The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a division of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has awarded $8.5 million in grants to 33 historically Black churches through its fourth annual Preserving Black Churches (PBC) program. This funding supports the preservation, stewardship, and long-term sustainability of sacred spaces that are central to Black faith, culture, democracy, and community.
Earlier in 2026, the Action Fund awarded $5 million in grants on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to five churches, reflecting its ongoing commitment to protecting these historic institutions. Together, the MLK Day awards and the latest PBC grants total $13.5 million in 2026, marking one of the most significant investments in the program’s history.
Since its inception, the Action Fund has supported over 170 historically Black churches, preserving their architectural heritage, celebrating civil rights history, and maintaining their role in descendant communities. These efforts highlight the vital cultural and social significance of Black churches across the United States.
