Applications for grants of money towards the cost of repairs to the fabric including the fittings and fixtures of Unitarian places of worship of historical or architectural importance should be sent to the Trust Secretary
Only applications made on the official form will be considered. Applications should be supported by relevant documentation as listed on the form (for example, planning consents may not be required). If there is not space on the form for an adequate explanation to be given, such information should be included on a separate sheet. However, please note that forms have to be photocopied and circulated to a number of Trustees.
Where applications are in respect of repairs to or the renovation of a building of architectural merit, regard will be paid to the preservation of the architectural character of the building and its fittings and fixtures and to the re-use of original materials as far as is possible.
The Trustees will not make grants in aid of schemes where work has already begun, save in exceptional cases, e.g. the existence of dry rot requiring emergency action. In such cases the Secretary should be contacted at once without waiting for the normal submission date. A small number of modest "top-up" grants are available for emergency purposes.
Grants are not available for decoration or redecoration, the installation or repair of central heating systems, electrical rewiring, organ installation or repairs, carpeting or other floor coverings, and items that would normally be covered by general maintenance.
Church Halls, School Buildings and Manses are not eligible for grants for structural repairs except where these are an integral part of a worship building of architectural or historical importance.
Grants can only be made to buildings in regular current use by an active Unitarian congregation.
When a grant has been authorised the issue of appropriate evidence that the whole or part of the work has been completed shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Trust upon which payment of the whole or part of the grant will be made. Grants are authorised to the end of the calendar year following that in which an award is made (for example, a grant made in November 2002 is available until 31 December 2003). This period may be extended before the expiry of the authorised period on written application to the Secretary stating the reasons.
Previously successful applicants are not precluded from making further applications, either for a later phase of a renovation scheme, or for a new proposal.
Note: Advice on various matters connected with Unitarian Chapel buildings is available from the Unitarian Buildings Advisory Panel, which may be contacted through the General Secretary of:
General Assembly of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches
Essex Hall
1-6 Essex Street
London WC2R 3HY
Tel: 020 7240 2384
