$8.5 Million in Grants Awarded to Preserve 30 Historic Black Churches

Thirty historically Black churches across the United States will receive a total of $8.5 million in grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund.

The funding, part of the third annual Preserving Black Churches (PBC) grant program, aims to protect these churches’ rich legacies and historic significance.

The grants, ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, are part of a broader $60 million initiative supporting Black churches as vital community institutions. The funding will address urgent preservation needs, including threats of demolition, overdue maintenance, and long-term conservation efforts.

Additionally, the program provides resources for asset management, fundraising strategies, and leadership development.

Preserving the Legacy of Black Churches

Historically Black churches have long been at the heart of their communities, serving as faith centers and safe havens amid social and political change. These institutions have played a pivotal role in Black American history, offering spiritual guidance while leading movements for civil rights and social justice.

Brent Leggs, executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Fund, emphasized the importance of protecting these sacred spaces.

“We are honored to support the ongoing legacies of these churches, which have stood at the forefront of social progress for generations,” Leggs said. “This $8.5 million investment marks a critical step in safeguarding historically Black churches as enduring symbols of faith, strength, and community leadership. By preserving them, we ensure that their powerful presence continues to live on in their communities and inspire future generations.”

Churches Receiving Preservation Grants

The 2025 PBC grant recipients include:

• St. Paul United AME Church and Historic Bethel Baptist Church Community (Birmingham, Alabama)
• Boynton United Methodist Church (Houston, Texas)
• A.M.E. Zion Church (Charlotte, North Carolina)
• New Bethel Baptist Church (Detroit, Michigan)
• Soapstone Baptist Church (Pickens County, South Carolina)

Soapstone Baptist Church: A Piece of South Carolina History

Soapstone Baptist Church, a historic site in Pickens County, South Carolina, was awarded $250,000 in funding. The church’s grounds include a one-room schoolhouse, a slave cemetery, and ancient rock outcrops used by the Cherokee Nation for centuries.

The Soapstone Preservation Endowment (SPE) has worked tirelessly to raise $1 million to safeguard the site. With the latest PBC grant, the endowment is just $200,000 away from its goal.

“When we began our work, few believed that we could ever achieve an audacious $1 million goal. Yet, in less than three years, and with the benefit of this generous award, we stand within sight of the finish line,” said SPE Chairman Carlton Owen.

“We have faith that God will continue to bless this important work as we seek to obtain the remaining funds needed to forever protect and promote this special place in South Carolina history.”

The Preserving Black Churches program, supported by Lilly Endowment Inc., continues to invest in the preservation of Black cultural and spiritual landmarks. By protecting these churches, the initiative honors their historical significance and ensures that they remain symbols of resilience, faith, and progress for future generations.