Welcome to Somerset Churches Trust...

... an independent, non-denominational trust raising money for the repair and improvement of churches and chapels open for Christian worship in the historic county of Somerset. The Trust, founded in 1996 under the name Friends of Somerset Churches and Chapels, exists to encourage interest and the involvement of all members of the community in the magnificent heritage of our fine religious buildings. Already, since its founding, the Trust has made grants of almost £700,000 to over 300 churches and chapels in Somerset.

Grants Available for Roof Alarms

With an award of £30,000 from Allchurches Trust we can grant up to £1,000 per installation including systems that are already in the process of being put in. The grants are on condition that churches must be members or become members of Somerset Churches Trust for a period of at least 3 years, that the alarm is approved by insurers and is maintained for at least 5 years. For an Application Form please go to our Grants Application Forms page. Our grant scheme has been featured on a number of BBC West news reports. Click here to see the report by Lee Madan of the BBC including comments from the Rector of Cheddar and our Chairman Axel Palmer.

2017 Annual Report sent to all members

Our Chairman, Dr Axel Palmer has written to all individual and church members of the trust enclosing a copy of the Annual Report and Accounts for 2017 together with our programme for 2018 and a membership application form to pass on to encourage new members. To see the letter click here. 

Grant Applications and Closing Date

We welcome applications from churches and chapels of all denominations for grants towards repairs and improvements to enable wider community use subject to our grant terms and conditions. Applicants who are not already members of the trust must become members for at least three years in order for a grant to be paid. Grant applications must normally be received one calendar month before the date of the trustees meeting at which the application will be considered. The next closing date will be 14th September 2018 for the trustees meeting on 16th October 2018.
Click here for more information on Grant Applications.

Our Patron Kevin McCloud, the presenter of Grand Designs says:

“Our churches are literally our historic and cultural touchstones – in our landscapes, built environment, family histories and our communities.
They embody faith, beauty, craftsmanship and collective memory. So we should cherish them.”