Tucson church awarded $150k preservation grant | News

St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church has received a $150,000 grant from the National Fund for Sacred Places to support historic preservation, community engagement and fundraising efforts.

The National Fund for Sacred Places, a program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, selected 30 congregations this year — 29 churches and one synagogue — for its largest-ever funding round. The 2025 cohort will share $8.73 million in grants.

Now in its 10th year, the National Fund remains the only nationwide program dedicated to helping congregations sustain both their faith missions and their historic properties. Since its inception, it has awarded or pledged more than $33 million to 168 congregations across 45 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, representing 28 faith traditions.

“Each of the congregations welcomed into the National Fund this year represents a unique story of resilience, history and service,” said Bob Jaeger, president of Partners for Sacred Places. “These sacred places are not only architectural treasures — they are vital centers of congregational life and community anchors offering meals, education, cultural enrichment and refuge.”

Faith communities supported by the fund often serve as local hubs for social and cultural activity, offering everything from shelter and meals to after-school programs, concerts and civic events. According to the organization, every $1 invested through the program generates more than $4.77 in community impact.

“Sacred places hold a profound role in the American landscape, embodying both heritage and hope,” said Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Through the National Fund for Sacred Places, we are ensuring these spaces remain vibrant hubs of community life.”

This year, 319 congregations applied for the program, underscoring the widespread need for preservation support and resources.

“The congregations we serve are dedicated to caring for their historic buildings and serving their communities, but cannot do it alone,” said Rachel Hildebrandt, senior director of the National Fund for Sacred Places. “We are deeply invested in their success and look forward to working with them over the next several years.”

For more information on eligibility and program details, visit fundforsacredplaces.org. The National Fund for Sacred Places is supported by Lilly Endowment Inc.