Photo: sacredplaces.org
By Simon Kaufman
SACREDPLACES.ORG
Partners for Sacred Places and the Greater Philadelphia Preservation Alliance recently launched the new Philadelphia Fund for Black Sacred Places. This three-year project will expand equitable access to quality public spaces in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods and support Black congregations’ efforts to maintain their properties, cultural centers, and neighborhood landmarks for future generations.
The Rev. Betsy Ivey, Partners for Sacred Places’ new director of the Philadelphia Fund for Black Sacred Places (PFBSP), will oversee the project. Ivey, who has a background in both theology and historic preservation, brings to Partners six years of experience in church development with the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, where she served as Canon for Growth and Support for the Rt. Rev. Daniel G. P. Gutiérrez.
“The public’s response to the murder of George Floyd in June 2020 gave focus to the unanswered needs of our city’s Black communities,” Ivey said. “Religious properties have space that can be developed to respond to these needs in creative and innovative ways after worship. The houses of worship that are selected to participate in this grant program will provide welcoming and affirming space to the public that will benefit all of our communities.”
Applications for grants from PFBSP will be welcomed until January 31, 2024. To be eligible to apply, congregations must be Black-led, located in Philadelphia, and have an active faith community. They also must have a purpose-built religious property with historic, cultural, or architectural value, and guarantee that welcoming, inclusive community space will be freely accessible to the public. PFBSP grantees will be awarded up to $10,000 in planning grants and up to $250,000 in 1:2 matching grants for both capital and program expenses. They will also receive training, capacity building, and technical assistance.
“We are excited to launch this program that supports the role that Black congregations play in serving Philadelphia neighborhoods,” said Bob Jaeger, president of Partners for Sacred Places. “We want to help Black churches and other faith communities preserve and open up portions of their buildings to serve as neighborhood gathering and outreach spaces for years to come.”
“The Preservation Alliance is proud to partner with Partners for Sacred Places and the stewards of some of Philadelphia’s outstanding Black sacred places to help strengthen their ministries and maintain their beautiful and historic places of worship,” said Paul Steinke, executive director of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.
PFBSP is guided by an advisory committee of religious and community leaders, working in close collaboration with Black Clergy of Philadelphia and other Black religious leaders. Lead support for PFBSP is provided by The William Penn Foundation.
Learn more at: www.sacredplaces.org/pfbsp.
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