St. Stanislaus Kostka in Michigan City was awarded a $250,000 grant from the National Fund for Sacred Places.
The church was one of 24 historically and architecturally significant faith communities to be admitted to the grant program this year. The program provides funding and hands-on technical assistance to congregations undertaking substantial preservation projects such as roof and stone repairs.
The National Fund for Sacred Places program is a collaboration between the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Partners for Sacred Places.
Since its inception in 2016, the program has distributed $26 million to 138 community-serving congregations. Grantees have represented 26 faith traditions across 42 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Previous grantees in Indiana include St. Adalbert Catholic Church, First Christian Church and North Christian Church.
“We are proud to welcome 24 faith communities into the National Fund this year, representing diverse regions, traditions and heritages,” said Bob Jaeger, Partners for Sacred Places president, in a press release. “Their buildings will continue to serve as community centers, art spaces and safe havens. We’re honored to help them continue this critical work.”
A recent gift of $24 million from Lilly Endowment will allow the National Fund to more than double its impact over the next five years. The Lilly Endowment supports community development, education and religion. It also seeks to improve public understanding of diverse religious traditions by supporting fair and accurate portrayals of the role religion plays in the U.S. and across the globe.
Partners for Sacred Places is a nonsectarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to the stewardship and active community use of older sacred places across America. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately funded nonprofit organization that works to save America’s historic places.
“Sacred places hold power to inspire awe, joy and a sense of connection, belonging and purpose,” Carol Quillen, National Trust for Historic Preservation president and CEO, said. “The grants and technical support provided by the National Fund will ensure that these spaces serve as meaningful centers within their communities for generations.”
