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Let’s Help Sacred Places Thrive

With your support, Partners for Sacred Places empowers congregations to connect with their neighbors, generate new sources of income, and activate their historic religious properties as centers of vibrant, resilient communities.

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Partners for Sacred Places'

innovative research and programs have helped thousands of sacred places across the country develop new partnerships and raise more funds from outside their congregations so that these vital anchor institutions can continue their life-changing work for people of all faiths. Yet an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 sacred places close each year due to congregations’ inability to support both their mission-related work and their building maintenance.

When sacred places close, communities not only lose a place of worship, they lose vital programs that serve children and youth, seniors, the homeless and hungry, immigrants, ex-offenders, and others in need. Residents lose a local landmark, a meeting hall, a garden, a playground, a child care center, and a concert venue.

Donate today to give new life and new hope to sacred places at the heart of their communities.

To show you how much we need and appreciate your support, Partners' Board has made a challenge gift of $30,000 to match all new and increased donations on a two-to-one basis! By donating by the end of the year, you can multiply the impact of your generosity, helping to preserve sacred places for generations to come.

Individuals who give over $40 will receive hard-copies of our magazine, Sacred Places.

To donate by phone, call 215-567-3234.

Mail checks to 1700 Sansom St., FL 10, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Partners helps congregations leverage their physical assets and community relationships to ensure their sustainability and strengthen their communities.

All statistics referenced are based on data from 2024
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875

Sacred places from 21 faith traditions received direct support

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51

States and territories served by Partners

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$33.5M

Raised by congregations working with Partners

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30

Events helping congregations engage their communities

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$83M

Annual impact of 13 congregations documented by Partners

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28,119

Views of Partners’ publications

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I give to Partners because I am committed to repair restoration and healing through historic preservation.

Rosa Lowinger

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The work I do with Partners impacts the everyday lives of literally thousands of people across the country, while honoring the beloved sacred places of the people and congregations long gone.

Lynn Hunt Gray

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I was fascinated by Partners being able to quantify the community benefit derived from these vibrant historical sacred spaces.

Corinne Bryan

Image of inside a beautiful church/ Sacred Place

Ways to Give

How to Support Partners for Sacred Places

There are many ways to support Partners for Sacred Places and help ensure the future of America’s sacred places. Choosing the right type of gift depends on your personal circumstances, and you may wish to seek tax or legal advice. Please contact Partners’ development department at (215) 567-3234 or partners@sacredplaces.org if you select any of these giving options so we are prepared to accept your gift.

Leave a Bequest

Your bequest, or legacy gift, will sustain America’s older and historic houses of worship for future generations. It can take the form of a set amount of money, a percentage of an estate, or a specific asset, and can be designated for general or specific purposes, including an endowment. It is always a good idea to consult with professionals when estate planning, and Partners’ staff is also available to help.

If you already have a will, rather than revising the entire will you may make a bequest in the form of an amendment, or a “codicil” to your existing will. Sample language to include Partners in your will might be: “I give, devise, and bequeath (state amount, asset, or percentage of the estate) to Partners for Sacred Places, located at 1700 Sansom St., 10th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103, to be used (describe use) or as the Partners’ Board of Directors deems appropriate.”

Individuals who have supported Partners for Sacred Places through planned gifts, like a bequest, are recognized in Partners for Sacred Places’ Legacy Society.

Gifts of Life Insurance

Life Insurance is another way to make an investment in Partners’ future. There are several ways to give via Life Insurance. For example, you can:

  • Purchase a new policy and make Partners the owner and beneficiary. Contributions to pay the ongoing premiums may be tax deductible.
  • Make Partners the owner and beneficiary of an existing policy. The current value of the policy and future premium payments may be tax deductible.
  • Make Partners a contingent beneficiary of an existing policy, or name Partners to receive the proceeds of the policy if the designated beneficiaries predecease the insured.

Individuals who have supported Partners for Sacred Places through planned gifts, like the gift of life insurance, are recognized in Partners for Sacred Places’ Legacy Society.

Retirement Accounts

Many Individual Retirement Accounts allow you to transfer appreciated assets directly to nonprofit organizations like Partners, reducing your taxes and maximizing the value of your gift. These transfers, called qualified charitable distributions (QCD), can satisfy part or all of a required minimum distribution.

Retirement accounts can also be part of a bequest. The remainder value of many retirement accounts can be heavily taxed when left to individuals, but would pass tax-free to Partners.

Appreciated Securities

Gifts of appreciated securities or real estate allow you to reduce your taxes and maximize the value of your gift. It is important to transfer appreciated stock or real estate prior to selling it. However, if the securities or real estate have decreased in value, you may wish to sell the assets before making the gift, thus establishing a capital loss and a potential tax deduction.

Please contact Partners’ development department at (215) 567-3234 or partners@sacredplaces.org to receive information for the transfer of securities.