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Funding Support for Parishes

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All we have – our faith, our time, our talents, our resources, are gifts from God. As disciples, we are called not simply to receive God’s gifts with gratitude, but to use them generously in service of others and for the support of our Church.

Our diocesan parishes are sustained by that spirit of generosity.

We see it in those who prepare our liturgies, welcome visitors, support parish groups, care for our buildings and reach out to those who are lonely or in need. We see it in the many quiet acts of kindness that often go unnoticed but make our parish community what it is.

Stewardship is recognising that we all have a part to play in God’s mission. Each of us contributes according to our circumstances and abilities. Some give their time, some share their talents, some offer practical support, and many provide financial support that enables the parish to continue its work.

Fundraising for or donating to your parish does not simply help to maintain a building or cover a bill – it helps create opportunities for people to encounter Christ, receive the sacraments, grow in faith, and experience the support of a Christian community.

Thank you for your support.

Advice and Assistance

Fundraising Manager: Jodi Dinkelman

Tel: 07930 891312

Email: fundraising@diocesehn.org.uk

Gift Aid

Gift Aid is a government scheme that enables your parish to reclaim the tax you have already paid on your donations.

For every £1 you donate, an additional 25p can be claimed and it doesn’t cost you a penny!

There are no obligations or expectations regarding the amount or frequency of your donations, and you don’t have to be employed; if you pay tax on a pension, Capital Gains, or savings you can still Gift Aid.

Furthermore, higher rate (40%) taxpayers can claim back the difference between the basic tax rate and the tax they paid.

You can cancel your Declaration at any time and for any reason.

To Gift Aid your donations to your parish, all you need to do is complete the Gift Aid Declaration Form.

Gift Aid Declaration Form

Sign up now

Gift Aid Resources for Parishes

Find out more

Cashless Donations

Recent research from more than 1,000 Catholic churches across the UK found that churches received over £10 million through almost one million contactless donations in 2025.

The typical donation was £5, demonstrating that contactless giving supports the same everyday generosity traditionally expressed through the offertory. The research also found that contactless giving complements rather than replaces existing methods of giving, helps capture donations from parishioners and visitors who no longer carry cash, and continues to grow as congregations become more familiar with cashless payments. Average annual contactless donations per church more than doubled over a four-year period, demonstrating its growing importance as a sustainable source of parish income.

To help more parishes benefit from this opportunity, DONA is currently offering 50% off contactless giving hardware while stocks last. This significantly reduces the initial cost of introducing contactless giving and provides an excellent opportunity for parishes to future-proof income streams while making it easier for parishioners and visitors to support their church.

DONA, Contactless Giving in Catholic Churches White Paper (2026).

Download here

External Funding

The Places of Worship Renewal Fund (PWRF) was launched on 20th May 2026.

This new fund targets capital works on listed buildings only and does not include VAT rebates on maintenance or small repair expenditure.

Round 2 Expressions Of Interest window opens: Friday 4th September 2026

Expressions Of Interest deadline: Friday 2nd October 2026 at 5pm

Expressions of Interest submitted outside this window will not be accepted and applicants who have submitted an EOI since Round One closed will need to reapply.

If your parish has a project that you believe may meet the fund’s eligibility criteria, please contact our Fundraising Manager Jodi Dinkelman at jodi.dinkelman@diocesehn.org.uk as soon as possible.

The application process is detailed and requires significant preparation, including supporting evidence and project information, so early discussions are important.

Further information about the fund and eligibility criteria can be found here.

Applicants invited to submit a full application will receive additional guidance and support. Full applications can be submitted between 26 October and 18 November 2026, with funding decisions anticipated in January 2027.

Places of Worship Renewal Fund

Find out more