Our Endowment Fund was launched in 2015 (our Silver Jubilee year) so we could give more to churches, and secure a future income stream. So far we have raised £1.8 million in legacies, promises and cash, towards a target of £3 million. 

History started yesterday

In the past 30 years, BHHCT has awarded £4.2 million in grants to repair local churches and chapels thanks to the generosity of supporters through legacies, donations and fundraising. 

Most people take it for granted that their parish church will be there for ever - many feel comforted by the continuity it provides. But imagine if your Church wasn’t there. If it fell into disrepair; no longer safe to use; that familiar, comforting presence gone, all because of a lack of resources for essential repairs.

Dunstable Priory awarded £10,000 for repairs in 2021

The Church of England does not fund repairs to Parish Churches. Heritage England rarely does and the Heritage Lottery Fund almost never. The burden falls on the church and parish. Old buildings are expensive to repair, listed buildings more so, with costs often not affordable by local communities.

Why saving churches matters

For centuries, churches have inspired as places of prayer, worship and reflection. Within their walls people marry, are baptised, and say goodbye to departed loved ones. Churches are often the only public building that remains in a village.

Churches have become important centres of artistic and social activity, and embrace charities, support groups and children’s playschemes. Our churches offer an unparalleled resource for teaching about Christian faith, history, architecture and design. There are examples of churches we have helped on our Grants Awarded page.

Please help us save the past for the future.

Fundraising

Bike 'n Hike is our main fundraising activity every September, on the second Saturday of the month, raising over £100,000 in 2024.

There are lots of ways to get involved:

• Get sponsored to visit churches on the day and raise funds.
• Be part of a welcome team at your local church to greet hikers.
• Become an area organiser for this event.
• Sponsor someone who is taking part.

Find out more on our Bike 'n Hike page.

Donate here

You may also donate directly to our bank:The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Historic Churches Trust. Account no: 43234452 Sort code: 20-05-73 

Your donation helps create a secure, sustainable income so we can save church buildings for the future.         

A gift in your will helps future generations. Find out more in our Legacy leaflet or contact our Chairman, Mrs Madeline Russell: [email protected]

Bishop of St Albans

Bishop Alan says: “Our churches contribute to local communities through activities with young and old, supporting food banks and hosting events. Every year, congregations in Beds and Herts raise millions for charities. I urge you, join me in giving to this campaign to ensure church buildings can house vibrant, generous communities for centuries to come."

St Mary Magdalene, Melchborne was awarded a grant of £10,000