community land (community garden, use land to grow food), respecting the environment (organising a local clean up, using buildings in a more eco-friendly way), or local action on reducing fuel consumption (supporting sustainable energy use).
The average grant made is £500, but in exceptional cases, more funding can be awarded for ambitious projects.
The application is quite simple – find out more and apply here.
Woodland Trust
Free trees for schools and communities, delivered in both March and November yearly.
Various tree-packs are available, including hedge, copse, wild harvest, year-round colour, working wood, wild wood, wildlife and urban trees.
Packs come in a variety of sizes, with the amount of trees provided being appropriately scaled for the designated land.
You must be a community organisation and own the land which the trees will be planted on. You can apply here.
I Dig Trees – The Conservation Volunteers
I Dig Trees by the Conservation Volunteers provides UK grown trees to schools and community groups in order to offset carbon emissions and support biodiversity. Trees must be planted on publicly accessible land.
Packs range in scope; pocket forest, greener cities, pollinators, park, hawthorn hedge, wildlife booster, traditional woodland.
The Mushroom Trust
The Mushroom Trust provides grants up to £5,000 to any organisation or group for the purpose of supporting green spaces, particularly in urban areas. There is a focus on Edinburgh and the Lothians, but all are welcome to apply.
The Trust has recently supported a wide range of projects including the improvement of parks, planting of community gardens and orchards, the creation of therapeutic garden spaces and development of allotments.
This may be a useful fund for charges with large amounts of green space wishing to convert it into more useful community utilities. The Trust encourages applications for the initial cost of design work in connection with new projects where this has not yet been considered.
Applications are now invited from any organisation or group by 31 March every year.
An application form can be accessed here.
The Naturesave Trust
The Naturesave Trust is looking for grant applications from charities, community groups, and organisations who are working to connect communities to nature through:
🎭 Arts and cultural activities
🥬 Community gardening
🏃 Green gyms
😟 Eco anxiety and mental health
Training a community with green skills
🙋 Conservation volunteering
🌳 Urban nature programmes
🫶 Social prescribing
👩🦽➡️ Access to nature
🦉 Community wildlife surveys
🧘 Nature mindfulness
Or perhaps you have a nature connection initiative that we haven’t even considered! If you have a completely new approach to encouraging nature connection, then we are all ears.
The funding window is currently closed, but expected to reopen some time this year.
For more information on our funding guidelines, click here.
The Cruach Trust
The Cruach Trust makes financial grants for the natural environment including gardens and for community-related organisations throughout the United Kingdom, with a preference for Scottish organisations. Applications will only be considered from organisations with an income of less than £100,000 and the maximum grant award is £2,000.
Examples of grants include grants for gardens, wildlife and the natural environment.
Applications are considered each September. There is quite a simple application process, which you can find along with further information here.
Tesco Stronger Start
Tesco Stronger Start is open to charities and community organisations to apply for a grant of up to £1,500 via an on-line application form. Applications are open to all local good causes, but we are currently prioritising helping projects that support food security, children and young people and local store nominated good causes. Examples include orchard planting.
For more information click here.
Scottish Land Fund
Supporting urban and rural communities to become more resilient and sustainable through the ownership and management of land and land assets. Voluntary or community organisations can apply for funding.
To discuss what we might be able to support, please get in touch with the Scottish Land Fund team at The National Lottery Community Fund on advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or 0300 123 7110.
More information can be found here.
Scottish Forestry Community Fund
The fund is currently receiving applications.
The Community Fund supports groups and organisations that encourage people to use woods more. The level of funding will be on a sliding scale as follows:
• 100% for projects up to a total cost of £5000
• Up to 90% for projects with a total cost of between £5001 to £20000
• Up to 75% for projects with a total cost above £20000
For more information click here.
Zero Waste Funding
One Stop Community Partnership
Grants of £1,000 are available to support community groups and organisations operating within two miles of a One Stop store (store finder here). Projects which focus on reducing/recycling waste and improving the environment are eligible.
The programme provides partnership as well as financial assistance. Alongside a grant of up to £1,000, and the opportunity to create a long-term tailored programme of support for successful applicants with their local One Stop Store Team. Grant recipients then work in partnership with the One Stop Store Team at their local shop to deliver support to the community.
This programme will reopen on 2 March 2026. Applications are on a rolling basis and awards are made quarterly.
Material Focus – Electricals Recycling Fund
Material Focus is the not-for-profit leading the UK-wide Recycle Your Electricals campaign, making it easier for people to fix, donate and recycle their old electricals.
Almost 80% of people think recycling their electricals is the right thing to do – but only 45% of people think it’s easy. That is why Material Focus launched the Electricals Recycling Fund, funding projects that aim to make it physically easier for the UK to repair, donate or recycle their electricals.
The Electricals Recycling Fund supports projects that grow or develop existing household collection services for small electricals or those that seek to innovate new collection methods. To date, Material Focus has funded over 60 projects across the UK – from kerbside collections to drop-off points in schools, community centres and libraries – making it easier for 10 million more people to reuse and recycle their electricals and saving over 230 tonnes from landfill.
Organisations, including church groups, can apply for funding to either innovate new methods (grants of up to £50,000) or grow existing services (grants of up to £100,000). Funding applications are open on a rolling basis. For more information on the application process and the application criteria, visit the Material Focus website here.
They are generous with funding, and want to make as many awards as possible. There is extensive application support and welcome all applicants to get in touch if interested.
You can catch up on our recent webinar with Material Focus below:
Get in touch through the Contact page if you need further help.