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African Americans

African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Receives $40 Million Gift from MacKenzie Scott

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a division of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has received a significant $40 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This generous donation builds upon her previous $20 million investment, demonstrating her commitment to preserving America's rich cultural heritage. The Action Fund, established in 2017, is the largest privately funded resource dedicated to the preservation of African American historic sites in the United States. The funding will be used to support preservation projects nationwide, with the goal of protecting and expanding the American story for future generations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund has received a $40 million gift from MacKenzie Scott, bringing its total fundraising to nearly $200 million.
  • The Action Fund has received funding requests valued at over $1.2 billion from thousands of preservation projects, highlighting the significant support needed to preserve African American historic sites nationwide.
  • The Action Fund has supported over 378 grantees nationwide, demonstrating its impact in preserving African American cultural heritage.
  • The funding will be used to support preservation projects that honor the lives, achievements, and contributions of all Americans, with the goal of building a shared future.
  • The National Trust for Historic Preservation collaborates with partners and allies to save places, educate the public, and use preservation to address urgent challenges and serve communities today.
  • The Action Fund is guided by Brent Leggs, a team of highly skilled preservation professionals, and a National Advisory Council that includes thought leaders in the arts, academia, business, government, philanthropy, and preservation.

Statistics:

  • MacKenzie Scott's total investment in the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund is $60 million.
  • The Action Fund has received over $1.2 billion in funding requests from thousands of preservation projects.
  • The Action Fund has supported over 378 grantees nationwide.
  • The National Trust for Historic Preservation was chartered by Congress in 1949 as a privately funded organization.
  • The Action Fund's work is guided by a National Advisory Council with expertise in the arts, academia, business, government, philanthropy, and preservation.

Sources:

  • "African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Receives $40 Million Gift from MacKenzie Scott." National Trust for Historic Preservation, October 15, 2025, prnewswire.com, Press Release.
  • "About the National Trust for Historic Preservation." National Trust for Historic Preservation, nps.org, nps.org, About Us.
  • "African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund." National Trust for Historic Preservation, nps.org, nps.org, Action Fund.
  • "About the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund." National Trust for Historic Preservation, nps.org, nps.org, Action Fund.

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