National Trust's African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Expands Support for Historically Black Churches with $13.5 Million Grants
The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has recently announced a significant expansion of its funding efforts, committing $13.5 million to protect and preserve historically Black churches. This generous funding, which comes in two phases, includes $5 million awarded on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and an additional $8.5 million distributed in grants to 33 churches across the United States.
Historically Black churches have long been more than just places of worship; they serve as cultural and community hubs for African Americans. They have been the backbone of many movements for social justice and community development, acting as sanctuaries for leadership and activism. The Action Fund’s initiative recognizes the vital role these institutions play in nurturing faith and culture while fostering democratic values and community resilience.
Brent Leggs, the executive director of the Action Fund, emphasized the importance of this investment in preserving these churches. "America's 250th anniversary is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable legacy of our nation’s historically Black churches," he stated. This initiative not only safeguards historical buildings but also ensures that the living legacy of resilience and social progress continues for future generations.
The new grant funding is part of the Preserving Black Churches (PBC) program, which is a $60 million initiative backed by Lilly Endowment Inc. The program is designed to support congregations and organizations that care for historically Black churches, providing them with both financial resources and technical expertise necessary for preservation efforts.
Since the program's inception, nearly $34 million has been awarded to support over 170 churches from locations as diverse as Alaska to Puerto Rico. The grants this year range from $50,000 to $500,000, addressing immediate needs in areas like capital projects, financial sustainability, and organizational capacity. Leggs notes that these investments are crucial for empowering churches as enduring institutions.
In concert with the funding on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this latest round of grants marks one of the most significant investment commitments in the history of the PBC program. It demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring that historically Black churches are able to continue their legacy as safekeeping institutions for faith, justice, and community leadership.
Leggs remarked that these churches are essential civic institutions that have not only anchored democracy but also provided a space for collective care for generations. As they face various challenges, the Action Fund's focus is clear: by investing in their preservation, we are directly participating in safeguarding the stories, struggles, and triumphs that these churches embody.
With the continued support from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Action Fund will keep striving to fortify and support Black churches across the United States. The complete list of 2026 grantees and detailed information about the various projects being supported can be found on the Action Fund's announcement page.
In conclusion, the efforts to protect historically Black churches through this funding initiative signify a broader commitment to ensuring that these vital institutions continue to thrive, preserving not just buildings, but the rich legacy and cultural heritage they represent. The Action Fund's goal will extend well beyond these financial investments, as they work towards securing a future where these churches can operate as flourishing centers of community and progress for many more generations to come.
Historically Black churches have long been more than just places of worship; they serve as cultural and community hubs for African Americans. They have been the backbone of many movements for social justice and community development, acting as sanctuaries for leadership and activism. The Action Fund’s initiative recognizes the vital role these institutions play in nurturing faith and culture while fostering democratic values and community resilience.
Brent Leggs, the executive director of the Action Fund, emphasized the importance of this investment in preserving these churches. "America's 250th anniversary is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable legacy of our nation’s historically Black churches," he stated. This initiative not only safeguards historical buildings but also ensures that the living legacy of resilience and social progress continues for future generations.
The new grant funding is part of the Preserving Black Churches (PBC) program, which is a $60 million initiative backed by Lilly Endowment Inc. The program is designed to support congregations and organizations that care for historically Black churches, providing them with both financial resources and technical expertise necessary for preservation efforts.
Since the program's inception, nearly $34 million has been awarded to support over 170 churches from locations as diverse as Alaska to Puerto Rico. The grants this year range from $50,000 to $500,000, addressing immediate needs in areas like capital projects, financial sustainability, and organizational capacity. Leggs notes that these investments are crucial for empowering churches as enduring institutions.
In concert with the funding on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this latest round of grants marks one of the most significant investment commitments in the history of the PBC program. It demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring that historically Black churches are able to continue their legacy as safekeeping institutions for faith, justice, and community leadership.
Leggs remarked that these churches are essential civic institutions that have not only anchored democracy but also provided a space for collective care for generations. As they face various challenges, the Action Fund's focus is clear: by investing in their preservation, we are directly participating in safeguarding the stories, struggles, and triumphs that these churches embody.
With the continued support from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Action Fund will keep striving to fortify and support Black churches across the United States. The complete list of 2026 grantees and detailed information about the various projects being supported can be found on the Action Fund's announcement page.
In conclusion, the efforts to protect historically Black churches through this funding initiative signify a broader commitment to ensuring that these vital institutions continue to thrive, preserving not just buildings, but the rich legacy and cultural heritage they represent. The Action Fund's goal will extend well beyond these financial investments, as they work towards securing a future where these churches can operate as flourishing centers of community and progress for many more generations to come.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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