Monthly Grants: bringing joy and inclusion this Christmas

As we celebrate the season of goodwill, Benefact Trust is delighted to announce a new wave of grants bringing joy, inclusion, and opportunity to communities across the UK and Ireland. From historic churches to grassroots charities, these projects embody the spirit of Christmas, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued.

See some of the latest projects to benefit from our Building Improvement and Community Impact grant programmes:

Building Improvement Grants 

St Andrew’s Church, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset - £12,000

This 14th-century gem is not only a place of worship; it’s a vibrant hub for community, cultural, and wellbeing activities. However, its historic fabric has posed challenges for accessibility. With the support of our grant, St Andrew’s will be able to install fully accessible toilets, a baby change area, and a welcoming social space, alongside audio-visual upgrades to support concerts and community events. These improvements will enable new outreach initiatives - including a weekly mental health drop-in - while safeguarding the church’s remarkable heritage, which is home to carvings from the Whitehall Palace altar, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. The project reflects the church’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, ensuring its doors can remain open to everyone.

Stratford-upon-Avon Baptist Church, Warwickshire - £6,600

As this beloved Grade II listed church approaches its 200th anniversary, we’re helping to support essential conservation and sustainability works. Plans include installing solar panels and battery storage, replacing outdated lighting with energy-efficient LEDs, and repairing timber and stained-glass windows to tackle damp issues. These improvements will reduce the church’s carbon footprint and energy costs, enabling it to continue hosting vital community activities.

York Minster, North Yorkshire - £10,000

Few places inspire awe like York Minster, but for visitors with mobility issues or visual impairments, accessing the Quire - the area at the heart of worship - has been a challenge. Our grant will help fund a permanent, beautifully designed ramp at the Quire’s West entrance, replacing a temporary timber structure. Crafted from limestone and featuring handmade handrails and discreet lighting, the new access route will blend seamlessly with the Minster’s historic fabric. This project is part of York Minster’s wider commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring everyone can experience the grandeur of this sacred space.

Community Impact Grants

Bonny Downs Community Association (BDCA), East Ham, London – £20,000

In an area facing high levels of deprivation and rising youth violence, BDCA is determined to keep young people safe and supported. Our grant will fund a part-time youth leader to coordinate weekly activities, from football and boxing to arts and drama, providing a safe haven after school. BDCA connected with almost 600 young people in 2024 and feedback demonstrated the strong impact on their wellbeing and friendships. This work is helping to prevent isolation and protect lives in an area that has been tragically impacted by knife crime and violence.

The Corrymeela Community, Belfast – £7,600

Corrymeela’s new project will empower 75 young women and girls from ethnic minority backgrounds each year, to learn about healthy relationships and gender rights - while building their confidence and safety in Northern Ireland. Through workshops, public events, and cultural exchanges, this project will amplify voices too often unheard and create resilience against gender-based harm.

Equippers Church, Swindon, Wiltshire - £14,000

The Count Me In Outreach Project tackles social and spiritual isolation among people with learning disabilities - one of the most unreached communities in the UK. Our funding will support chaplaincy, wellbeing sessions, and inclusive family activities, alongside proactive outreach for those living in supported homes. By creating spaces of friendship and belonging, this project offers hope and dignity to people who can feel excluded from community life.

We’re proud to support organisations working tirelessly to make their communities brighter, not just for the festive season, but for years to come.

Find out more about Benefact Trust’s funding for churches and charities

Look through our grant programmes
Visit our apply page
Find support for your project