Keep the big picture in mind
Keep in mind all your funding needs – some things are easier to raise grants for than others. Research the possible funding opportunities in advance and don’t foot the whole bill for a project you might be able to seek grants for.
Look after your ‘seed capital’
There are few grants available for developing building projects to tender and permissions stage. If possible, steward your resources so that you’ll have ‘seed capital’ to begin future works. Avoid spending everything on one project, leaving nothing to kickstart the next one.
Keep your fundraising research up to date
Funders’ interests, terms and application processes change frequently. Plan ahead, refresh your fundraising plan regularly and never assume that a grant scheme will be open when you need it. Draft a timeline showing the dates and qualifying conditions for different funders.
Big new build? Don’t overstretch
Large grants for major reordering and new build works are scarce. Research your funding options thoroughly before you commit thousands of pounds to design fees and consents. There’s no point in spending £50,000 working up a project that you cannot afford. Be aware that you will usually need to secure 30% to 40% of your capital costs before a project becomes attractive to grant funders.
Talk to the team before approaching the Lottery Heritage Fund
If you are a listed church with a big historic fabric repair bill, the National Lottery Heritage Fund may help. But please talk to your Archdeacon and the Church Buildings Team first. NLHF staff work closely with our diocese; it won’t help your chances if they ask us about your project and we know nothing about it.
Think local
Many local authority grant schemes open at short notice – and for a few weeks only. Befriend your local councillors and show them how you’re serving the community. Ask for advance notice of new funding rounds and get your projects oven-ready. Some of the best Net Zero funding comes from local authorities. Subscribe to newsletters produced by your local authority and relevant community groups. They will list funding opportunities and often run free or low-cost advice sessions. Get to know the charity schemes run by local traders and make friends with the community champions at your local supermarkets. It will be easier to access grants from them if they already know and trust you.
Find out more via the ‘Grants’ section of our website:
www.southwark.anglican.org/grants
