The Funds derive from the 1914 Act of Parliament under which the Welsh part of the Church of England was separated and disestablished. The Welsh Church Act Trust was established from the proceeds and assets, which were distributed evenly among the former County Councils in Wales, and further divided between the newly established Unitary Authorities in 1996. The Funds are administered for general charitable purposes by each of the unitary authorities individually and there are minor variations between them with regard to the precise details. However in most if not all cases, grants can be available for the repair and restoration of historic religious and secular buildings, especially when in community use. However the fund should be considered as a ‘lender of last resort’. As an example, in Carmarthenshire, the fund is available to churches, chapels, charitable organisations and individuals for grant support for the following purposes: Advancement of Education; Libraries, museums, art galleries, etc; Relief of poverty; Advancement of religion; Other purposes beneficial to the communities. The grant available to chapels & churches is 20% of project costs up to £10,000 and a maximum of £3,000 for projects over £10,000. Capital projects in excess of £100,000 may be eligible for grant award of £10,000 on condition that all other funding for the project is in place (confirmation in writing will be required). In some other areas the maximum can be much lower at around £1,500.
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