The National Fund for Sacred Places
Expands Its Reach
by Chad Martin
I
n the fall of 2016, Partners for
Sacred Places launched The Na-
tional Fund for Sacred Places,
an innovative, new grant-
making program to support the pres-
ervation of landmark religious build-
ings across the country. The National
Fund for Sacred Places, a collabora-
tion between Partners and the Na-
tional Trust for Historic Preserva-
tion, and made possible by Lilly En-
dowment, provides:
• Training, capacity-building and
technical assistance to ensure that
grant-funded projects are success-
fully planned and implemented.
• Grants for the planning and execu-
tion of urgent capital projects at
historic sacred places that are val-
ued for their cultural importance
as well as their role in providing
human services, strengthening
communities, and revitalizing
neighborhoods.
The combined training, consult-
ing, and financial resources will also
help congregations make the most of
their facilities as agents of commu-
nity renewal, encouraging collabora-
tions with outside groups to activate
spaces in exciting and innovative
ways that draw people to the sacred
place and encourage investment in
the community.
The National Fund will award
grants of up to $250,000 to at least 50
4 • SACRED PLACES • AUTUMN/WINTER 2017-18
First Church of Christ,
also known as Center
Church, Hartford,
Connecticut. 2016-17
National Fund awardee
using capital grant
funds for major
restoration project of
the iconic steeple.
Photo: Center Church.