Last month we highlighted the Government’s decision to end the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme on 31 March 2026 and launch a new grant scheme.

 However, on 18 February, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport who run the scheme announced it was now closed to new applications.

The scheme is to be replaced by the new Places of Worship Renewal Fund, but this is not yet in place. Ministers are currently working on the criteria. Information given so far notes that the fund will be a capital grant scheme of around £23m per annum and rather than providing funds to any heritage building where repairs have been carried out, the new scheme will require an upfront application process and be weighted towards heritage buildings in areas where there is greatest need and the building is providing most benefit for the local community.

See more here. 

The National Lottery is a significant funder of grants, having funded over 690,000 projects, and having 36 grants available.

More than 5 million people benefit from projects they fund. Whether the project is a small local initiative or a national partnership, The National Lottery Community Fund is helping to fund a community project every 8 minutes in every local authority in the UK.

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As a ‘thank you’ to players of the National Lottery, who help to raise £32 million for good causes each week, National Lottery Open Week will be held from 7 – 15 March this year. 

National Lottery funded venues will be offering free and low-cost days out to anyone who visits a National Lottery supported project and shows a National Lottery ticket, Instant Win Game, or scratchcard (physical or digital). 

See more here.

  We all know it’s not easy being a young person these days, from dealing with mental health issues to worrying about jobs and just finding safe places to be with friends or get support.  

New data analysis has shown how many areas of the country have little or no youth service provision with poorer areas in the north of England the worst affected despite a considerable need.

The data found the majority of youth clubs are now delivered by charities, social enterprises and private organisations as local authorities struggle with budget cuts and other demands for funding.

See more here.