Methodist Grants: strengthening community mission
Benefact Trust’s Methodist Grants Programme is funded by donations from Methodist Insurance PLC and exists to support Methodist churches, strengthening their mission and ministry by funding essential building improvements.
In the last round of funding, over £385,000 was awarded to support vital repairs, energy‑efficiency upgrades and major redevelopment projects, among other inspiring initiatives. Grants are helping to ensure that these much-loved churches remain warm, safe and welcoming spaces for worship and community life.
Here's some of the recent grants:
West Ardsley Methodist Church, West Yorkshire – £48,000 for major redevelopment
West Ardsley Methodist Church received a £48,000 grant to support an ambitious redevelopment project designed to improve accessibility, energy efficiency and community provision.
The church, which serves people of all ages and hosts a well‑attended Messy Church, youth club and food pantry, identified the need for more flexible, welcoming and cost‑efficient spaces.
The works will include:
• Removing pews and reconfiguring the chapel layout
• Insulating walls, floors and ceilings
• Installing new lighting, AV and solar‑powered air‑conditioning units
• Creating a vestry, accessible WC and improved kitchen
• Expanding capacity by opening up the entrance area
Once complete, the upgraded building is expected to support around 1,000 individuals - including more than 350 new community users.
Chapel Street Methodist Church, Penzance – £51,000 for urgent roof repairs
Chapel Street Methodist Church in Penzance was awarded £51,000 to carry out urgent structural repairs to its Grade II* listed building.
Essential work is needed to address failed roof trusses, water ingress and associated damage. The project includes resetting slate and lead courses at a revised angle, replacing lath and plaster beneath affected areas, and installing a larger access hatch to support safer future maintenance.
These repairs will secure the long‑term structural integrity of the building, protect the interior from further deterioration, and allow the upper balcony to be fully used again. The improvements will also enhance insulation and energy efficiency, reducing heating costs and carbon emissions.
The church is a focal point for community outreach in this prominent Cornish town, hosting music groups, coffee mornings, a Warm Space initiative and a wide range of mission‑focused activities. With significant funding already secured, the Methodist Grant will help bring the project close to completion.
Regent Street Methodist Church, Down, Northern Ireland – £4,800 for boiler replacement
Regent Street Methodist Church received a £4,800 grant to replace its ageing boiler with a new, energy‑efficient system.
The church has a vibrant ministry with around 500 regular worshippers and plans to grow further. Following an eco‑audit, leaders identified the need for a modern heating system that automatically adjusts output to match demand, reducing fuel consumption and improving seasonal efficiency.
The upgrade will ensure the church remains warm and inviting during the winter months, supporting worship, fellowship and a wide range of community activities.
Supporting mission, sustainability and community impact
These recent grants reflect our commitment to helping Methodist churches remain fit for purpose, environmentally responsible and at the heart of their communities. From essential repairs to transformative redevelopment, each project strengthens the church’s ability to offer a warm welcome, support and spiritual care.
Would you like to explore how Methodist Grants can support your church?
Look through the programme details
Visit our apply page
The Methodist Grants Programme is administered by Benefact Trust and funded by donations from Methodist Insurance PLC.