A Message from Our Leadership
Robin Whitehurst , FAIA Board Chair
Bob Jaeger President
This past year has been one of growth and innovation at Partners , thanks to the generosity of donors , private foundations , congregations , and supporters like you . You ’ ll see it evident throughout this report : in the increased number of congregations we served , in the new programs we developed , in our staffing additions , and in our financial summary .
As we approach our 35th year , we remain committed and true to our original mission . Yet much of our work today might come as a surprise to those who knew us 34 years ago — or even four years ago . The grants and services provided through the National Fund for Sacred Places provide congregations with more resources than ever before . We ’ ve implemented new tools to bring greater numbers of congregations together with members of their communities . We ’ ve developed new guidance for congregations who are rethinking the ownership of their buildings . Across the country , we ’ ve demonstrated creative new approaches that help congregations care for and more actively use their buildings .
And more advances are on the way ! In 2023 we will launch the Philadelphia Fund for Black Sacred Places with the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia . We ’ ll create new spaces for artists in sacred places on the South Side of Chicago together with Arts Alliance Illinois . And we ’ re inviting representatives from the faith , government , academic , media , and nonprofit sectors to convene for two days to talk about what changes are coming next .
Partners ’ innovation comes at a time of upheaval , when social , demographic , and environmental changes leave many congregations with additional needs but fewer resources . For years , Partners has helped congregations add accessibility , lighting , and air conditioning to their historic properties . Now we must also consider video streaming , security , and projects that will make buildings more resilient to climate extremes . And we must find creative ways for congregations to connect with the larger community , because the size of the average American congregation has fallen by half in the last ten years .
We are grateful to everyone who has supported Partners this past year — and for the past 34 years . Without your support , we would not have been able to innovate or increase our capacity to respond to these growing challenges . If you have not yet become a partner in our mission , please consider making a gift or contacting us . We can ’ t do this without you .
Robin Whitehurst , FAIA Board Chair
Bob Jaeger President
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