Officials at Christ Church in Fenton, are trying to source £250,000 to pay for a raft of improvements inside and outside the Grade II-listed building.
Plans for the first stage have been submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council and are awaiting a decision.
The proposals include building a new boundary wall, putting up metal railings, having the building illuminated from the outside and constructing a ramp by the old main entrance.
That phase would cost an estimated £250,000, but there are also plans in the pipeline for approximately £270,000 worth of other work on the 1890 building.
Fenton councillor Paul Shotton has been helping the church with the plans.
He said: "This is a landmark building in the town centre.
"I believe Fenton has missed out on some opportunities which other town centres have benefited from.
"The church illuminated at night will give a really nice feeling in the town centre."
The plans were drawn up after a tree pushed a wall over next to the church.
Many of the walls have fallen into disrepair due to vandalism and neglect.
Church warden Dilys Jobber said: "The wall is a health and safety threat at the moment so it has got to be done.
"We would hate anyone to be walking past and it cause someone an injury."
She added: "The church is a Grade II listed building.
"The square it is in is a conservation area so the work is very important."
Railings which used to be on the church site are thought to have been removed during the Second World War and never replaced. If the plans are passed, similar railings will be put up.
Part of the plans also include opening up the church's old main entrance on Christchurch Street.
People visiting the church currently have to use a side entrance on Gimson Street because gravestones were laid in front of the other entrance.
These stones could be moved and the entrance opened up, along with a ramp constructed as an alternative to the steep steps.
Councillor Shotton said: "For years, people have had to use the side entrance for weddings and funerals.
"We want to get those gravestones relocated to put the entrance back in use and install a ramp to improve access."
He added: "Christ Church is a beautiful church of national significance and I would urge the people of Fenton to visit it."
The city council would pay for part of the first lot of work, but other funding is also being sourced.
A "substantial" amount has been raised towards setting up a community facility, thought to cost around £120,000.
The internal work, which includes the restoration of a font and aisles and improving internal lighting and the sound system, would cost about £150,000.
Funding for this work is being sought from a number of different sources.
Church officials hope to get the project started quickly but say it will depend on funding.
Anyone who wants to donate money to help the church with the scheme can contact Mrs Jobber on 01782 411393.