After pledging some £46,000 already, the Diocese of Leeds is pleased to announce the second round of our Diocesan Church Buildings Grant Scheme is open.
The first round of funding saw projects including fabric repair, physical access improvements, kitchen facilities and LED lighting funded, helping churches be well set up for their ministry and mission.
For the second round, the application form has been revised, in response to feedback from parishes.
The form and supporting information for an application can be found here.
The deadline for the second round is Sunday, June 30.
Jonathan Wood, Diocesan Secretary, said: “We’re really pleased to have been able to support churches from across the whole diocese in their mission and ministry with grants for their buildings.
“I really want to encourage more parishes to apply for this second round, and talk to us about how we can best help you so you can focus on sharing the Good News across our area.
“We’re here to help you!”
In the first round applications were received from churches across the diocese, with the majority of applications coming from the Ripon, Leeds and Bradford areas.
Churches in Huddersfield and Wakefield are particularly encouraged to apply in this next round.
A wide range of projects can be supported, both from the established Church Buildings Grants scheme (launched in 2021), and the additional Buildings for Mission funding received in early 2024.
Both funding schemes have similar criteria and are reviewed by the same Diocesan Grants Panel, and one form is used to apply for both schemes.
Churches are encouraged to have an early discussion with the Church Buildings Support Officer or Senior Stewardship Officer about their project.
All applications are reviewed by the Church Buildings Support Officer and Senior Stewardship Officer in advance of the grant panel meeting, to give all parishes the best possible chance of success.
Support can be given at all stages of the application process.
In line with Barnabas: Encouraging Confidence, churches are strongly encouraged to give thought to how their building project fits in with their church’s mission and plans to see their church grow.
In addition to the supporting documents such as the QI report, photographs and quotes, parishes are asked to submit a mission statement with their application.