Preserve Sacred Spaces Strengthen Communities: National Fund for Sacred Places Grant Opportunity for Congregations

Historic houses of worship are more than buildings — they are anchors of community life, centers of service, and living testaments to faith, culture, and resilience. The National Fund for Sacred Places exists to help congregations protect these sacred spaces while expanding their capacity to serve the common good.

If your congregation worships in a historic building and is facing urgent repair needs, this nationally recognized grant program could be the catalyst that preserves your space and amplifies your impact.

At a Glance – National Fund for Sacred Places

Status: Applications Open Annually

Application Launch: January 13, 2026

Applications Due: March 3, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)

Final Notifications: October 2026

Grant Types & Amounts:

• Planning Grants: Up to $20,000

• Capital Grants: $50,000 – $500,000 (1:1 cash match required)

  
  

Eligible Applicants:

Historic congregations of any faith tradition worshiping in purpose-built historic sacred places

Administered By:

Partners for Sacred Places, in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation Funded primarily by Lilly Endowment Inc.

Why This Grant Matters for Congregations

Across the U.S., more than 100,000 historic houses of worship quietly sustain communities by hosting food pantries, recovery groups, arts programming, social services, and interfaith gatherings — often at little or no cost.

Yet many congregations struggle to maintain aging, architecturally complex facilities with limited resources.

The National Fund for Sacred Places focuses on projects that are:

• Urgent (structural or envelope-related needs)

• Catalytic (likely to unlock additional funding)

• Community-centered (serving more than just members)

  
  

This makes the program ideal for congregations that see their building not just as a sanctuary — but as a mission tool.

What the National Fund Looks For

1. Historic, Cultural, or Architectural Significance

The National Fund prioritizes purpose-built historic houses of worship that possess national, regional, or strong local significance. These buildings may be important for their architectural design, cultural heritage, or historical role within their community. While formal designation as a landmark or inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places is not required, congregations are encouraged to clearly articulate why their building matters and how it contributes to the broader historical narrative of the region.

2. Community-Serving Congregations

Funded congregations demonstrate a deep and ongoing commitment to serving their communities beyond their membership. These congregations provide public value by supporting vulnerable and at-risk populations, partnering with nonprofits, municipalities, or other faith-based organizations, and sharing their space with community groups—often at reduced or no cost. The National Fund looks for congregations that are widely recognized as welcoming, trusted neighborhood anchors and centers of community life.

3. Project Scope & Urgent Need

The National Fund supports preservation projects that address urgent repair needs critical to a building’s longevity and historic integrity. Eligible projects include repairs to roofs, walls, foundations, and other structural or building envelope components, as well as restoration work that preserves historic materials. Projects that improve accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or renovate underused space for community outreach are also eligible, provided that urgent structural needs have already been identified through a building conditions assessment and addressed. All proposed work must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

4. Fundraising Readiness

All capital grants awarded through the National Fund require a 1:1 cash match, with matching funds raised after a congregation’s acceptance into the program. Strong applicants demonstrate realistic fundraising goals, a clearly defined leadership team to oversee the project, and evidence of early planning, such as identifying prospective donors or outlining fundraising strategies. Congregations proposing projects exceeding $500,000 are encouraged to seek professional fundraising support to ensure the project’s financial viability and long-term success.

5. Healthy & Stable Congregations

The National Fund prioritizes investments in healthy, stable congregations to ensure lasting impact. Indicators of congregational health include stable or growing membership, trusted and tenured clergy, capable lay leadership, and demonstrated financial responsibility. Successful applicants also show unity around project goals and a long-term commitment to stewarding their historic building as a vital asset for ministry, community engagement, and future generations.

What the National Fund Offers (Beyond the Check)

This program provides wraparound support, not just funding.

Training & Orientation

Accepted congregations send a team of 2–3 leaders to a national training led by preservation and fundraising experts, covering:

• Capital campaign strategy

• Preservation best practices

• Peer learning with interfaith congregations

  
  

Many past recipients describe this training as one of the most valuable aspects of the program.

Planning Grants (Up to $20,000)

Planning grants may fund:

• Architectural or engineering services

• Building condition assessments

• Capital campaign consultants

• Marketing and campaign materials

Capital Grants ($50,000–$500,000)

Capital grants are disbursed in two 50% installments, tied to:

• Approved construction documents

• Secured matching funds

• Completed project milestones

• Final reporting and site visits

 How Exousia Helps You Compete & Win

The National Fund for Sacred Places is highly competitive — but well-prepared congregations can stand out.

At Exousia, we help churches navigate every step of this process:

• Grant Readiness Assessment: Determine eligibility, strengths, and gaps

• Project Positioning: Align preservation needs with community impact

• Narrative Development: Craft a compelling, mission-driven case for support

• Fundraising Strategy: Build a realistic match plan that meets program rules

• Compliance Support: Ensure alignment with historic preservation standards

💡 We help you steward both your building and your calling.

 Next Steps for Interested Congregations

1. Identify urgent structural or envelope-related repair needs

2. Confirm your building’s historic significance

3. Assess your fundraising readiness for a 1:1 match

4. Prepare for the March 3, 2026 application deadline

5. Partner with Exousia to strengthen your application

   
   

Contact Exousia for Grant Support

📧 Email: info@exousiagroup.com📞 Phone: 765-962-6581

🗓 Schedule a Consultation(New clients receive a FREE 30-minute consultation!)

https://calendly.com/winstonarthur-exousiagroup/30min

 Final Takeaway

The National Fund for Sacred Places is more than a preservation grant — it’s an investment in faith communities that serve, welcome, and uplift others through historic sacred spaces.

if your congregation’s building is central to your mission and your community, this program could be the key to ensuring its impact lasts for generations.

And with Exousia by your side, you don’t have to navigate it alone.