The Trust's Methodist Grants Programme helps Methodist churches to run building and development projects focussed on church growth, community engagement, and improved accessibility.

Funded primarily by donations from Methodist Insurance PLC, the grants programme aims to enhance the ministry and mission of the Methodist Church in the UK and Ireland.

Here are some of the latest projects to receive a Methodist Grant:

Audlem Methodist Church, Crewe, Cheshire

For just over six months of the year, Audlem Methodist Church works on a musical production which is an intergenerational event for the community. It attracts non-churched children and their families from surrounding towns and villages to join in and get creative. In the same building, the church also runs holiday clubs and various church groups.

With the support of £27,500 from Benefact Trust Methodist Grants Programme, the church will remove the unsafe “lean to” and create a larger, light and airy facility as a home for youth drama and as a multifunctional community space.

United Emmanuel Church, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

A £7,180 Methodist grant will help United Emmanuel Church to redevelop its downstairs kitchen, toilet and hall so the church can provide a hot midday meal, friendship and a safe environment for vulnerable people.

The meals will support people experiencing homelessness, Tunbridge Wells’ increasingly older population, and those with living with dementia. The church will also provide a base for people to come together and engage in activities to combat isolation and loneliness.

Grange Hill Methodist Church, Chigwell, Essex

A grant of £21,450 from the Methodist Grants Programme is supporting Grange Hill Methodist with building work to modify access into the building to provide an additional entrance, a nursery/drop-in area and increased access to a café, upper room and chapel.

The changes will help the church to serve the local community more effectively and will allow charities to use the space as a base to develop their work in the local area.

Shortlanesend Methodist Church, Cornwall

Shortlanesend Methodist is looking to improve its carbon footprint and provide long-term sustainable energy.

A £2,400 Methodist Grant will help to install solar panels and replace the outdated heating units with a more efficient and effective system incorporating modern technological features. The dual nature of the project will ensure the church is warm and welcoming in the colder months whilst having significant environmental benefits.

*Image: Grange Hill Methodist Church

*Header Image: United Emmanuel Church