The National Fund for Sacred Places
The National Fund for sacred places
Funding Amount
$50,000 – $250,000
Matching Funds
Grants of $50,000 to $100,000 require a one-to-one match, while grants over $100,000 require a two-to-one match. Only funds raised after a congregation has been notified of its acceptance into the National Fund program are eligible for matching funds
Funding Cycle
Application cycle opens in January 2024
Description
Training:
- Orient participant teams to the timeline of activities and program requirements of the National Fund
- Provide expertise on capital campaign fundraising tailored to various campaign stages
- Introduce participant teams to an ecumenical and interfaith group for peer learning and sharing of ideas
Planning and Grants:
- Building Condition Assessments
- Conceptual Architectural Renderings
- Campaign Marketing Design
- Campaign Video Production
- Donor Research
- Board Development
Technical Assistance Package:
Typically includes at least one on-site visit to the congregation and one of the services listed below:
1. Case Statement Review
2. Economic Halo Effect Study
3. Community Engagement
4. Professional Services Assistance
5. Senior Staff Mentorship
Who Can Apply
1. The property must be located within the United States or its territories
2. The property must have been originally built to be a house of worship, and must be owned by an active community of faith
3. The congregation must be at least 3 years old
4. The applicant must be a religious congregation or closely affiliated nonprofit organization
5. The property must possess historical, cultural, or architectural value and/or be listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
6. The property must be occupied by a congregation that is community-minded and that serves nonmembers
7. The property must have urgent repair needs related to structural components, walls, roofs, and/or other elements of the building envelope that are integral to life safety
8. Anticipated capital projects must respect the property’s historic character and materials, and must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
9. The congregation must demonstrate a need for project funds that exceeds the congregation’s typical donor base and membership
10. The applicant must exhibit several signs of positive organizational health
11. The congregation must work with Partners for Sacred Places and the National Trust for Historic Preservation prior to disbursement of the capital grant to ensure that all program requirements have been met
12. Grants of $50,000 to $100,000 require a 1:1 match. Grants of $100,001 to $250,000 require a 2:1 match
Guidelines:
https://www.fundforsacredplaces.org/what-we-offer/eligibility/
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Additional Guidelines and Requirements:
https://www.fundforsacredplaces.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/NATIONAL-FUND-GUIDELINES-AND-ELIGIBILITY_2023.pdf
Location(s)
North Carolina
Additional Information
Frequently asked questions:
https://www.fundforsacredplaces.org/contact-us/frequently-asked-questions/
