Preserving Black Churches

The Preserving Black Churches grant program is a signature initiative of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This initiative, launched in 2023, is backed by a significant $60 million philanthropic investment from the Lilly Endowment Inc., with the goal of supporting the preservation of historically Black churches throughout the United States. These institutions are regarded as some of the oldest establishments created and controlled by African Americans, serving as essential places of worship, social and cultural hubs, and anchors of community resilience and service. The grant responds to the increasing need to conserve and support these spaces, which often face underfunding, maintenance backlogs, aging memberships, and the risk of demolition. The program provides financial assistance to historically Black churches—whether currently active or undergoing transformation for continued community use—to help them carry out preservation-related projects. Grants range between $50,000 and $500,000. The funding can be applied toward capital improvements, project planning, interpretation and programming, organizational capacity building, and support for long-term financial sustainability, including the creation of endowments. The program’s scope also includes rapid response emergency grants to address urgent threats such as fire damage, arson, water infiltration, or natural disasters. The overarching goal is to enhance the stewardship, operation, and impact of these culturally significant institutions. The eligibility criteria for this grant include historically Black churches and congregations that can demonstrate their relevance to Black heritage and their plans for preservation-based activities. The program does not explicitly outline restrictions by state or geographic area, suggesting that it is open nationwide. Applicants are encouraged to present projects that preserve or reinterpret the historical and cultural narratives embedded in these churches, while also demonstrating strong community ties and sustainable project planning. Grants may be awarded directly to churches or through partner organizations, such as preservation or community nonprofits. The application process is currently open, with submissions due by September 12, 2025. No specific pre-application deadlines or letter of intent requirements are mentioned. Interested applicants are encouraged to review detailed program guidelines and FAQs, which are accessible via the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s website. The site also provides contact details for questions, including a dedicated email (info@savingplaces.org) and phone numbers (202-588-6000 or toll-free 800-944-6847). The Preserving Black Churches program was created not only to support bricks-and-mortar preservation but also to amplify the stories and legacies tied to these sacred spaces. Past recipients have included churches central to significant historical events, such as the African Meeting House in Boston, Clayborn Temple in Memphis, and St. Luke C.M.E. Church in North Carolina. In addition to funding, the program helps build the capacity of grantees through innovative stewardship models, public awareness campaigns, and technical partnerships. This grant opportunity is part of a larger ecosystem of support offered by the National Trust and its partners. It complements but operates independently from the National Fund for Sacred Places, another major grant initiative supported by the Lilly Endowment Inc. While both programs aim to preserve historic houses of worship, Preserving Black Churches specifically uplifts Black congregational history and its enduring legacy. This dedicated program continues to invest in the spaces that have been central to African American life, history, culture, and justice.