Did you know the National Trust for Historic Preservation awarded $8.5 million in 2025 to preserve 30 historically Black churches nationwide? These grants don’t just patch roofs—they safeguard essential symbols of community strength and history, enabling urgent repairs, stewardship growth, and innovative programs. Yet, many churches still face formidable challenges. Understanding the eligibility, application process, and impact of these grants reveals why preserving these sacred spaces matters more than ever.
Key Takeaways
- Grants for Black churches support preservation, capital repairs, sustainability endowments, and innovative programming, with awards up to $500,000 for restoration projects[BACKGROUND].
- Eligible applicants include historically Black congregations, nonprofits, preservation groups, and public agencies, with historic buildings generally required to be 50+ years old or 35+ with relevant heritage[BACKGROUND].
- Application process involves submitting an online Letter of Intent in summer 2025, followed by detailed applications for invited projects including budget and high-resolution photos[BACKGROUND].
- Ineligible expenses include new construction, cemetery restoration, archival conservation, debt repayment, and costs incurred before grant awards[BACKGROUND].
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund has awarded multimillion-dollar grants emphasizing community stewardship and preserving Black historic sites[BACKGROUND].
Eligibility Criteria for Grants
Although many applicants may qualify, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility requirements to apply for grants supporting Black churches.
Eligible applicants include active congregations of historically Black churches, 501(c)(3) nonprofits stewarding non-active church buildings, preservation organizations, public agencies, and accredited institutions.
To qualify, historic structures typically must be at least 50 years old, or 35 with significant African American heritage relevance. Religious buildings must be actively used by congregations for certain categories.
Only one Letter of Intent per project category is allowed, and previous grant recipients from the National Trust for Historic Preservation or Action Fund can reapply with new projects.
Application Process and Timeline
You’ll start by submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI) in Summer 2025 to kick off your application.
Then, once invited, you’ll complete a full application through the National Trust’s online grant system, where you can create or log into your user profile.
Keep an eye on deadlines and resources like the video tutorial, and remember you can only submit one LOI per project category, so plan carefully.
Letter of Intent Deadlines
When preparing to apply for the Preserving Black Churches grant, you must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by a designated deadline in Summer 2025, with the exact date still to be announced.
This LOI marks your first step in the application process through the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Eligible applicants, including historic Black churches and affiliated nonprofits, may submit one LOI per project category.
All LOIs must be submitted online via the National Trust’s system; failure to comply will halt review.
After acceptance, full applications follow, with decisions reviewed by December.
For help, contact [email protected].
Full Application Submission
After submitting your Letter of Intent, you’ll gain access to the full application through your user profile on the National Trust’s online grant system.
This step is essential for applying to the Preserving Black Churches grant, part of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund’s mission to protect historic Black churches.
The full application requires detailed information about your church, project scope, budget, and high-resolution photos.
Complete your submission by the announced deadline to guarantee your grant request is reviewed.
To assist you, a video tutorial is available, and questions can be directed to [email protected].
Notifications follow the December review.
Online System Access
The application process for the Preserving Black Churches grant takes place entirely through the National Trust’s online grant system, where you must create a user profile if new or log in if returning.
This digital platform is your gateway to accessing essential funding for preserving historically Black congregations and sites.
Key points for maneuvering the system:
- Submit your Letter of Intent (LOI) by Summer 2025 to begin your application
- Complete all application materials online—no paper or email submissions accepted
- Use the provided video tutorial for step-by-step guidance
- Eligible applicants may apply for one project category per LOI
- Contact [email protected] with any questions
Stay ready to act and make your preservation vision a reality with this streamlined online process through the National Trust’s grants platform.
Grant Categories and Funding Details
When applying for grants, you’ll find five key categories to evaluate: Capital Projects, Sustainability and Endowment, Programming and Planning.
Capital Projects can award up to $500,000 for restoring historic buildings, while Endowment grants require a 1:1 fundraising match and can provide up to $300,000 over three years.
Programming and Planning grants support innovative programs and strategic consultant services, typically offering up to $100,000 with specific guidelines for use and timelines.
Capital Project Funding
Although historic Black churches have long served as essential community anchors, their preservation often requires significant resources, which Capital Projects grants specifically address by providing up to $500,000 for restoration and urgent repairs.
These grants, managed by the National Trust, support preservation activities focused on historic Black church buildings, addressing deferred maintenance and guaranteeing continued community significance.
To access funding, you submit one Letter of Intent through the National Trust’s online system per project category.
Capital Projects grants enable you to:
- Restore interior and exterior architectural features
- Address urgent repair needs and deferred maintenance
- Preserve culturally significant spaces occupied by active congregations
- Strengthen your church’s role within the community
- Safeguard historic Black church buildings typically over 50 years old
These efforts secure the sustainability and importance of these crucial cultural landmarks.
Sustainability and Endowment
To sustain your historic Black church’s legacy and mission, the Preserving Black Churches program offers targeted grants that build financial resilience through endowment funding and operational support.
The Endowment and Financial Sustainability grants require a 1:1 fundraising match within three years to strengthen your church’s preservation endowment.
For operational growth, Organizational Capacity grants provide up to $300,000 without matching funds to support full-time staff, enhancing your church’s sustainability and capacity.
These grants empower your historic congregation by securing essential funding to maintain stewardship, preserve heritage, and advance the historic mission through sustainable endowment and capacity building.
Programming and Planning
- Support for innovative programs and strategic planning
- Up to $100,000 in funding with indirect cost allowance
- Improve preservation activities and operational capacity
- Empower active historically Black congregations and nonprofits
- Foster education, outreach, and community connection
Ineligible Activities and Expenses
When planning your project budget for a Preserving Black Churches grant, you need to be aware that certain ineligible activities won’t qualify for grant funding.
This includes costs for constructing new buildings, monuments, parking lots, and restoration capital projects related to cemetery maintenance.
You can’t include expenses incurred before the grant award date, such as catering or entertainment.
Likewise, purchasing sound and audiovisual equipment, funding mortgages and debt repayment, or supporting conservation of records and archival materials are excluded.
Align your budget carefully to avoid these ineligible expenses and maximize your grant’s impact.
Importance of Preserving Historically Black Churches
- Reflect the enduring spirit of Black history
- Serve as sacred community centers and safe havens
- Showcase the architectural and cultural contributions of African Americans
- Provide venues for social and political activism
- Symbolize the resilience and achievements across generations
Challenges Faced by Black Churches and Need for Funding
Historically Black churches have long stood as pillars of faith, culture, and activism within their communities, yet many now face urgent challenges that threaten their very existence.
You confront significant funding shortfalls and deferred maintenance, which can lead to structural deterioration and potential demolitions. Aging congregations and urban development pressures exacerbate these issues, necessitating urgent repairs and dedicated resources for preservation.
Effective stewardship and maintenance are critical to prevent closures and guarantee the ongoing cultural significance of these churches. Securing funding and resources is essential to overcome these challenges.
Examples of Recent Grant Recipients and Projects
Although securing funding remains a persistent challenge, recent grant awards demonstrate how historic Black churches are actively preserving their legacies and innovating for the future.
These grants from the Preserving Black Churches initiative, led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, support essential capital projects, financial sustainability, and community engagement with heritage.
- New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit received $500,000 for a new roof and water damage repairs.
- A.M.E. Zion Church in Charlotte established a preservation endowment for long-term financial sustainability.
- Historic Bethel Baptist Church in Birmingham secured funding for augmented reality programming.
- Over $8 million was awarded to 30 churches this year alone.
- The initiative totals $19.5 million invested in preserving 108 congregations nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get Grants for My Church?
You access funding sources by confirming eligibility criteria, then navigate the application process online, emphasizing strong grant writing and financial management. Build community support, track grant reporting carefully, and use available resources to strengthen your church’s application.
How to Get a Grant for Being Black?
Imagine standing in a community center buzzing with hope as you investigate grant eligibility—you’ll connect with funding sources enthusiastic to support your vision. Nail grant writing and the application process by highlighting your mission, build community outreach, secure nonprofit support, and access essential financial assistance to transform dreams into reality.
Do Churches Receive Federal Grants?
You can access federal funding through various grant programs designed for religious organizations, but you must meet strict church eligibility criteria. Steering the grant application process with detailed community outreach plans boosts your chances for critical financial support.
Are Black Churches Awarded $8.5 Million in Grants for Preservation?
You’re walking through a living tapestry of cultural heritage when you engage with historic preservation grants awarding $8.5 million to Black churches. These funds spark community engagement, fuel church restoration, and foster financial sustainability through grant applications and funding opportunities that honor enduring legacies.
Conclusion
Like a steadfast oak weathering every storm, historic Black churches stand as pillars of faith and community strength. By securing targeted grants, you’re not only addressing urgent repairs but also nurturing these sacred spaces as vibrant centers of culture, social change, and spiritual empowerment. Accept these opportunities to protect their legacy, promote sustainability, and guarantee that the stories and spirit of your church live on to inspire generations to come.
