National Trust Awards $13.5 Million to Preserve Historic Black Churches Across the US

The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced $13.5 million in grants this year through its Preserving Black Churches program, directing funds to congregations across the country that are struggling to maintain aging buildings.

The grants support structural repairs, endowment building, and the creation of interpretive programming at historically significant Black churches. Recipients range from small rural congregations to urban landmarks with centuries of history.

First African Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia, one of the oldest Black churches in the United States, received funding to address foundation and roof repairs. New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which survived the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, received support for restoration work.

"These buildings are not just places of worship," said Carol Quillen, president of the National Trust. "They are archives of Black history, democracy, and community life."

The Preserving Black Churches program launched in 2021 and has now distributed more than $40 million to congregations in 30 states. Many recipient churches serve as community anchors, hosting food pantries, after-school programs, and voter registration drives.

Church leaders say the funding comes at a critical time. Deferred maintenance costs have grown significantly, and many congregations lack the financial reserves to address major repairs on their own.