The following 60-minute webinar with Eleanor Stead of the national Church of England Giving team is a good introduction to running a capital appeal.
Thinking through capital appeals
Capital appeals to raise large sums of money for a major refurbishment, extension or new building are not part of the everyday experience of most churches and so they can be daunting.
They can also distract from other priorities, so it is important to reflect at the outset whether the building project is truly needed and whether lower cost solutions are available.
That said, a well-designed and affordable refurbishment or building project can enhance the mission of your church. You may also be able to access some outside funding to add to the sum raised from your own congregation, especially if your project delivers community benefit or preserves a historic building.
These are some sources of larger funding that you might like to consider:
National Churches Trust Grant Schemes
Should you need funding for a church maintenance or repair project, want to install a toilet or kitchen to improve community facilities, or are seeking early stage funding, for instance for a feasibility report, then the National Churches Trust grant schemes could help you. View information on their grants scheme and national list of grant funders.
View their 2019 - 2023 programmes, and the list of potential funders.
There is a list of the major grant funders supporting building projects here, and a list of local funders.
Here are lists of local funders for Surrey and Hampshire and a more extensive list of national funders.
Good Exchange Scheme
The Good Exchange can be used to share one application form with many different potential funders, and may be able to help you secure a matched funding grant. Click here for more information.
Listed Places of Worship Scheme
The Listed Places of Worship (LPW) grant scheme gives grants that cover the VAT incurred in making repairs to listed buildings in use as places of worship. The scheme covers repairs to the fabric of the building, along with associated professional fees, plus repairs to turret clocks, pews, bells and pipe organs. Click here for more information.
Ecclesiastical Insurance Fundraising Hub
Ecclesiastical Insurance has an excellent fundraising hub tailored for churches with hints and tips for applying for grants and a list of emergency funders. You can visit the hub here. Ecclesiastical has a new toolkit for churches thinking about fundraising from external sources. You can order a free copy here. The box contains guidance on:
- Step-by-step guides to help you navigate the uniquely complex world of church fundraising.
- Clear guidance and steps to make your church fundraising journey easier and more successful.
- Support for you and your church volunteers whether experienced in fundraising or learning on the go.
- Got questions?
Contact David Senior, Mission Enabler for Stewardship and Evangelism.