Benefact Trust (formerly Allchurches Trust) is one of the UK's largest grant-making charities for Christian organisations. Its Building Improvement Grants programme specifically funds capital works to church buildings, and carbon reduction and net zero measures are one of six stated priorities.
This makes it one of the more straightforward grant routes for a church heating project. Unlike general community funds, Benefact Trust exists to support churches and Christian charities, so you do not need to reframe your application around community use. A heating installation, an upgrade from gas to electric, or energy efficiency improvements to reduce a church's carbon footprint all fall within scope.
The programme runs on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines. Smaller grants under £25,000 are decided within about two months, making it one of the faster routes to funding. Larger grants take four to six months.
Benefact Trust funds churches of all denominations across the UK and Ireland. Check the current programme guidance on the Benefact Trust website for up-to-date information on grant sizes and priorities.