Eligible Projects

Examples of eligible projects include purchasing materials or services for “bricks and mortar" projects to preserve a property or producing publications and/or interpretive elements that promote historic preservation of a specific resource.  Highest priority will be given to projects that are urgent in nature, contribute significantly to the development of community preservation organizations, and/or are included in our Most Endangered Historic Properties list.  Project work must conform to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and must comply with local design guidelines when applicable.  (Oysterville Church, exterior rehabilitation, above left)

Grant Awards

Maximum request for grant funds is $2,000.  General operating expenses and expenses incurred prior to the award date are not eligible for inclusion in a grant request.  Grants to an individual organization will not be approved more often than once every two years.  Funds will be awarded to applicants upon proof of work being accomplished via the “Grant Completion Report.”  Awardees will receive a letter of award for their grant.  Special conditions for early or one-half disbursement of grant funds will be considered upon request only.  Grant projects should be completed within one year of the award date.  If additional time is needed, grant awardees are required to notify the Washington Trust in writing and provide a status report; otherwise grant funds will be forfeited.  (Garfield County Senior Center, roof repair, above right)

Past Grant Recipients

Since establishing the Washington Preserves Fund in November 1997, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation has awarded almost $40,000 in grants to organizations around the state.  From the first $250 emergency grant to Historic Ellensburg in early 1998, the fund has grown and is now an important piece of the technical assistance provided by the Washington Trust.  View a list of Past Grant Recipients or download a print version (PDF File).

Who’s Eligible to Apply?

• Incorporated Non-profit Organizations

• Unincorporated Citizens Groups/Advocacy Groups

• Most Endangered List Property Owners

• Public Agencies/School Districts/Civic Organizations/Religious Organizations

Grant applicants are required to become members of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation if they are not already members.  Click here for a membership form (PDF File) or use the one included in the application.

How to Apply

• First, read our grant criteria to see if your project may be eligible for funding and learn more about applying.

• Then, download an application form (Microsoft Word File), or contact us, and we will mail a form to you.

• Submit one digital copy, preferably as a single PDF file, of the completed application with attached documentation via email (info@wa-trust.org) to the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation.  Alternatively, one hard copy of all application materials may be submitted via U.S. Mail.

• The application deadline is February 15.  Completed applications must be received electronically by 5:00 PM in order to be considered.  If it is necessary to submit a hard copy of application materials via U.S. Mail, it must be postmarked by February 15.

Support the Fund

The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation currently provides grants through targeted donations to the Valerie Sivinski Washington Preserves Fund supplemented by general operating income.  Recently, the Washington Trust has established an endowment to provide a permanent source of funding.  The goal is to generate enough income from the endowment to fund the program at increasingly higher levels.

If you’d like to contribute to the Valerie Sivinski Washington Preserves Fund or Endowment, please send a check made payable to the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, 1204 Minor Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101.  The Washington Trust can also accept credit card donations.  You can email your credit card information for us to bill your account, or you can also call during regular business hours, and we can take your credit card information over the telephone.

You can also support the Fund or Endowment through a tax deductible gift of stock or other securities whether they have appreciated or declined in value.  The Washington Trust is able to work directly with your broker or financial advisor to facilitate the gift.  As always, we suggest that you consult with your independent financial, tax, or legal advisor for specific help with your particular situation before you proceed with such a donation. Contact us by calling 206-624-9449 or emailing us at info@wa-trust.org for more information.