Pilling Trust Fund

The Pilling Trust Fund, also known as The John Pilling Trust, is a registered UK grant-making charity (reg. 241812) dedicated to advancing religious and educational purposes within the Anglican communion, with a distinctive mission to enhance and maintain church music as a vital element of worship. Rooted in values of musical excellence, liturgical tradition, and ecclesiastical heritage preservation, it focuses on uplifting Anglican church music across England, Wales, and Scotland through targeted investments in organs, choirs, and training, reflecting a commitment to sustainable communal and spiritual impact without broadening to general religious or secular activities.

It funds specific projects for Anglican parishes, diocesan organisations, and related institutions, prioritising the repair, renewal, replacement, or acquisition of church organs; training and development for organists and choirs; and initiatives elevating liturgical music quality. Grants support capital and project costs with high-impact outcomes, as evidenced by awards to parishes for organ restorations highlighted by bodies like the National Churches Trust.

Eligible applicants are exclusively UK-registered Anglican charities operating in England, Wales, or Scotland, typically small to medium-sized parishes without strict income limits, though unsolicited applications are not accepted. Typical grants range from £5,000 to £25,000, awarded ad hoc by trustees without fixed deadlines, formal processes, or public calls—prospective beneficiaries should seek referrals via advisory agencies.

Distinctively, the Trust excludes individuals, core costs, unrestricted activities, secular music, non-Anglican groups, and projects outside its regions, carving a unique niche as the go-to specialist for safeguarding Anglican organ heritage and musical personnel development.