Lu Winsor Environmental Grants

The Lu Winsor Environmental Grant Fund supports environmental stewardship, education, and watershed protection projects within the Key Peninsula-Gig Harbor-Islands (KGI) Watershed. Originally launched in 2003 through Peninsula Light Company's (PenLight) "Green by Choice" program, the grant initiative was initially funded with a $5,000 annual contribution from PenLight. This amount was matched by Pierce County Water Programs, providing a total of approximately $10,000 per year for its first decade. The program was renamed and restructured in 2014 as the Lu Winsor Environmental Grant Fund under the management of the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation (GGHF), expanding its impact and increasing grant funding availability to around $25,000 annually. The grant was named in honor of Luther "Lu" Winsor, a former U.S. Park Service Manager and member of the KGI Watershed Planning Committee, who played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the KGI Watershed Plan. His contributions continued through service on the KGI Watershed Council until his passing in 2003. In alignment with his legacy, the fund seeks to uphold the objectives of the Watershed Council by prioritizing funding for projects that promote environmental education, community stewardship, and the protection of the watershed ecosystem. Now administered by the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation, the fund is co-managed in collaboration with Pierce County. Oversight and application review are conducted by a six-member panel comprising representatives from Pierce County, the City of Gig Harbor, Pierce County Conservation District, PenLight, the Foundation, and the local community. These reviewers ensure that awarded projects align with the fund's mission and demonstrate a strong potential for local environmental impact. Funding for the grant program is sourced from donor-directed gifts and proceeds generated through the Cider Swig Festival, a key fundraising event. Grants are awarded annually, with the 2024 cycle having distributed $27,350 to nine nonprofit organizations and public agencies, including two private citizens conducting stewardship work. Over the past 20 years, the program has awarded more than $300,000 to 36 entities, with nearly half of its 130 grants benefiting programs like YMCA’s Camp Seymour and Harbor Wild Watch. Applicants must be local nonprofit organizations, schools, agencies, or individuals conducting work that contributes to environmental education or conservation within the KGI Watershed. Applications are submitted online through a Microsoft Forms portal. The application deadline for the 2026 cycle is May 6, 2026, by 5:00 PM. For further information or inquiries, applicants are encouraged to contact the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation at 253.514.6338 or via email at [email protected]. The foundation’s office is located at 7191 Wagner Way, Suite 102, Gig Harbor, WA 98335. More details on the fund, including application access and donation options, can be found on the foundation’s official website.