Places of Worship Renewal Fund

Description

Confirmed via an October 2026 research pass: the England-only replacement for the closed Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, announced 22 January 2026 and opened for Expressions of Interest on 20 May 2026. Funded by DCMS and administered by Historic England, it provides £92 million in capital grants over four years (running to 31 March 2030) for urgent repairs and essential improvements to listed places of worship, targeted at areas of greatest need and least ability to raise funds locally — a competitive, needs-targeted model rather than the old scheme's open VAT-reclaim-on-demand approach. Unlike the old scheme, this fund covers England only — it does not extend to Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, which has drawn criticism in Parliament (see the 25 June 2026 House of Lords debate, where the Bishop of Leicester pressed the Government on how it planned to support places of worship in the devolved nations).

Eligibility summary

• Available in: England.
• Most relevant to: Charity & Nonprofit.

Notes

Competitive and targeted at the most deprived areas and those least able to raise funds locally — not first-come-first-served like the old VAT scheme. Round 1's Expression of Interest deadline was 14 June 2026; future round dates were not confirmed at the time of writing, so check Historic England's website directly.

Requirement

Active place of worship in England, in a building listed Grade I, Grade II*, or Grade II, of any faith or denomination. 'Active' means used for worship at least 6 times a year, or owned by a charity caring for a historic place of worship that is open to the public at least 6 times a year.