Chichester 950 – Funding Match Launched

Singing from the rooftops: Chichester Cathedral launches special match-funding opportunity to safeguard its musical heritage in its anniversary year.

Unique opportunity to safeguard Chichester’s musical heritage

Three anonymous donors and one foundation have come forward and pledged £950,000 in match-funding to safeguard the future of Chichester’s musical tradition as part of its 950th anniversary celebrations.

This means that every donation made during the special anniversary year will be doubled – a gift of £10 becomes £20, and £100 becomes £200 and UK taxpayers can add Gift Aid too, increasing donations by an extra 25%. and All funds raised will go towards securing the future of music at Chichester Cathedral for generations to come.

Make a donation here.

Chichester Cathedral marked this musical gift with the release of a special recording of The Lord Bless You and Keep You by Sir John Rutter with the full choir performing from the Cathedral spire looking out across the city and beyond.

Since its foundation in 1075, Chichester Cathedral has been a place of worship, reflection, and creative inspiration and music has been at the very heart of this legacy for over nine centuries, from the soaring voices of the Cathedral Choir to the magnificent sound of its organ.

The Very Reverend Dr Edward Dowler, Dean of Chichester said,

“For 950 years, music has filled Chichester Cathedral, uplifting worshippers and inspiring pilgrims and visitors. 

“Cathedral music is more than an ancient tradition, it is a living, breathing part of our shared heritage and a wonderful gift to hand on to future generations. 

“This match-funding opportunity allows us to ensure it continues for the next 950 years.”

In 2024, the cathedral launched The Cathedral’s Platinum Endowment Trust for Music, which is building a £5 million fund to provide long-term financial stability for its world-class music programme.

With £2.8 million already secured – excluding the new £950,000 match-funding pledge – this campaign presents a transformative opportunity to bridge the gap and bring the Cathedral closer to its £5 million goal.

Once fully funded, the endowment will generate sustainable income to support not only choral services at the Cathedral, but a world-class musical education for young people, organ scholarships, and free lunchtime concerts.

Alison George, Director of Fundraising, said:

“With no financial support from the Government or the Church of England, Chichester Cathedral relies primarily on donations. Thanks to the generosity of our match-funding donors, every gift will have twice the impact, helping to secure a lasting legacy for future generations.

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