From 1 April 2026, churches across the Lichfield Diocese will be able to apply for new grant funding to enhance accessibility.
The Parish Accessibility Fund, part of the wider national Church of England Disability Project, aims to support churches in becoming more welcoming, accessible spaces for people who are deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent.
There are two sizes of grant available:
Small grants of between £1-5,000.
This grant stream aims to either completely fund a project, or to provide the majority of funding for a project. This is to ensure that this stream is used for small-scale projects to which the Fund can make a significant difference.
- The application amount must be at least £1,000.
- The total cost of the project must be no more than twice the amount applied for.
Enabling All always says that small changes really can make a big difference. Even small, thoughtful adjustments—shaped through good consultation—can have a transformative impact, helping more people feel confident, comfortable and fully included in worship and parish life.
What can the Fund support?
Small grants are ideal for simple but impactful improvements, such as:
- Creating supportive groups for disabled people or those with additional needs
- Improving signage and imagery to ensure everyone can navigate and understand information without barriers
- Minor building improvements
- Offering large‑print or otherwise accessible worship resources
- Developing dementia-friendly approaches and practices
- Providing accessibility or inclusion‑focused training for staff, volunteers, and congregations
Who can apply for small Grant funding?
All churches* within the Lichfield Diocese are eligible to apply. The whole project needs to be less than £10,000 with a minimum cost of £1,000. Parish Accessibility Funding must be used as the majority funder.
There are more details in the assessment framework document.
As this is a national scheme with limited funding, it will close once all funds have been allocated. Please be aware that, due to high demand, there may be a delay before applications are reviewed.
*Ineligible buildings – churches that meet in buildings owned by private landlords or other Institutions.
*Closed or closing churches
*non Anglican places of worship
Process to apply
Consult with people who are deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent, about the changes that are needed
- Fill out an accessibility audit, either our Enabling All Easy Access Audit or the national Disability Project audit
- Apply for any relevant ecclesiastical permissions – List B or Faculty
- Fill out an Parish Accessibility Fund application form and complete the required budget template
- Send these to Enabling All for checking before you submit your finished application.
- Applications are initially to be submitted via your diocese, but will in due course be made through a funding portal.
There are many resources on the Enabling All pages of this website, and additional national information and resources can be accessed through the Church of England’s Barrier-free Belonging web pages.
Because the fund has a limited pot, early applications are encouraged.
Larger projects (up to £50,000)
£100,000 has been made available to fund these Projects. Once this money is allocated, no more applications to the large fund will be considered.
- Information about the criteria for larger projects can be found at Parish Accessibility Fund: resources | The Church of England. If you are interested in hearing about the larger grants, then please get in touch.
Find out more
If your parish is considering how to become more accessible and welcoming, this could be the perfect opportunity to begin. Even small steps—implemented thoughtfully—can open the door to greater belonging and participation for all. There is a network of support called Enabling All, with awards, monthly newsletters and many training videos - click here to sign up for Enabling All), or if you need our support in becoming more accessible, email Su Parker.