Devon Historic Churches Trust

The Devon Historic Churches Trust, founded in 1973 by local advocates, is dedicated to preserving the heritage, beauty, and community value of historic Christian places of worship across Devon, including Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Baptist, URC, and Congregational churches and chapels. Its mission emphasizes safeguarding architectural integrity through urgent repairs and adaptations for modern use—like heating and accessibility—to ensure these buildings remain vibrant centers for worship, events, and community life. Guided by values of conservation, inclusivity across denominations, community involvement, and practical stewardship, the Trust employs expert assessors for hands-on site visits, prioritizing projects that prevent irretrievable loss and enable long-term sustainability.

It exclusively funds capital projects repairing the physical fabric of historic churches, such as roofs, masonry, windows, doors, towers, lychgates, and structural timber, with examples including £3,500 for chancel roof re-leading at Broadhembury Parish Church and £4,000 for tower repairs at Abbotsham. Beneficiaries are parish churches, chapels, and mission communities in Devon (Diocese of Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay), favoring small, grassroots organizations with urgent needs.

Eligible applicants are Christian churches strictly within Devon; no formal income limits apply, though smaller local entities are preferred. Unsolicited applications via online form or email are accepted on a rolling basis, with emergency grants (up to £2,000) decided in days and main grants (£250–£4,000) reviewed regularly—next deadline 13 October 2025. The Trust excludes core costs, internal decorations, non-conservation works, or projects outside Devon. Distinctives include rapid emergency response, annual Devon Historic Churches Day with matched local fundraising (50% returned to participants), and a voluntary, needs-driven focus on rural parish heritage, awarding £59,800 across 23 grants in 2023–24.