Jilted by English Heritage
Posted: 02 Nov 2006 @ 00:00
“Our church is Grade I-listed and has been turned down for a repair
grant by English Heritage. What can we do now? The tower needs structural
repairs.”
Each summer, for several months, listed churches can apply to the Joint
Repair Scheme of English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund. About £25
million is allocated to this grant fund, but it is still less than the total
applied for by churches.
Being turned down is a problem, since the Repair Scheme is, for most
churches, the biggest outside funder they are likely to find. But all is not
lost. First of all, since the Repair Scheme has just re-opened for 2005, you
can re-apply. It’s important to check the quality and detail of your
application, though.
Urgency
If your church repair can hold on for another year or two, you will be
dropped to the bottom of the list. But here are some clues to staying near the
top.
Does the quinquennial inspection report identify the repairs as essential
within two years? Are stones and other bits of the fabric in danger of falling
on passers-by? Is the church interior being damaged by water getting in? If
your answer to any of these is yes, then be sure to mention it in your
application.
Affordability
None of the outside bodies that donate to church repairs provide more than
40 per cent of what is needed nationwide each year. So don’t be greedy. If your
church repair can be done well for less than the architect’s first quotation,
then get the quotation revised.
Whatever contribution the Repair Scheme offers, you will be expected to
raise money from other sources and from your own efforts. It is never too soon
to encourage residents and members of the congregation to dig into their
pockets.
Appropriateness
Look closely at the detailed criteria of the Repair Scheme. Make sure that:
a) your repairs fit those criteria; and b) your description of the work
required is couched in the same terms. If, for example, work needed to stop
water getting in means that you’ll have to move the electrical wiring, avoid
presenting the elec-trical work in a way that seems disconnected from the water
works. (The Repair Scheme does not usually help with electrical works.)
Other outside sources
Wait until English Heritage responds to your application — for a “yes”
expect to wait till December — before applying to other outside funders. They
like to know English Heritage has offered first! Their contributions will be
relatively smaller.
Strange but true
The Repair Scheme struggles to spend all the money designated for Grade-II
churches, so those who do apply are very likely to get a grant.
Do you have a question about an aspect of church development or growth
for this column? Write to
maggie.durran@churchtimes.co.uk