What We Offer
Christ Church Philadelphia by Samuel Markey
Core Criteria
The National Fund for Sacred Places assesses grant requests according to the core criteria shown below, while also striving to build a diverse participant pool that reflects a broad range of geographic, cultural, and religious identities.
We particularly encourage congregations to apply that illiminate a unique or overlooked aspect of American history, and that expand our understanding of our shared national heritage. We encourage submissions related to historic sacred places of importance to historically and contemporaneously underrepresented communities including, but not limited to, women, immigrants, Asian Americans, Black Americans, Latine Americans, Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and LGBTQIA communities.
We prioritize projects where there is a demonstrated need (meaning that the congregation cannot raise the funds alone), or where it is clear that a National Fund grant will have a catalytic effect (meaning that our grant is likely to lead to additional monies being contributed to the project).
Historic, Cultural, or Architectural Significance
The National Fund for Sacred Places supports congregations undertaking significant capital projects at purpose-built historic houses of worship. The National Fund prioritizes buildings that have historic, cultural, or architectural significance; particularly those that are significant at the national or regional level. Designation as a local landmark or listing on the National Register of Historic Places is not required, but referring to the National Register criteria can help clarify the ways in which a historic house of worship is significant.
Community-Serving Congregations
The National Fund prioritizes congregations that are engaged in their communities and that are providing public value. Engaged congregations operate and host programming that serves non-members and/or vulnerable and at-risk populations; share space with non-affiliated groups and organizations (often at subsidized rates); partner and collaborate with other congregations, faith-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, and/or municipalities; and have a widespread reputation for being a welcoming center of community life and as an anchoring institution.
Project Scope and Need
We fund historic preservation projects addressing urgent repair needs related to structural components, walls, roof, and/or other elements of the building envelope that are integral to a building’s preservation and longevity. Projects that improve functionality or improve accessibility of the property in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are also eligible, as well as renovation projects that make vacant or underused space usable for community outreach, but applicants should demonstrate that urgent repair needs to the building envelope have already been identified by a building conditions assessment and addressed before proposing ADA or interior rehabilitation projects.
All projects must respect the property’s historic character and materials, and adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
Fundraising Readiness
All National Fund grants require a 1:1 cash match, so applicants must demonstrate that they are able to raise matching funds within the two-year grant period. Applicants must demonstrate a need for project funds that exceeds the congregation’s typical donor base and membership. Successful applicants have begun to lay the groundwork for fundraising by undertaking some or all of the following activities, although this is not an exhaustive list: building the team that will oversee the campaign or effort; establishing realistic fundraising goals; brainstorming prospective donors; beginning to plan fundraising events, etc. We encourage congregations undertaking capital projects larger than $500,000 to work with a fundraising professional.
Healthy Congregations
The National Fund prioritizes healthy, stable congregations so that our investment is truly impactful and lasting. We look for some or all of the following, although this is not an exhaustive list of characteristics that indicate healthy congregations: tenured, well-respected clergy; capable lay leadership; stable or growing membership; financial strength and stability; consensus around project goals; positive and supportive relationship with regional denominational offices, if applicable; and a history of weathering challenges with resilience. We also take into consideration the congregation’s commitment to the care and long-term stewardship of its building, with an understanding that the building is an asset for ministry and is central to congregational life.
Strong Applications
The National Fund is a very competitive grant program. It is important that congregations complete the application in full with all attachments; make a compelling case for support; and clearly communicate the key details of their project.
Grant Eligibility
Is your building, congregation, and project eligible? Read the eligibility guidelines and requirements, or use the self-assessment questionnaire to determine if you are a good fit for the National Fund for Sacred Places program.
First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe by Krista Peterson
Interested in applying to the National Fund for Sacred Places?
Grant Conditions
Grant recipients will be required to sign a contract agreeing to the conditions of the National Fund program. Grant conditions include, but are not limited to:
Grant funds are restricted solely for use on the project; and the project will not result in the demolition of a historic building or have an adverse impact on historic resources.
Grant recipients must acknowledge that the National Fund for Sacred Places is a historic preservation program, not a program for new construction.
Any documents or plans for preservation work that result from the project must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
All procurement of goods and services for the project shall be conducted in a manner that provides maximum open and free competition and consideration of minority and women-owned business enterprises. Grantee must also maintain adequate procedures to ensure that the procurement of goods and services, including consultant services, do not present a conflict of interest.
No part of the grant will be used for lobbying activities or to participate in any political campaign in support of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office.
Grant recipients must acknowledge the support of the National Fund for Sacred Places in all print, audio, electronic, and film/video media that it produces concerning the project.
Subject to the “ministerial exception” (or other applicable First Amendment exceptions to which Grantee is entitled), as such exceptions are defined by judicial decisions, federal statutes, or such other federal laws as may be applicable, and as modified from time to time, Grantee agrees not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, creed, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, mental and physical disabilities, sex (including pregnancy), personal appearance, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation or veteran status.
Consultants must be approved by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Partners for Sacred Places prior to the distribution of funds.
National Fund grants may not be used to cover administrative costs or to subsidize staff salaries.
Grant projects must be completed within the timeframe outlined in the Grant Agreement. Projects cannot begin construction until National Fund staff have reviewed and approved provided plans and documentation.
A final report and financial accounting of the expenditure of the grant funds must be submitted within one month of the project completion date. A final report form will be provided. If the project is not completed in accordance with the grant agreement, the grant funds must be returned.
Program Details
Learn more about what we offer, including additional information about training support, planning grants, technical assistance, capital grants, and matching funds.
Sacred Heart Parish by Sacred Heart Parish
Apply For A Grant
Learn more about project eligibility, grant requirements, the application process, and how you can get started.
First Congregational United Church of Christ by Steve Bourne
Stories and Media Coverage
Read more about how the National Fund for Sacred Places is helping congregations around the country rehabilitate their sacred places.
Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church by Luis P. Gutierrez