National Program Will Award Over Two Million Dollars in Grants
to 15 Historically Significant Congregations Across the U.S.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, October 20, 2021—The National Fund for Sacred Places, a program
managed by Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation,
is pleased to announce that 15 historic congregations across the United States have been selected to
join this prestigious program. Each congregation is receiving a grant of up to $250,0000 to support its
project and will be able to work with consultants at the Fund to ensure a successful outcome.
The National Fund for Sacred Places is a unique and highly competitive program that supports
congregations with buildings that have historical significance and architectural character and that play
an essential role in meeting the larger social, economic, and spiritual needs of the communities they
serve. During these uncertain and turbulent times, both large and small congregations are being
challenged to care for and share their historic buildings in new ways that benefit both members and
their larger communities. The Fund recognizes their contributions and seeks to support their efforts.
"The 15 sacred places selected to join our Fund this year are more than beautiful houses of worship.
They are irreplaceable civic assets that provide invaluable resources to their communities, sharing space
for everything from COVID-19 vaccinations to nutritional food programs and child care programs," said
Bob Jaeger, President of Partners for Sacred Places. "I am so pleased that we have tailored programs
that preserve and uplift civic assets to improve communities and enrich lives. Over the next few years,
the team at Partners for Sacred Places will work closely and collaboratively with the National Trust for
Historic Preservation to help awardees to renovate their buildings so they can grow their ministries and
thrive for many years to come."
”The National Trust for Historic Preservation is proud to support the community landmarks and historic
treasures represented by the 15 congregations joining the Fund this year,” said Paul Edmondson,
President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “These places, which include the
oldest Protestant church in continuous use in the State of Idaho, a cornerstone of Reconstruction Era
history in South Carolina, a Mexican-American landmark in El Paso, and our country’s Washington
National Cathedral, illuminate the rich diversity of our American heritage and provide essential
resources and services to their communities, particularly in these difficult times.”