The Diocese of Oxford has secured £177,000 to fund minor repairs and improvement works to church buildings across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. A wide range of works are eligible, though priority will be given to essential fabric repairs and to churches in areas of demonstrable need. Grants covering up to 90% of eligible costs are available (in exceptional circumstances this may be more) up to a total project cost of £20,000 (or £24,000 where the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme does not apply).
Eligibility
Church of England consecrated church buildings and licensed places of worship (including those subject to sharing agreements or ecumenical partnerships) serving parishes in the Diocese of Oxford are eligible to apply.
Eligible works include a wide range of repairs and improvements, examples of which might include:
- Repairs to external fabric, such as repairing leaking gutters.
- Repairs to internal fabric, such as repairing broken floor tiles.
- Additions to improve access for maintenance, such as the installation in a tower of a caged ladder to provide safe roof access.
- Installation of equipment for digital connectivity, such as a wired broadband connection where this is essential to sustain worship and mission use.
A full list of eligible works can be found in our guidance note.
How to apply
Applications are invited from all eligible churches, though the fund allocated to the Diocese of Oxford is small relative to its size and we expect the process to be highly competitive.
Please refer to our guidance note for further information, and when you’re ready to apply you can download the application form.
Deadlines
The next deadlines for applications are:
- Midnight, Sunday 13 April 2025
- Midnight, Sunday 1 June 2025
We don't anticipate there being any further funding rounds in 2025, though if any funds remain unallocated after these dates it may be that a further deadline is announced. Parishes are therefore encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
MRIF grant-supported works will need to be completed, paid for, and claimed either six months from the offer date or by 31 December 2025 – whichever is sooner.
Support
For support making an application, contact churchbuildings@oxford.anglican.org.