Additional Resources
There are a wide variety of information sources on developing and establishing additional uses within places of worship.
Please note that, although a lot of information is denomination specific, there are likely to be elements useful for your situation. If you are considering a specific model, we encourage you to get advice from your denominational body as well.
Mixed use and development projects
Action with Communities in Rural England(opens in a new window) (ACRE) is the national voice for the 38 rural community councils which make up the country’s largest rural network. It provides information on issues such as community planning, social enterprises and digital inclusion.
Business Planning Toolkit(opens in a new window): The Churches Conservation Trust(opens in a new window), in partnership with the Prince’s Regeneration Trust, has developed a toolkit aimed at volunteer and community groups seeking to bring new life to heritage buildings. It focuses on the development of a well-structured business plan.
Church Build(opens in a new window) is a collection of advice and articles on the practicalities of carrying out development projects in churches, covering areas such as project management, finance and partnerships.
The Church Urban Fund(opens in a new window) (CUF) was established by the Church of England and works through the Church of England’s local parish networks, alongside other faith-based and secular organisations, to bring about positive change in neighbourhoods.
The Diocese of Hereford's Crossing the Threshold toolkit(opens in a new window) is community development approach to the use of church buildings. The toolkit is a step-by-step resource for churches carrying out projects which will open them up to the wider community.
Diocese of Chester: How to fundraise(opens in a new window) is an example of one of many diocesan and other sources of advice on fundraising for projects.
Empowering Design Practices(opens in a new window): This five year project explores how community-led design can empower those who look after places of worship to create more open, vibrant and sustainable places.
Locality(opens in a new window) is a national network of community-led organisations. They help people set up locally owned and led organisations and support the exchange of best practice and ideas.
One Church 100 Uses is a Community Interest Company and social enterprise. They work to help churches with networking, fundraising and management of development projects.
The Plunkett Foundation(opens in a new window) helps rural communities to set up and run community-owned shops and other community-owned rural services. They are able to advise on governance.
Resourcing Christian Community Action is a Church of England initiative to bring together current best practice in providing Christian care in local communities with the resources and knowledge needed to multiply this across the country.
Funding directories
There are several funding directories which allow users to search for grants based on certain criteria.
National Charitable Grants List for Churches(opens in a new window) is a Church of England booklet detailing possible grant sources for works and projects including repair and community projects.
The Heritage Alliance(opens in a new window) and the Architectural Heritage Fund(opens in a new window) manage The Heritage Funding Directory(opens in a new window). It is a free, easy-to-use guide to potential sources of support, financial and otherwise, for anyone seeking to undertake projects related to the heritage of the UK.
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations published Funding Central(opens in a new window). It provides up to date information on local and national sources of funding for charities and projects as well as funding training opportunities.
GRANTfinder(opens in a new window) offers a searchable database as well as guidance to a wide range of organisations in the UK’s public, private and voluntary sectors.
Directory of Social Change(opens in a new window) is a comprehensive directory providing links to the main funding websites. There is a registration fee, but your local authority or local library may be able to provide cheaper access.
Grants Online(opens in a new window) provides a comprehensive list of grant funding opportunities from the European Union, UK Government Agencies, the Lottery as well as Grant Making Trusts and Foundations. This is available through subscription.