National Fund for Sacred Places
National Fund for Sacred Places supports congregations with capital projects, planning, and technical assistance to preserve historic houses of worship and sustain their role as community centers.
Funder: National Trust for Historic Preservation
Due Dates: January 12, 2027 (Applications open) | March 3, 2027 (Application deadline, 11:59 p.m. EST) | October 2027 (Final notifications)
Funding Amounts: Matching capital grants of $50,000–$500,000, plus planning grants, training, and technical assistance
Summary: Supports congregations undertaking significant capital projects to preserve community-serving historic houses of worship across America.
Key Information: Congregations from any faith tradition may apply.
Description
The National Fund for Sacred Places provides financial and technical support to congregations preserving historic houses of worship that serve their communities. Established in 2016, it is a program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The program supports significant capital projects while building congregations’ capacity to steward historic religious properties and sustain their role as community centers.
Partners for Sacred Places provides planning grants, technical assistance, and capacity-building support, while the National Trust contributes preservation expertise and capital grants. Supported by Lilly Endowment Inc., the program connects historic preservation with community investment, helping congregations use their facilities to strengthen, serve, and celebrate their communities.
