Church historic preservation grants

The California Office of Historic Preservation administers federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grants to support the identification, evaluation, and protection of California's historic and prehistoric resources. Churches and other religious properties listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places may apply for survey, planning, and rehabilitation grants. Grant cycles typically open in the fall with awards announced the following spring.

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) awards grants annually to help preserve and protect Texas's irreplaceable historical and archeological assets. Religious properties and houses of worship listed in the National Register of Historic Places are eligible for rehabilitation and preservation grants. The program emphasizes projects that restore structural integrity and preserve character-defining architectural features.

Florida's Special Category grant program funds acquisition and development projects for properties included in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Nonprofit religious organizations that own historic properties are eligible to apply for rehabilitation and restoration work. Matching funds (50%) are required, and priority is given to projects that ensure public access and benefit to Florida residents.

The National Fund for Sacred Places, administered by Partners for Sacred Places and funded by the Lilly Endowment, provides capacity-building support and capital grants to congregations with historic buildings. Accepted congregations participate in a comprehensive planning process before being eligible for capital grants to address deferred maintenance and preservation needs. The program is open to congregations of any faith tradition across the United States.

The New York Landmarks Conservancy's Sacred Sites program is one of the few grant programs in the country built specifically for houses of worship. It funds exterior repairs at historic religious buildings across New York State: roofs, masonry, drainage, steeples, and stained glass. To qualify, a congregation must actively use the building for worship and the property must be listed on the State or National Register of Historic Places or locally landmarked. Grants are awarded in two rounds each year, with deadlines of January 15 and June 1.