The National Church Awards are now accepting nominations, calling on churches, chapels, meeting houses, and cathedrals across the UK to recognize their exceptional volunteers. These awards, organized by the National Churches Trust, aim to highlight the extraordinary work done by volunteers who care for historic buildings, welcome visitors, support local communities, and create spaces for connection and belonging.
Why Nominate Your Church?
Every day, volunteers at churches across the UK perform remarkable acts of service, from maintaining centuries-old architecture to organizing community events. The National Church Awards provide a platform to celebrate these efforts and showcase the vital role churches play in society. Entering is a chance to honor your volunteers' dedication and share your church's impact on local life.
St. Nicholas in Berden, Essex, a 2024 winner, exemplifies this spirit. This tiny church embraced "Champing"—camping in a church—and stays open from dawn to dusk daily, hosting live music and sharing its history. Rev’d Gary Fleming said at the awards ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral: "We are delighted to receive this award on behalf of all at St Nicholas, Berden. The church continues to be a gift and a blessing to the local and wider community. We pray that this award will serve as an inspiration to our benefice and beyond." The church even featured on BBC's "Gone Fishing!" with Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse, who camped there.
Award Details and Deadline
Nominations close on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at midnight. An independent expert panel will judge entries in September, selecting one winner from each UK nation and an overall Church of the Year. Each winner receives £750 prize money, generously sponsored by the Marsh Charitable Trust. Churches can self-nominate at www.nationalchurchestrust.org/awards.
Community Impact
Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, emphasized: "Churches are the beating hearts of our communities. They contribute £55bn towards economic and social good each year, bringing people together to help them to thrive. We are excited to host an awards ceremony that showcases their importance, as well as the many other wonderful ways they contribute to society." She added: "This is a great opportunity for people across the UK to get behind their local church and share the value their church brings to their community."
With the 2024 winner from Essex, could another church from the county take the top prize? The awards celebrate churches of all denominations and locations, encouraging broad participation to highlight the diverse ways volunteers strengthen communities across the UK.
