Orange, yellow, pink, and purple colors at sunrise extend to the east of the Cathedral.
Orange, yellow, pink, and purple colors at sunrise extend to the east of the Cathedral.

A Cathedral For The Future

Your support exceeded our campaign’s initial $150 million goal, transforming the work of the institution.
Our Progress $185M of $185 Million
a solid foundation

Letter from Campaign Co-Chair John Donoghue

Campaign Priorities

Earthquake Repairs

Thanks to supporters across the country, the Cathedral has raised all needed funds to complete the earthquake repairs.
The Cathedral now has all required funding in hand to complete remaining repairs—including the Central Tower—the crowning achievement of the project. While it will take five or more years to finish the work, planning for the Central Tower phase is already underway. And for all of that, we say, “Thanks be to God!”
campaign priorities Earthquake Repairs
More than a Big Rock

A preserved, protected and fully reopened Cathedral reflects the intentions of our founders and enables today’s visitors to experience the building’s full glory. With the restoration of the Central Tower, not only will an emblem of the Cathedral’s physical and moral strength be restored, so too our completed repairs will symbolize the financial progress and stability cultivated and sustained over the last decade.

Organ Renovation

Thanks to generous donors, the Cathedral undertook a complete renovation of the Great Organ and its supporting infrastructure in early 2024.
After 85 years of daily use, nearly a third of the Great Organ was unplayable. Thanks to donor support, a multi-year complete overhaul and renovation project is underway, including repurposing or replacing portions of the original instrument, shoring up surrounding systems, and repositioning the organ to direct sound out into the nave rather than into the Great Choir.
Campaign Priorities Organ Renovation
More Than an Instrument

The organ has always been integral to religious life, especially to cathedrals in the Anglican tradition. The placement of the new organ console and the direction of its sound—both nearer to the worshiping congregation—remove barriers to participation and create a more accessible, responsive experience for both the organist and listeners. The versatility of the new organ also supports a wider range of liturgical and performance music, reflecting the greater diversity of our modern audiences.

Nave Audio System

Upgrades will provide a more balanced audio-visual experience for online audiences and greater clarity of spoken word for visitors inside the Cathedral.
The phased upgrades, which began early this year, will include new speakers, microphones and wireless technology; a new console, mixing system and monitors; and improved assistive listening capabilities.
Campaign Priorities Audio Upgrades
More Than a Microphone

As the range of activities in Cathedral life expands, the technology to support it must keep pace. Improved audio quality reflects our commitment to hospitality and welcome; no longer will the experiences of onsite and online audiences differ. It also allows our offerings to truly shine and engage more deeply; no longer will visitors struggle to hear a docent guide their tours or will program attendees strain to follow a lecture.

Day-to-Day Operations

Since launching this campaign in 2019, the generosity of donors has transformed our work in ways we could never have imagined.
With the ongoing support of friends like you, we can now tend fully to what a cathedral — this Cathedral — should be: the kingdom of God among us, expressing and making accessible the love of God.
Campaign Priorities Day-to-Day Operations
Support Your Cathedral

We will always rely on the generosity of friends from across the country to continue funding the day-to-day costs of our ministries. Please know how committed we are to being good stewards of the gifts entrusted to us, and to building the next generation of supporters who will help us truly be a cathedral for the future. Thank you for making possible this holy work with your continued support.

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Restoring a Masterpiece

Restoration continues following the earthquake of 2011, incorporating technological and structural advances to ensure the Cathedral will be a stronger and more resilient structure. Our stone masons, who are national leaders in their disappearing craft, are experts at repairing and creating damaged pinnacles and other stone elements.

The south end of the Cathedral with a blue sky and garden in the foreground.

Partner With Us in this Fulfilling Work

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Your gift can ensure a future that reflects the many ways in which Washington National Cathedral touches lives: as a National Treasure, as a House of Prayer for All People and as the place Where Sacred Meets Civic. Donate