Published: 30 May 2022
Funding available to support training in ecclesiastical heritage skills
Our aim at Benefact Trust has been to preserve and build sustainable skills and care for our nation’s historic environment – both ecclesiastical and secular. Our previous Heritage Grants Programme was closed to general applications in favour of working with key partners to provide training in heritage related skills.
We’ve now evolved our heritage programme by launching the Heritage Skills for Christian Buildings Grants Programme, which will be open to applications and will focus on supporting skills which can be used on Christian (ecclesiastical) heritage buildings - recognising that such skills may also be beneficial to the wider heritage sector.
The aim of the programme is to ensure that heritage skills, which are essential for the conservation of historic Christian buildings, are preserved and promoted through apprenticeships, scholarships and training courses. We will support organisations offering such opportunities by providing funding to enable them to train individuals who are pursuing a career within the heritage sector.
Am I eligible to apply?
Our grants programme is open to applications from any registered charity offering training in heritage skills, providing they can demonstrate that the funding will support skills relevant to the preservation of Christian buildings. Skills that are likely to be supported through the programme, include:
• Stonemasonry
• Carpentry/joinery
• Heritage plumbing
• Heritage electricians
• Heritage brick laying
• Lime plastering
• Thatching
• Lead work and glazing
However, we will consider other skills if they are relevant to the maintenance and preservation of Christian buildings.
Our programme will fund specific individuals rather than providing general funding across a cohort of students, and will support them for the duration of their training up to a maximum period of three years – giving them the foundations they need for a career in the heritage sector.
What’s next?
Could your organisation benefit from our new Heritage Skills for Christian Buildings funding?
