Diocesan Grants

The Diocese of St Davids offers a number of different grants to support churches, Local Ministry Areas and projects across the diocese.

If you are seeking funding for repairs, restoration, improvements, accessibility works, reordering or other work to a church building, please apply for a Church Repair Grant. Do not use the General Grant application form for building works.

The Church Repair Grant, which can provide funding of up to £7,500, is specifically intended for eligible works to church buildings. Full details, criteria and the application form can be found under 2) Church Repair Grants below.

The General Grant is intended for projects that encourage mission, growth in spirituality and outreach to local communities. It cannot be used for building, restoration or improvement works.

Normally, the routine maintenance of a church building is the responsibility of the LMA. However, there will be occasions when outside advice or financial assistance is required.

GrantFinder provides access to more than 8,000 sources of funding for a wide range of projects which could help maintain, refurbish, reorder or extend church premises, as well as supporting the work of church groups. The diocese has access to GrantFinder through a provincial scheme, providing a wider range of potential funding opportunities than many standard search engines.

Before considering any work to your church or churchyard, you should consult your Archdeacon, who may be able to advise you on the most appropriate source of support or funding.

Please remember that proposals for repairs, alterations or modifications to churches or churchyards may require a faculty. Further information is available on the main DAC page.

There are four different diocesan grants available. Please read the descriptions carefully and ensure that you complete the application form for the grant most appropriate to your project.

1) General Grants

Grants of up to £3000 are available to LMAs, churches and individuals to support projects that encourage mission and promote growth in numbers, growth in spirituality and outreach to local communities. These grants are not for building, restoration or improvement works.

Applications must have the support of the Archdeacon and the LMA Council. All grants must be claimed within 12 months of the project start date.

Applications are considered throughout the year on a quarterly basis. Applications must be submitted at least 14 working days before the next Grants Committee meeting.

2026 Dates

Meeting on: 29th Apr 26 – Submit by 15th Apr 26

Meeting on: 20th Jul 26 – Submit by 6th Jul 26

Meeting on: 1st Sep 26 – Submit by 12th Aug 26

Meeting on: 11th Nov 26 – Submit by 22nd Oct 26

• 2026 Grant Criteria - to be announced shortly

Download the Application Form

2) Church repair grants

The diocese has taken over responsibility for Church Repair Grants previously administered by the Representative Body of the Church in Wales.

• Church Repair Grants criteria and application form

Up to £7,500 is available for:

• Repairs to the fabric of a church excluding stained glass or decoration unless such works represent less than 10% of a major repair project.
• Works to improve safety and accessibility
• Extensions or major reordering
• New churches

NB> The maximum amount will only be awarded where it can be shown that the works will help the church towards reaching a net zero target.

3) Local Ministry Area Initiative Fund

LMAs are eligible for a one-off £800 grant towards a range of different development projects. These include:

• Team building courses
• Away Days and Retreats
• Leadership training
• Website set-up costs
• Application Form (Word)

4) Children, Youth and Family Grants

The grant is open to all LMAs, Centres of Mission, Plant Dewi projects and Church Schools.

2 How much is the grant?

Grants are restricted to a maximum of £1000.

3 What sort of Initiatives/Projects can be funded with this grant?

What can be funded:

• New initiatives such as Messy Church, Café Praise, Toddler Groups, Youth Groups
• Existing CYF Projects requiring continued funding
• Initiatives/Projects which encourage Ecumenism
• Training for those leading/facilitating e.g. Godly Play, Open the Book
• Training & equipping young new leaders
• Any other project falling within the listed ones above, but not directly may be considered but it is not a non-exhaustive list.

What can’t be funded:

• Employment of Staff
• Fabric of a building e.g. a creating Children’s corner in a church or building work

4 What criteria will be assessed in making a grant?

• Fulfilling a local need – trying not to duplicate existing work
• Clear vision for the project/initiative
• Projects that allow Children and Young People to use their voices and contribute to the wider community or church
• Projects that will make a difference to Children Young people or Families
• Future sustainability
• Appropriate Safeguarding practice in place
• Other statutory requirements depending on the nature of the work: e.g. Food Hygiene

5 Do I need to speak to anyone before applying?

Yes, you need to speak to the CYF Missioner in order to ensure that the work you are proposing is in line with the Diocesan Criteria. Please do not send any application forms to the CYF Missioner for checking as it is not her responsibility for this. It is sensible to speak to your LMAC or Trustee/Governing Body as the Chair’s signature will be required.