The Scottish Episcopal Church (SEC) is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Benefact Trust. This partnership will deliver a new Net Zero Grant Awards Programme, providing £700,000 in combined funding from Benefact Trust and the provincial Buildings Grants Fund. Churches will be nominated by each of the Scottish Episcopal dioceses and invited to apply for the programme.

Benefact Trust has pledged £490,000, over two years, towards the SEC’s Net Zero Grant Awards Programme. This support will be instrumental as part of the SEC’s mission to care for God’s creation. Through the underlying values of discipleship, justice and hope, the SEC is working towards a sustainable and flourishing church, which will serve the varied communities of Scotland today, and in the future. Partnership with Benefact Trust will help to tackle the challenges of that journey across a wide range of buildings, financial situations and geographical areas.

Each Scottish Episcopal diocese will be given the opportunity to invite eligible projects to apply for tailored support to reduce carbon emissions, and contribute towards a culture of net zero leadership within the SEC.The funding will be allocated to churches from each diocese, which will be identified as Pilot or Pioneer projects. Pilot churches will be awarded project development support through funding professional works such as consultancy fees, or through trialling innovative technologies. Pioneer churches will receive funding to enable the implementation of already developed project plans.

Thanks to Benefact Trust funding, this scheme will enable Pilot and Pioneer churches to reduce the carbon footprint of their own buildings and contribute to emission reductions across the province. Most importantly, they will act as exemplars to inspire and encourage others both within and beyond the Scottish Episcopal denomination.

Paul Williams, SEC Net Zero Delivery Director, said: “We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with Benefact Trust on delivering strategic net zero initiatives within the Scottish Episcopal Church. This collaboration will empower congregations to significantly reduce their contribution to climate change through implementation of zero carbon technologies. Together we can provide strategic funding and resources to support leading churches in their journey to net zero, demonstrating how places of worship can continue to serve not only as spiritual havens but also as beacons of environmental stewardship.”

Helen Gray, Benefact Trust Director, said: “We’re delighted to support the Scottish Episcopal Church through our latest strategic grant. This partnership will enable more churches across Scotland to access expert advice, guidance, and essential funding on their journey to net zero. It will also create a network of example churches, leading the way and inspiring churches of all denominations to take action. This latest strategic partnership is the next step in Benefact Trust’s commitment to addressing climate change.”

For more information on the Net Zero work of the Scottish Episcopal Church please Subscribe to our Net Zero Portal Net Zero Portal – Journeying towards a net zero church.