Information on mainstream funders relevant to communities taking on a former place of worship - part of COSS's New Futures Programme.
Hosts
Audrey Dunn, Claire Martin and Harry Whitmore, Churches Advisors, Community Ownership Support Service
Guest Speakers
With presentations from the Scottish Land Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, and Architectural Heritage Fund.
This event is part of our New Futures Programme – Former Places of Worship event series. New Futures is a three-year programme (January 2025-December 2027) funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Development Trusts Association Scotland to provide enhanced support to community groups considering taking on a former place of worship across Scotland. This programme was launched in direct response to the significant and unprecedented number of former places of worship which are due for disposal over the next several years.
Event description
Heritage assets such as churches present their own unique opportunities and challenges in the funding landscape. While the buildings themselves are complicated, there are funders available to help you develop your project, acquire the church and carry out renovations. This workshop will focus on giving you the skills you need to build a funding packing and help you to consider the full range of costs for developing your project. During this workshop you will hear from some of the key funders in the community, and heritage sector and learn what makes a successful funding application.
Workshop content
Development funding and support.
Acquisition funding.
Post-Acquisition renovation funding.
Building a good funding package.
Writing good applications.
Case studies.
What will I gain from this event?
An understanding of the key funders’ relevant programmes and their criteria.
Examples of projects which were successful with their funding applications and their outcomes.
An understanding of how to finance your project from initial development stages to long term operations.
Who is this event for?
This workshop is open to individuals and community groups interested in taking former places of worship into community ownership.
Where is this event taking place?
This event is taking place online.
Do I have to pay to attend?
This is a free event.
Further information
For questions and enquiries, please email Louise Paterson, Churches Programme Officer at: louise@dtascot.org.uk
New Futures - Former Places of Worship is delivered by Community Ownership Support Service with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland.