Best Grants for Historic Preservation in Washington

Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation

The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation is Washington State's primary agency with knowledge and expertise in historic preservation. We advocate for the preservation of Washington's irreplaceable historic and cultural resources - significant buildings, structures, sites, objects and districts - as assets for the future. 

Courthouse Preservation Grant Program

In spring of 2005, the Washington State Legislature established the Historic County Courthouse Rehabilitation Grant program. Based on findings from a statewide survey undertaken in 2003, 33 of the state’s 39 counties were found to possess courthouses of historic and architectural merit. (With the passage of time, additional courthouses have become historic, increasing the total number of eligible courthouses to 35) Additionally, the study estimated over $90 million in needed capital improvements to these structures. To address this need, the Washington State Legislature has allocated nearly $31.4 million from the state capital budget since the 2005-07 biennium. Through thirteen funding rounds since the program’s establishment, eighty-eight (88) grants have been awarded to twenty-nine counties statewide. Grant funds have worked to leverage local funding resulting in nearly $75 million in total rehabilitation work to selected courthouses.

Grant funding assists county governments in rehabilitating their historic county courthouses. Together with matching funds raised locally, this money will foster economic development in numerous communities while working to preserve public buildings vital to the architectural and cultural heritage of Washington.

To receive funding, all rehabilitation work must meet historic preservation standards known as the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. For more information about these preservation standards, visit the following website.

The Kinsman Foundation Small Grants program supports projects that benefit the public in Oregon and southern Washington, focusing on historic preservation and native wildlife rehabilitation. Grants, typically under $5,000, are awarded to tax-exempt nonprofits and government agencies without matching fund requirements. Applications are reviewed every 6-8 weeks, with no specific deadlines for inquiries under $5,000. The foundation emphasizes project support while considering general administrative support valuable for nonprofits.

The 4Culture Landmarks Capital Grants program supports the preservation of historic buildings and landscapes in King County. By funding projects that enhance community visibility, accessibility, and economic impact, this program fosters a stronger regional identity. Eligible applicants include individuals, businesses, and local governments owning designated historic properties. Grants of up to $30,000 can be used for restoration efforts, emphasizing sustainable practices and public benefit. Projects addressing urgent preservation needs are prioritized, particularly from historically marginalized communities.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The 4Culture Operating Support: Preservation Sustained Support grant provides vital funding for preservation organizations in King County. This grant aids in covering operational costs, including staff salaries and program expenses, across a two-year cycle. By supporting organizations that advocate for and educate the public on historic preservation, the grant fosters stewardship and enhances community engagement, ensuring that valuable cultural resources are accessible to all residents and visitors.

The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation supports arts and culture organizations through grants typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, with a focus on enhancing community vitality. Eligible organizations include nonprofits dedicated to performing arts, visual arts, and historic preservation. The foundation operates on a quarterly grant cycle, ensuring careful review of applications. Grants are limited to tax-exempt organizations, and the foundation does not fund projects outside its service areas in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and California.

The 4Culture Collections Care Grants support King County non-profit heritage organizations in preserving historic artifacts and cultural materials. Grant funds, ranging from $1,000 to $8,000, can be used for assessments, training, conservation, and public benefit projects. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate feasibility, quality, and impact on the community. New applications will reopen in 2025, as the current grant cycle is on hold due to ongoing federal relief fund disbursements.

The Grays Harbor Community Foundation's Community Building Grants Program aims to enhance the quality of life throughout Grays Harbor County by supporting various nonprofit organizations. Emphasizing community needs, the program prioritizes initiatives in education, health, and arts, focusing on collaborative efforts that address local challenges. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding to drive meaningful change and foster engagement, with two grant cycles each year, ensuring a responsive approach to community development.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The Wildhorse Foundation offers grants to support the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and surrounding areas in Oregon and Washington. With a commitment to community welfare, the foundation donates over $1 million annually to various projects, including arts, education, and environmental protection. Organizations must operate within the designated areas and adhere to specific eligibility criteria. The foundation emphasizes charitable giving and aims to enhance the quality of life for tribal members and their communities.

Established in 2007 with the enactment of Substitute House Bill 2115, the Initiative is aimed at recognizing and preserving significant historic resources related to the agricultural heritage of Washington. These goals are achieved in two ways: through the creation of the Washington State Heritage Barn Register and the appropriation of matching funds to assist with the emergency stabilization and rehabilitation of barns and associated significant agricultural buildings.

The 4Culture Heritage Professional Development Stipend Grants support King County residents and heritage organizations in enhancing their skills through conferences, workshops, and training sessions. Grants ranging from $100 to $2,000 are available to help individuals and organizations engage in professional development opportunities that align with career goals in the heritage field. This initiative aims to foster informed heritage professionals who can contribute to the community's cultural preservation and education.

The 4Culture Landmark Nomination Support Grant provides funding for individuals and organizations in King County, Washington, to prepare landmark nominations for historic sites. The program aims to promote the preservation of underrepresented aspects of local history. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to applicants with property owner consent. Priority is given to projects that engage diverse communities. Applications are due in 2025, with a focus on completed nominations that deliver public benefits.

The Icicle Fund Community Grants support nonprofit organizations in North Central Washington that promote the arts, history, and environmental stewardship. These unrestricted grants allow organizations to address community needs flexibly and innovatively. With funding typically ranging from $3,000 to $35,000, the program prioritizes engaging local communities in appreciation and understanding of their unique cultural and natural heritage. Eligible organizations include public schools, governmental entities, and faith-based groups focusing on these core areas.

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Grants support the preservation of historic sites that reflect African American cultural heritage. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 assist projects in areas like Capital Projects, Organizational Capacity Building, Project Planning, and Programming. Eligible applicants include public agencies, accredited colleges, and nonprofits. The program emphasizes themes such as activism, innovation, and historically significant sites, aiming to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of African American history.

The Award for Graduate Study in American History, offered by the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Illinois (NSCDA-IL), provides $3,000 annually to a graduate student. This award supports research that enhances understanding of America's development from colonial times to the present, with a preference for those intending to teach. NSCDA-IL fosters appreciation for our national heritage through educational initiatives and historic preservation.

The Jeannett Slesnick Community Spirit Scholarship offers up to four years of college tuition assistance for graduating seniors from Coral Gables High School, Miami Senior High School, or ISPA. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in communications, journalism, leadership, or historic preservation, and must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Established in 2022 by Jeannett and Don Slesnick, this scholarship honors Jeannett's commitment to community service and education, supporting local high school graduates in their academic pursuits.

The 4Culture Heritage Projects Grant Program supports initiatives that make history relevant through exhibits, publications, and oral histories in King County, WA. Grants range from $2,000 to $15,000, funding projects that enhance public access to heritage resources and promote collaborations among diverse communities. The program seeks to broaden historical narratives, focusing on racial equity and inclusion, while ensuring projects benefit underrepresented populations and provide accessible educational opportunities.

The 4Culture Preservation Special Projects grant supports initiatives that promote the preservation of historic places in King County, Washington. It funds research, documentation, education, and advocacy efforts, enhancing public awareness and accessibility to historic sites. Open to individuals and organizations, this grant emphasizes quality, public benefit, equity, and feasibility in project proposals. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their projects contribute to the long-term stewardship of important historic resources.

The Pacific Power Foundation provides Education/STEM Grants aimed at enhancing community vitality through charitable investments. With over $1 million awarded in 2021, eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and youth organizations. The foundation emphasizes initiatives in electrical safety, energy efficiency, and workforce development. Grants are available in four cycles to ensure thorough evaluation of requests. Exclusions apply to organizations that discriminate or operate outside the service areas of Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power.

The Building for Equity: Capacity Building Grants support organizations in enhancing their long-term facility needs with funding up to $25,000. This initiative prioritizes projects that aid in advocating, planning, and constructing spaces for cultural programming, particularly for underserved communities in King County. Through a competitive evaluation process, grants aim to foster sustainability and community benefit, emphasizing cultural equity and access across the region.

The Price Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance education, health, and historic preservation in Clark and Cowlitz Counties, Washington. The foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations by providing need-based scholarships, grants for medical care, and funding for the preservation of historic sites. The mission aligns with the vision of promoting community well-being and valuing historical lessons. By addressing unfulfilled needs, the foundation plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of life in the region.

The Operating Support: Launch Grant for New Organizations aims to provide essential financial assistance to emerging cultural and science organizations in King County. This grant supports a variety of operational expenses for nonprofits, including staff salaries and program development. Over three years, organizations can request funding ranging from $45,000 to $180,000, based on their needs. This initiative not only fosters new programming but also prioritizes equity and public benefit, ensuring a diverse cultural landscape in the community.

The 4Culture Equipment for Organizations grant provides funding of up to $15,000 to support the purchase and installation of essential equipment for arts, heritage, historic preservation, and science organizations in King County. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and fiscally sponsored groups. The funding can cover fixed assets like computers and machinery, with a minimum request of $1,000. Organizations should ensure their projects align with the grant criteria to qualify.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Pacific Power Foundation offers Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power service areas. Since 2019, the foundation has contributed over $13 million to promote community resilience, affordable housing, and environmental conservation. Eligible candidates include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions. Grants aim to address local needs while ensuring responsible environmental stewardship, enhancing community vitality, and fostering sustainable development.

The Trail Blazers LIVE Grant, presented by Avangrid Renewables, aims to empower organizations in Oregon and SW Washington that connect youth to environmental education and employment. With grants of up to $25,000 annually, and potential additional funding for a total of $50,000, this initiative supports efforts to engage historically underserved communities in sustainability and environmental stewardship. Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply and contribute to a greener future.