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Mission Statement

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Preservation Trust, Inc. is a District of Columbia nonprofit corporation charged with the sole mission, “to provide financial support in perpetuity for the preservation, conservation, and protection of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, a building of historical, artistic, and religious significance.” 

An independent legal entity, the Trust is governed by its Board of Directors, who are responsible for the creation and growth of an endowment committed solely to the preservation and conservation of the National Shrine.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is charged with the governance and success of the Preservation Trust. The Board is composed of leaders from around the nation with backgrounds in finance, law, politics, fundraising, and ecclesiastical governance. Each director brings years of unique personal and professional experience as well as a love for the Basilica. 

The Board meets twice a year and is assisted in its work by the committees of the Board. These committees include: Audit, Advancement, Executive, Finance and Investment, and Nominations. Committees are composed of members of the Board of Directors and non-member experts. 

The Rector of the National Shrine serves ex-officio as President of the Preservation Trust, thereby serving as a link between the Basilica and the Trust. 

The Preservation Endowment

The Preservation Endowment allows the Trust to invest your gift and use the income generated to fulfill its mission of preserving the National Shrine. Over time, the investment portfolio increases through market growth and compounding interest. The income generated allows the Board of Directors to make grants, as necessary, to the National Shrine for its preservation.

Through the creation and growth of the Preservation Endowment, the Trust is creating a long-term and sustainable future for the preservation and upkeep of America’s preeminent Marian shrine. Gifts to the Endowment are perpetual, as the Trust never draws from the gift but only makes grants from the investment income. As the endowment continues to grow, so does the impact of the Trust in its support of the National Shrine.

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The Annual Fund

The Annual Fund allows the Board of Directors to respond immediately to the needs of the Basilica related to its preservation.

Your gift to the Annual Fund helps underwrite today’s preservation projects like:

  1. Restoration of the historic exterior architecture;
  2. Implementation of efficient technology;
  3. Maintenance and preservation of the mosaics and sacred art;
  4. Maintenance and restoration of the interior;
  5. Other projects as deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.

You can make a gift to the Preservation Endowment or the Annual Fund online or by mailing a check to:

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Preservation Trust, Inc.

P.O. Box 4417
Washington, D.C. 20017

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America’s Catholic Church

Affectionately referred to as America’s Catholic Church, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception has been a century in the making.

With its foundation stone laid in 1920, this great shrine owes its namesake to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of the United States, under her title of the Immaculate Conception, as declared by the Bishops of America in 1846.

With the dedication of the Trinity Dome, the Shrine’s crowning jewel, on December 8, 2017, the construction of the National Shrine was brought to completion. With construction complete, the Trust assumes the task of preserving the Shrine in perpetuity; to ensure the continuation of prayer and pilgrimage for many years to come.

Through the generosity of generations of American Catholics, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception stands as our nation’s preeminent Marian shrine and patronal church, rivaling the great sanctuaries of Europe and the world, not only in size and stature, but also in beauty, dignity, and sanctity.

For more information on the Shrine and its history, or to plan a visit to America’s Catholic Church, visit the Basilica Site.

Blessed Sacrament Chapel
Crypt Church
incarnation dome barrick
Redemption Dome
Trinity Dome
Universal Call to Holiness & Organ