Major Boost for African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund with $40 Million Donation

A Transformative Donation for Cultural Heritage

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund (Action Fund), a vital segment of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has proudly announced the receipt of a remarkable $40 million gift from renowned philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This generous contribution is a continuation of her previous involvement, which included a $20 million donation in 2021. Brent Leggs, the executive director of the Action Fund, emphasized the importance of Scott's ongoing investment in historical preservation, stating, "The scale and impact of MacKenzie Scott's continued investment in historic preservation is leaving an enduring mark on our nation's history, and we are grateful for her philanthropic leadership."

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, this kind of transformative funding symbolizes the potency of philanthropy and underlines the Action Fund's crucial role in safeguarding and expanding the narrative of American history for future generations. Carol Quillen, the President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, expressed her gratitude, stating, "Thank you to MacKenzie Scott for her far-reaching vision and for recognizing the purpose and singular impact of the Action Fund. This investment is a testament to Brent Leggs' extraordinary leadership and underscores the distinctive power of historic preservation to honor the lives, achievements, and contributions of all Americans."

Founded in 2017, the Action Fund stands as the largest privately funded initiative devoted to preserving sites significant to African American history across the United States. To this date, the Action Fund has received funding requests amounting to over $1.2 billion from various preservation projects, highlighting the extensive need for resources to maintain these crucial historical locations. With the recent $40 million donation, along with backing from other philanthropic organizations like the Ford Foundation, Freedom Together Foundation, and Lilly Endowment Inc., the Action Fund has successfully raised nearly $200 million thus far, benefiting over 378 preservation projects nationwide.

Despite these strides, the need for additional funding remains critical to ensuring that this vital work remains intertwined with the mission of the National Trust and the preservation narrative of our country moving forward. This ongoing effort aims to create a lasting impact by focusing on sites connected with African American activism, achievement, and resilience.

About the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund

The National Trust for Historic Preservation established the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund in November 2017, intending to make a profound, enduring contribution to saving sites integral to the Black experience in America. Guided by Brent Leggs, an esteemed leader in preservation, and an expert team along with a National Advisory Council made up of leaders in various fields, the Action Fund works collaboratively to address significant historical preservation needs across the country.

For more detailed information about the Action Fund, visit www.savingplaces.org/actionfund.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation

Established in 1949 and chartered by Congress, the National Trust for Historic Preservation is dedicated to protecting America's historic landscapes and buildings representing the country's rich cultural diversity. The organization's mission is to inspire broad public support and engagement for historical preservation while working alongside partners to educate the public and engage communities to address urgent challenges through preservation efforts. For additional insights into the National Trust's mission and initiatives, please visit www.savingplaces.org.