Benefact Trust partners with Church in Wales to launch Net Zero programme
The three-year initiative, which will run from summer 2026 to summer 2029, will make £600,000 available to help Church in Wales churches, cathedrals and church halls reduce their reliance on fossil fuels while showcasing practical, scalable solutions that can be replicated across Wales.
The Progressing Net Zero programme offers two funding streams designed to support churches at different stages of their net zero journey:
Development grants of up to £5,000 will help churches explore and test low-carbon solutions. Funding can support feasibility studies, trials of new technologies, and energy efficiency improvements such as LED lighting and insulation. Churches may also use grants to pilot technologies including heated pew cushions and infrared heating systems before investing in larger projects.
Demonstrator grants of up to £45,000 will support more substantial capital projects, including heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage and enhanced energy efficiency measures. Demonstrator grants will normally contribute up to 50% of overall project costs, helping churches unlock wider investment in ambitious carbon reduction projects.
The churches wishing to participate will be nominated by their diocese, helping to ensure projects are well developed, ready to proceed and capable of delivering measurable carbon reductions. Development grant applications will be reviewed throughout the year, while demonstrator grant applications will be assessed quarterly.
Successful applicants will be expected to monitor energy use, record project outcomes and demonstrate environmental benefits. The programme will build a growing library of case studies and practical examples, helping churches across Wales learn from successful projects and identify solutions suitable for their own buildings.
The programme forms part of the Church in Wales' wider commitment of achieving net zero by 2030. By supporting investment in cleaner technologies and improved energy efficiency, the initiative will help reduce emissions while ensuring church buildings remain sustainable, welcoming and fit for future generations.
At Benefact Trust, we share this commitment helping churches and Christian organisations respond to climate change. Through targeted funding and strategic partnerships, we are supporting places of worship to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and safeguard historic buildings for future generations. Alongside this new programme with the Church in Wales, we are already supporting net zero programmes across Church of England, the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Church of Ireland.
Our goal is to fund net zero projects across different denominations and regions to create lasting change for churches in the UK and Ireland. These strategic programmes don’t just provide funding but offer shared learning and showcase successful approaches to inspire churches in all contexts to take action.
Dr Julia Edwards, Director of Climate Change for the Church in Wales, said: "We are delighted to be in partnership with Benefact Trust with this net zero programme. The collaboration enables churches to action their plans for low-carbon technologies and, in so doing, markedly reduce their climate change impact and bear witness more widely to the urgent need to care for God's creation today and for the future."
Helen Gray, Director of Benefact Trust, added: "It’s a privilege to partner with the Church in Wales on this ambitious programme. Churches have a vital role to play in responding to the climate challenge, and we know that many are looking for practical ways to reduce their carbon footprint while continuing to serve their communities.
"Through Progressing Net Zero, churches across Wales will be able to explore and implement solutions that reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and help secure the long-term sustainability of their buildings. Just as importantly, the programme will create valuable learning and evidence that can be shared more widely, helping churches across Wales and beyond accelerate their journey towards net zero."
Find out more about Benefact Trust’s funding for churches and Christian charities