The Norfolk Churches Trust
In 2026, the Norfolk Churches Trust celebrates 50 years of protecting and sustaining Norfolk’s church buildings.
Established in 1976 with just £300 borrowed from the Norfolk Society, the Trust was founded with a clear purpose: to protect, through financial aid and advice, the churches, and chapels of any Christian denomination across Norfolk and the Diocese of Norwich.
Over the past five decades, the Trust has awarded more than £7 million in grants to 732 churches, helping parishes address urgent repairs and conserve some of the county’s most precious historic buildings. This support has been vital in keeping churches open, safe and at the heart of their communities.
Norfolk features the largest concentration of medieval churches in the world, with 659 dating from that period alone, alongside a further 300 churches and chapels from later centuries. These remarkable buildings contain an exceptional legacy of craftsmanship, including stained glass, painted screens, wall paintings, carved woodwork, bells, and organs. The Trust’s grants, available to churches of all ages, continue to play a crucial role in safeguarding this heritage for future generations. Find out more about grants the Trust has awarded and the application process here.
Despite what has been achieved, there is still much to do. Churches across the county remain in urgent need of help with failing roofs, rainwater goods, and the conservation of their magnificent interiors.
Throughout our 50th anniversary year, the Trust will be launching a series of initiatives to strengthen support for churches into the future including
- A new grant scheme to help with the installation of automated locking systems – 50 grants of £1,000 are available to any church that is suitable. Please follow link for further information and to submit your application.
- A Skills & Maintenance Day: Saturday, 18th April – A celebratory day showcasing the craftspeople who care for Norfolk’s historic churches, featuring hands-on workshops and demonstrations. The day will also offer guidance on funding opportunities and practical church care and will see the launch of our Heritage Skills Scholarship, more details on this will follow shortly.
Plus, much more, please watch out for our newsletters which will have all the information as it becomes available.
The Trust also has in its direct care thirteen redundant churches across the county, all of which are open to visitors. This summer, several of our fundraising events will be dedicated to raising money for their upkeep. Find out more about these churches here
Monies received through subscriptions, donations, events, legacies and our Sponsored Bike Ride, Drive & Walk provide essential funding that enables the Norfolk Churches Trust to continue its work.
Information on how to support our work can all be found on this site or if you would prefer to talk to us in person, please contact the office, secretary@norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk Tel: 01379 677272
Thank you for your support and we look forward to sharing this celebratory year with you.
