The bill to renovate Glenswilly Parish church could cost up to €300,000.
Urgent repairs are needed at St Columba’s Church with the roof among a number of areas which need to be addressed.
More than 150 attended a meeting at the local GAA hall last Tuesday to hear the extent of the task ahead for parishioners.
Masses have moved to the local parish hall for the meantime.
A fundraising committee made up of many local people including solicitors Cathal Quinn, Patsy Gallagher and Parish Priest Fr Hugh Sweeney was also formed.
The roof of the 172 year old church is also understood to contain woodworm.