Featured Sacred Place :
Urban Grace , Tacoma , WA
Urban Grace is a diverse congregation that welcomes people from all denominational backgrounds . Known as the “ Downtown Church ,” the congregation routinely rents or shares space with more than 20 other organizations , and over a dozen nonprofits maintain offices in the building .
With so many organizations sharing space at Urban Grace , social distancing requirements during COVID-19 have forced many services out of the building . Still , the congregation has found ways to safely use its building to serve its neighbors , including expanding a partnership with the Tacoma Farmers Market to package fresh food in the church hall for delivery to vulnerable low-income households .
“ We ’ ve worked hard to develop a good reputation within our city ,” says Pastor Ben Robinson . “ Whether it ’ s engaging the arts community , seeking ecumenical partnerships , or advocating for the marginalized , we ’ re known as a church that works for the good of more than just our own .”
Urban Grace was selected as part of the first competitive cohort of congregations to participate in the National Fund for Sacred Places , which provides both customized technical assistance and significant capital grants for major repair and restoration projects . Because Partners believes that congregations are important centers of community , we encourage them to undertake community-wide capital campaigns — often a new concept for congregations — to raise matching funds for their projects . In the fall of 2017 , a leadership team from Urban Grace attended the National Fund ’ s multiday training program . Throughout 2018 , they received ongoing coaching and support , including a capital campaign feasibility study and funds for campaign materials .
“ Probably the greatest thing we ’ ve learned [ from the program ] is that the process of fundraising is not about asking for money . It ’ s about telling the story of something you believe in and asking others to join you ,” said Pastor Ben . “ We ’ ve found that [ Urban Grace ’ s ] story is compelling to so many ... The ability for more of us to tell this story well will serve us in many contexts in the future whether for fundraising , membership , or community building .”
By the end of 2018 the congregation had raised $ 553,000 , more than enough to meet the matching requirement for the National Fund grant and began construction . In 2019 Urban Grace began working through 28 projects including long-term structural upgrades , historic restoration , bathroom renovations , roof repair , and upgrades to its commercial kitchen .
“ We now have accessible ADA bathrooms for all genders , our kitchen has new , gas-powered appliances , and our reception hall is a beautifully restored , historic space ,” says Pastor Ben . “ We definitely have more to offer now . It is both for the new partners as well as the enduring ones that we ’ re so grateful we were able to do this .”
The Tacoma School of the Arts showcase is one of dozens of partnerships supported by the ongoing renovations at Urban Grace , Tacoma , WA . While social distancing does not currently allow the sanctuary to be used for large performances , the congregation is finding other meaningful ways to partner with community organizations to serve their neighbors . Photo : Urban Grace .