Funding your net zero project
Securing funding is often an important step in delivering Net Zero projects. Whether your church is planning energy efficiency improvements or larger projects such as low carbon heating systems, a variety of funding opportunities may be available. The guidance below includes practical tips to help you prepare and strengthen your funding applications, along with information about key funders that may be able to support your project.
12 top tips for successful funding applications
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1. Do Your Research
Find funders whose priorities align with your project. Focus your time on a few opportunities that are a good fit rather than applying to many potentially unsuitable funders.
4. Demonstrate Community Impact
Show how your church supports the local community and explain how the proposed Net Zero project will strengthen or sustain this work.
7. Define Your Funding Request
Funders often reject applications where costs, outcomes or project plans are unclear. Make sure you can explain exactly what funding is needed, what it will pay for, why it is needed and the difference it will make.
10. Check Deadlines and Decision Dates
Funders often have specific application deadlines and meeting dates. Application forms can also take time to complete, so make sure your application is submitted well before the deadline.
2. Look Local First
Success with smaller local grants can help build credibility, experience and confidence before approaching larger national funders.
5. Highlight Wider Use of the Building
Do not underestimate the value of evidence showing how your church and associated buildings are used by the wider community. Include details of the groups using the building, how frequently it is used and the number of people who benefit.
8. Work Smarter, Not Harder
Avoid reshaping your project to fit every funder. Many successful applications are adapted from a strong, well-developed case for support.
11. Plan Ahead
Funding decisions can take several months. Build sufficient time into your project plans before committing to expenditure or key deadlines.
3. Gather Evidence
Collect key information before you start writing applications. This might include energy audit reports, project costs, community feedback and supporting data.
6. Understand the Funder's Priorities
Many funders do not support the advancement of religion, but may fund community, environmental or heritage projects. Be honest about your identity as a church while focusing on the wider benefits your project will deliver.
9. Explore Match Funding Opportunities
Ask whether funders can match funding already secured from other sources, including church or circuit reserves. Demonstrating local financial commitment can strengthen many grant applications.
12. Keep Going
Rejections are a normal part of fundraising. Do not be discouraged. Review any feedback, refine your application and continue applying for suitable opportunities.
Funding List
Below are some of the key funders that may be able to support your project. While this is not an exhaustive list, it provides a useful starting point for churches seeking support for Net Zero projects. We also share relevant funding updates in our newsletter, so keep an eye out for new opportunities and upcoming deadlines.
District Advance Fund (DAF)
District and Connexional Funding
DAF provides grants for mission focused projects across the London District. Funding can support people, training, research, equipment and property projects. Grants are typically available for up to £20,000 per year, with churches and circuits expected to contribute towards project costs and explore other funding sources.
TMCP Discretionary Grants
District and Connexional Funding
The Board administers a number of charitable trusts that support Methodist churches and Methodist charitable purposes. Funding may be available for building work through returnable grants, projects within the historic County of Essex and general Methodist purposes. Please note that funding is unlikely to be awarded if there is not a contribution from local reserves, or where an application does not have the support of the local Minister, Chair of District or an appropriate Connexional Officer.
Connexional Property Project Feasibility Funding
District and Connexional Funding
Grants are available to help churches explore opportunities for their property. The Fund for Property can cover up to 60% of eligible exploratory costs, up to a maximum of £10,000, helping to reduce the financial risk of developing proposals. The remaining 40% must be funded locally by the church, circuit or district.
East End Community Foundation
Local and Community Funders
The Foundation provides grants to community organisations across East London, including the City of London, Hackney, Newham and Tower Hamlets. Please note that it does not fund projects that promote a particular faith or are exclusively available to people of a particular faith.
Landfill Communities Fund (LCF)
Local and Community Funders
The Fund aims to enhance the provision of amenities and protect the environment in the localities of landfill activity, giving back to the communities who are negatively impacted by the activity. Funding may be available for the repair, maintenance or restoration of places of worship and buildings of architectural importance. Check your postcode on their online tool to see if your project is close enough to a landfill site to be eligible.
London Community Foundation
Local and Community Funders
The Foundation champions local community organisations and advocates for their vital role in bringing London together. It provides a variety of different grants to organisations that strengthen local communities across London. Please note that it does not fund activities that promote religious views.
Benefact Trust
Methodist and Christian Funders
The Benefact Trust is one of the UK's largest Christian grant making charities, offering a range of funding programmes for churches and Christian charities. While not specifically a Net Zero funder, some programmes may support accessibility improvements and environmental projects. They have three grant programmes. Methodist Grants support building development, repair and maintenance projects, with a focus on church growth, community engagement, accessibility and environmental benefits. Building Grants provide funding for repairs, restoration and improvements, including accessibility, community use, heritage conservation and net zero projects. Community Impact Grants support projects that strengthen local communities and help churches expand their mission and outreach.
Joseph Rank Trust
Methodist and Christian Funders
An independent grant-making charity which supports Methodism. The Trust supports a range of Methodist projects, including property improvements that enhance facilities for church and community use. Please note that it does not fund delayed maintenance works.
Places of Worship Renewal Fund
Methodist and Christian Funders
The fund supports urgent repairs and essential improvements to listed places of worship in England. While not specifically a Net Zero fund, eligible repair and improvement projects may support wider sustainability, building efficiency and heritage conservation objectives. Funding is available through three grant streams: Small Grants (£10,000 to £50,000), Medium Grants (£50,001 to £350,000) and Large Grants (£350,001 to £1,000,000). Projects must involve a Grade I, Grade II or Grade II* listed building. Priority is given to projects in areas of the highest level of deprivation.
National Churches Trust
Methodist and Christian Funders
The National Churches Trust offers two grant programmes to help churches maintain and improve their buildings. While not specifically a Net Zero funder, repair and improvement projects may complement wider sustainability and decarbonisation plans. Medium Grants support urgent repair and maintenance projects costing up to £80,000, as well as project development work. Large Grants support urgent structural repairs costing over £80,000 and projects to install or upgrade kitchens and toilets costing over £30,000, helping churches keep their buildings safe, accessible and fit for community use.
Need help identifying suitable funders or reviewing an application? Contact Jacqueline Geary, Net Zero & Grant Enabler, for support.