Grants, usually for between £200 and £1,000, are available to churches of any domination in the UK, Isle of Man and Channel Islands for the provision, restoration or rebuilding of pipe organs.
Since it was founded following an anonymous donation in 1984, the On Organ Fund has given 1,132 grants totalling over £453,650 with grants currently ranging between £200 and £1,000 (although awards can occasionally be for more than £1,000). The Trustees see their awards as top-up grants towards the end of successful appeals, and prefer to give small grants to a large number of applicants rather than larger grants to just a few. The level of award is usually related to the level of finance that the church needs to raise for the project.
Applications should meet the following criteria:
- The project is for the main organ in the church.
- The church must have raised at least half the amount required (including VAT if applicable). This can include grants received from other sources, pledged income and tax due back on Gift Aid donations.
- A contract has been signed with the organ builder, and
- A faculty (if applicable) has been granted.
A list of previously awarded grants can be found on the Charity’s website.
The Charity has two application deadlines each year, on 30 April and 30 November.
Further information, guidance and an application form can be found on the On Organ Fund website.
When completed, applications should be posted to the Secretary.