#United States #Washington #Grant Program #Black Churches #Preservation Fund

Preserving Black Churches Application Period Now Open

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has officially opened the application period for its highly anticipated Preserving Black Churches grant program. This initiative is part of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, dedicated to uplifting historically significant Black churches and their communities across the United States.

About the Program

Launched with a substantial budget of $60 million, the grant program aims to provide essential financial support to churches that play a critical role in the narrative of Black history in America. With grant amounts ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, eligible recipients will be able to strengthen their historical preservation efforts, ensuring that these vital places of worship continue serving their communities for years to come.

In its first two years, the program has made significant strides. In 2025 alone, a total of $8.5 million was distributed to 30 historic Black churches across 19 states, reflecting the initiative's broad impact — from rural areas to bustling urban centers. To date, the program has invested $19.5 million in 108 historic Black churches, spanning from Alaska to Florida.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility is primarily focused on entities that preserve sites of historical significance tied to African American heritage, including:

• - Historically Black churches that have been active congregations with a historic building at least 50 years old (or 35 years if they hold exceptional significance).
• - Churches constructed or used by historically Black congregations or designed by Black architects/builders.
• - Facilities repurposed for arts and cultural programming that engage with the heritage of Black communities.

To apply, interested organizations must submit a complete application via the National Trust's online grant application platform.

Highlights from the Grant Program

The National Trust's Action Fund is not resting on its laurels. In the broader context of 2025, the National Grant Program has allocated a total of $13.5 million to enhance 56 sites across the nation. This clear investment reinforces the notion that preserving Black history is not merely about acknowledgment — it’s about financial commitment to sustaining it.

In light of this, the National Trust encourages interested parties to join an upcoming Q/A webinar on August 14th at 7 PM EST, which will cover eligibility, application processes, and funding priorities. Those wishing to participate can register here.

Conclusion

As we blow past barriers in documenting and preserving Black history, the National Trust is proving that these churches and their stories significantly contribute not just to the preservation of history but also to the cultural and spiritual fabric of American society. For further information and to start your application today, please visit the official website.