Preserving Black Churches Application Period is Open

Up to $500,000 in Grants Available for Churches Preserving African American Heritage

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at the National Trust for Historic Preservation is pleased to announce that the application period is now open for its Preserving Black Churches grant program, a $60 million national initiative dedicated to uplifting historically Black churches and the communities that preserve them.

This program provides vital financial support to historically Black churches or congregations that steward sites of profound significance of Black history. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 are available to help recipients reimagine, redesign and strengthen their historic preservation efforts.

Established in 2023, the Preserving Black Churches program has grown into a cornerstone of the Action Fund's mission. In 2025 alone, the Action Fund awarded $8.5 million in grants to 30 historic Black churches across 19 states – from rural towns to major cities. Since its inception, the program has invested $19.5 million in 108 historic Black churches, spanning from Alaska to Florida.

Eligibility is limited to entities that preserve sites of historical significance of African American heritage. This includes historically Black churches – typically an active congregation with a historic building at least 50 years old (or 35 if of exceptional significance) – that were constructed or used by historically Black congregations or designed by Black architects/builders. In addition, historically Black churches repurposed for arts and cultural programming are eligible. Interested applicants must submit a full application through the Action Fund and National Trust's online grant application system.

In 2025, the Action Fund's National Grant Program has awarded $13.5 million to support 56 sites across the nation. We're proving that Black history is not just worth preserving, it's worth investing in.

If you are interested in learning more, we encourage you to view a pre-recorded applicant information session or register to attend the upcoming Q/A webinar on August 14th at 7PM EST. The session will provide guidance on eligibility, application requirements, and funding priorities. Register for the webinar here.

For complete eligibility details and to begin your application, please visit this link

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE National Trust for Historic Preservation