Fund Gives $8.5M To Save 30 Historic Black Churches Across America

A major preservation group has put up $8.5 million to help save aging Black churches across the United States. The money, given out in amounts from $50,000 to $500,000, will help restore 30 historic churches.

With this third round of the Preserving Black Churches project, the total money given has reached $20 million. Teams will fix urgent problems: patching leaky roofs, cleaning up dangerous mold, and fixing structural damage that's been around for decades.

“We are honored to support the ongoing legacies of these churches, which have stood at the forefront of social progress for generations,” said African American Cultural Heritage Fund Executive Director Brent Leggs to philanthropynewsdigest.org/ 

One of the churches getting money is Charlotte's African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. This beautiful old church, known as the 'Freedom Church,' was built in the late 1800s.

Birmingham's Historic Bethel Baptist Church, where civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once met, will get much-needed repairs.

The Boynton Chapel Methodist Church in Houston, designed by John S. Chase, the first Black architect licensed in Texas, will also get fixed up.

The Lilly Endowment is funding this important work. Their help covers everything from basic repairs to programs for the community and education.

Many of these historic churches are at risk due to age and money problems. Without help soon, some might have to be torn down. These grants are helping save these important places.

Earlier funding has already helped save some churches. They've gotten new roofs, stronger foundations, and updated electrical systems in their old buildings.

The help goes beyond just fixing buildings. Churches can now record their history, train their people, and plan for the future.