The Scheme for 2025 to 2026 will close on 31 March 2026, or once the £23 million budget has been reached, whichever is earlier. Claims submitted after this will not be processed.
It is possible that claims could be put into the Department before it has become clear the budget is exhausted. In that instance, claims received will be worked through in the order received, and those that are processed after the budget is exhausted will not be paid. If the application is put in for more funding than remains, only part of the claim would be paid. The applicant will be made aware.
The Government has set out its reasons for ending the scheme in a Written Ministerial Statement in Parliament on 21 January 2026.
Places of worship should continue to submit claims under the existing grant scheme for all eligible work completed and invoiced before 23:59 on 31 March 2026. Applicants are able to invoice for individual works completed rather than wait for the whole project to be completed.
The deadline of 23:59 on 31 March 2026 is a firm cut-off. The fund may close earlier than this if the £23 million budget is already exhausted. We encourage all applicants to submit claims promptly.
