Urban Grace
AWARDEE PROFILE :
Urban Grace
The building that is now home to Urban Grace was constructed in 1925 as First Baptist Church . It is the oldest , continuously occupied Christian church in Tacoma , Washington , the only church in Tacoma ’ s downtown core , and is listed on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places . In 2005 , First Baptist reincorporated as an ecumenical new church development called Urban Grace , a dynamic and growing congregation with broad support in the city for its active collaboration with many local organizations .
The building is architecturally significant as a fine Gothic Revival example , and is the only “ skyscraper ” church in the Northwest . It was designed with multiple stories of leasable space in addition to space for the congregation . Urban Grace regularly shares its space with more than 15 social service and arts organizations resulting in steady earned income and many opportunities for collaboration .
In 2017 , Urban Grace launched a capital campaign for projects related to the preservation of the building and interior improvements to make the facility more accessible and usable by the community .
Services received as part of Urban Grace ’ s National Fund program package include :
congregations over four program years , beginning in 2016-17 . An ideal National Fund candidate demonstrates :
●National or Regional Significance : buildings with architectural , historic , and cultural importance , or excellent examples of a building type ( e . g ., small town churches in New England , or Catholic churches that tell the story of immigrants in America ) owned by an active congregation . Buildings must be listed or eligible for National Historic Landmark or National Register of Historic Places status .
●Broad Community Engagement : congregations with innovative programs that serve members and nonmembers , with special emphasis placed on congregations that share space and partner with other nonprofit organizations , and plan to make the most of the sacred place as a community asset .
In partnership with University of Washington ’ s MedEx physician assistant program , Urban Grace ’ s Community Breakfast Program hosts a monthly foot care clinic for the homeless . Photo : Dennis Raymond
● Capital Campaign training ( which was delivered by Partners to a total of 9 Fund participants ).
● $ 4,700 Planning Grant toward architectural and planning documents and campaign design / website development .
● Consulting Services and Campaign Coaching . Partners ’ consultants conducted a feasibility study focused on community donors beyond the congregation ’ s membership . In this case , services are being coordinated with a local fundraising consultant hired by the congregation focusing on member donors . In addition , Partners consultants provided coaching regarding the campaign steering committee and other matters .
● A capital grant is being awarded later in 2018 .
●Need for Funding : urgent repair needs that require financial support beyond the internal capacity of the congregation . All projects must respect the historic character and materials of the building ( s ) and adhere to the Secretary of the Interior ’ s Standards for Rehabilitation .
●Campaign Readiness : the capacity to leverage this grant to raise matching funds , and the experience , energy , and opportunity to complete a significant capital fundraising campaign . Matching funds must be raised after being awarded participation in the National Fund .
●Congregational Health : congregations with strong clergy and lay leadership , financial health , and the energy and judicatory support for a vibrant future . Ideal candidates are prepared to learn and capitalize on resources and expertise provided by the National Fund .
SACRED PLACES • AUTUMN / WINTER 2017-18 • 5