Training and Support
By Jennifer Robinson,
Director of Preservation Services, Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia
to share their spaces with the community, especially in underserved neighborhoods. Carol Black of Camphor Memorial United Methodist, located in the Haddington section of West Philadelphia since 1922, says,“ The repair of [ our ] church’ s gutters and downspouts will mitigate water damage and create a safe, welcoming environment for community gatherings. This proactive investment will not only preserve the building but also open [ our ] doors for collaboration with local organizations— for after-school tutoring, summer camps, or recreational activities— thereby fostering a supportive space where children can thrive. We want to ensure the church’ s role as a cornerstone for local development, and that it remains a vital resource for generations to come.”
PFBSP is part of a nationwide effort to create civic common space in existing structures to encourage the revitalization of traditionally underresourced urban neighborhoods. This grant aimed to increase public awareness of Black-led churches’ contributions to Philadelphia’ s communities, allowing PFBSP churches to serve as models for other Black congregations interested in community redevelopment.
In addition to the capital grants offered by PFBSP, congregations receive technical assistance and support from Partners and the Preservation Alliance. This gives them the opportunity to connect with fundraising consultants, architects, and engineers and receive assistance in vetting qualified contractors for their capital projects.
As a technical adviser, the Alliance researches funding sources aligned with these efforts and assists congregations in navigating the application process. Recognizing that their work extends far beyond the walls of their sanctuaries, these congregations are committed to preserving their historic buildings as community anchors.
As the historic preservation adviser to the project, the Alliance also works closely with the congregations to prepare grant applications for preservation-specific funding, including to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’ s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, and the National Park Service’ s Save America’ s Treasures program. The Alliance has also assisted churches in identifying capital funding opportunities for energy-efficiency improvements through the Department of Energy.
One challenge in accessing preservation funding is that some grant programs require properties to be listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. To address this, the Alliance has helped congregations navigate the determination-of-eligibility process with the State Historic Preservation Office— an essential first step in unlocking new resources.
Connecting congregations with the funding and expertise they need ensures that these sacred places remain vibrant centers of faith and community for generations.
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