Safeguarding
Find a church
Find clergy
Churches and Local Ministry Areas (LMAs) across the Diocese of St Davids are being encouraged to explore a funding opportunity that could help them improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and make their buildings more sustainable for the future.
The Church in Wales, in partnership with Benefact Trust, has launched its Progressing Net Zero programme, offering grants to support churches, cathedrals and church halls in taking practical steps towards a greener future.
The three-year programme, running from summer 2026 to summer 2029, has a total funding pot of £600,000 available across Wales.
Development Grants – up to £5,000
Development Grants are designed to help congregations explore and trial affordable, practical solutions before committing to larger investments.
Funding can support a range of projects, including:
- Feasibility studies to identify suitable low-carbon technologies and improvements for church buildings.
- Trials of new heating technologies, such as heated pew cushions or infrared heating panels.
- Energy-efficiency improvements, including LED lighting and insulation.
These grants provide an opportunity for churches to explore what works best for their buildings, particularly where historic architecture, existing heating arrangements or financial constraints can present challenges.
Applications for Development Grants are considered throughout the year.
Further funding for larger projects
The programme also offers Demonstrator Grants of up to £45,000 to support more substantial projects, including heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage and enhanced energy-efficiency measures.
These grants will normally cover up to 50% of overall project costs, with applications assessed quarterly.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to Church in Wales churches, cathedrals and church halls, whether listed or unlisted, provided they are used regularly for worship and/or activities and meet the relevant funding criteria.
Importantly, applications must be supported through a diocesan nomination.
Churches and LMAs across the Diocese of St Davids interested in exploring this opportunity are encouraged to contact the Diocesan Office in the first instance.
How to express an interest
Churches considering an application should contact the St Davids Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF), through the Diocesan Office, to discuss their proposed project and the nomination process.
It would be helpful to provide a brief outline of the proposed work, an indication of costs and any anticipated energy savings or environmental benefits.
Following diocesan nomination, the Church in Wales Net Zero Team will assess the proposal and, where appropriate, invite a full application. All funding decisions are subject to the programme's assessment and approval process.
Successful applicants will be required to monitor their projects and share outcomes, helping other churches benefit from the lessons learned.
To discuss a potential application, please contact:
Reverend Father Neil Hook TSSF - neilhook@cinw.org.uk
Find out more
Full programme details, including eligibility, funding criteria and the application process, are available on the Church in Wales website:
Net Zero Funding from the Church in Wales and Benefact Trust