Grants

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Nearly £5 million of public funding has been earmarked for historic synagogues and Jewish cemeteries

The Grants for Places of Worship Scheme (England) was set up in 2004, under a slightly different name. Today, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)has sole responsibility for its budget that was set at £30 million in 2015-16.  Historic buildings and sites may apply for funding under other appropriate HLF funding programmes besides GPOW that is primarily intended for urgent repairs usually at a high-level, to the roof, masonry, gutters or towers. However recent changes to the rules mean that improvements and additions to a building to make it more ‘user-friendly’, for example, kitchens and toilets, may now be included in a bid. To be successful bids should demonstrate some benefits to the wider public after repairs have been completed. These do not have to be complicated or costly, just well thought-out, for example regular participation in Heritage Open Days, hosting schools, civic groups and tourists, developing an educational programme, display, guidebook, website or just

providing signage and interpretation for visitors are all regarded as enhancing public access.  Don’t forget small and elderly congregations who do not have the manpower or volunteers to undertake such projects can include staff costs under many HLF grant schemes.