National Trust Council: Leading the Preservation Movement

The National Trust Council is a dedicated community of donors who believe in the power of historic places to improve people’s lives, to create new opportunities, and to build a more perfect union. While Council members come from all walks of life, these generous leaders are united by their passion for preservation—not only to protect our past, but also to build a stronger, more resilient future.

Your Invitation

You can propel the preservation movement by joining the National Trust Council, the flagship giving society for the National Trust.

Your leadership giving will protect historic places, galvanize public engagement, and leverage preservation to tackle today’s biggest challenges. You'll also join an intimate community of like-minded supporters who understand preservation’s potential to uplift and unify our communities.

As a member of the Council, you can build your legacy while building a stronger tomorrow where future generations can find inspiration and common ground through historic places.

Join the National Trust Council today with an annual gift of $10,000 or more. Members who give $100,000 or more are welcomed into our Cornerstone Society.

Cornerstone Society

The Cornerstone Society honors the committed donors who make gifts of $100,000 or more to the National Trust. A cornerstone is foundational and essential, uniting and strengthening intersections—between past and future, people and place. Cornerstone Society members are philanthropic leaders who understand that the best days for historic places are not behind, but ahead. Leaders who invest in preservation to create stronger communities, a healthy more sustainable environment, and a more just society where everyone can thrive. In thanks for their support, members of the Cornerstone Society enjoy opportunities to see the impact of their philanthropy in action. Members also enjoy exclusive invitations to special events, travel opportunities, and meaningful recognition for their generosity, in addition to the full suite of benefits provided to National Trust Council members.

Outside 103 Orchard Street. Credit: Travis Roozée

Philanthropy at work: student groups outside the National Trust Historic Site, the Tenement Museum in New York City, where they will tour historically created homes of immigrants, migrants, and refugees.

Member Benefits

As a valued member of the National Trust Council, you’ll have many opportunities to see the impact of your giving. Plus, you’ll enjoy a variety of exclusive benefits including:

  • Invitations to travel with the National Trust where you’ll enjoy behind-the-scenes access and curated experiences at world-renowned museums, cultural sites, and private homes—all while building connections with fellow Council members. Each year, you’ll be invited to 1-2 trips to historic destinations across the United States.
  • Opportunities to attend special events such as behind-the-scenes tours and other invitation-only gatherings.
  • Access to webinars, presentations, and virtual gatherings with executives, experts, and senior leaders from the National Trust.
  • Insider updates from National Trust leadership on the latest programs and strategic priorities.
Route 66 Road Trip Crew in front of Clifton's Republic in Los Angeles, California (2018).

photo by: David Kafer

Philanthropy at work: Preserve Route 66 Road Trip Crew in front of Clifton's Republic in Los Angeles.

Why Council Members Give

  • “Living out my passion for preservation” – Randy Bryant, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • “Feeling part of something larger” – Sheffield Hale, Atlanta, Georgia
  • "Sharing our love for America’s heritage” – Isabel and Peter Malkin, New York, New York
  • “Making a difference in the world” – Ken Woodcock, Washington, DC
  • “Seeing the impact of my support” – Camille Strachan, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • “Experiencing the power of place” – Gray and Sam Dixon, Edenton, North Carolina

Join the National Trust Council Today

The National Trust Council is a dedicated community of donors who believe in the power of preservation to improve people’s lives, to strengthen communities, and to build a more perfect union. Their leadership giving protects the past and makes a shared future possible.

Join the Council today!

Contact Us

Please contact Vice President of Philanthropy Patty Winterton at pwinterton@savingplaces.org for more information and if you have any questions.

photo by: Harlin Miller Photography

Philanthropy at work: Hands-On Preservation Experience Crew (HOPE Crew) at the TEP Center in New Orleans.

Announcing the 2026 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.

See the List