This legislation aims to support the restoration and preservation of churches and church antiquities defined in the Ecclesiastical Law § 17. The extended investment framework for interest compensation program expands the financing provided by the Norwegian Government to cover the cost of restoring and renovating churches in need. The program provides financial support for restoration and refurbishment of religious structures and church art with antique value. It does not cover the cost of regular maintenance work on the buildings.
The legislation sets the minimum cost of eligible projects at 100,000 NOK, while multiple projects for the same church, or joint efforts for more than one church, can be covered under one application. While the program does not require loan financing, it may set prioritisation rules. It does not have an application deadline, and applications will be processed, on a rolling basis, upon receipt by the Husbanken. The program prioritises the restoration of protected and conserved historical churches and therefore their restoration will be prioritised.
A total of 450 million NOK was set aside for the extended investment framework for interest compensation program. The program helps promote the preservation of traditional sacral art and architecture while also supporting the regional churches as essential and significant cultural heritage. The legislation ultimately aims to use the interest compensation program to restore and preserve these living heritage structures for future generations.
