The Friends of Friendless Churches own historic but redundant churches in England and Wales that would otherwise have been demolished or left to fall into ruin. It also administers the Cottam Will Trust, which offers grants “for the purchase of objects of beauty to be placed in ancient Gothic churches for the furtherance of religion”.
Grants can be awarded for items such as statues, sculpture, murals, paintings, Paschal candlesticks, vestments, Commandment Boards, stained glass, altars and altar frontals.
Grants are usually made for new works of art, although the purchase of salvaged items have also been funded in the past.
Anyone may apply, although the Trust encourages applications from Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) or artists themselves with the backing of the PCC.
Applications may be made at any time to the Cottam Will Trust using the application form on the Friends of Friendless Churches website.
Applications received are considered by the Trust and grants are awarded based upon the conformity of the application with the objects of the Trust, the merit of the project and the financial need of the applicant.