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
