Historical Preservation Grant (HPG) Program

The Franklin County Historical Preservation Grant (HPG) Program was created by the Franklin County Commissioners in Washington State to advance the preservation of historical assets within the county. Established through the authority granted under RCW 36.22.170, the program is funded by document recording fees, which are specifically allocated to the Historical Preservation Fund. These funds are designated to support initiatives that aim to safeguard and enhance the county’s historical records, artifacts, and cultural narratives. The goal of the HPG Program is to bolster historic preservation efforts or related programming that increases public knowledge and benefits Franklin County residents. Funding is intended to aid projects that interpret, exhibit, preserve, or restore historic items or themes central to the county’s heritage. In addition, projects that address the urgency of threatened historical artifacts, documents, or cultural elements are especially encouraged. The initiative recognizes that protecting history enriches community identity and long-term cultural education. Eligibility for the program is restricted to government entities or IRS-recognized nonprofit organizations under section 501(c)(3), which must be physically located in Franklin County and serve its residents. All applicants must be able to provide documentation confirming their tax status—nonprofits must submit the latest IRS Form 990, and government applicants must submit the date of their most recent Washington State Auditor’s report. The requirement ensures accountability and alignment with the county’s oversight expectations. The application process involves submitting a proposal through a designated fillable PDF form, available at the Franklin County Historical Preservation website. The 2026 grant cycle opens for applications on March 9, 2026, and closes on April 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Applicants are encouraged to carefully complete all required fields, including detailed budget information with a clear distinction between applicant and HPG contributions. Questions or submissions are directed via email to [email protected]. Submitted proposals are reviewed by the Franklin County Historical Preservation Grant Program Committee, which evaluates each project based on how well it aligns with the program’s objectives. Considerations include the project’s impact on preservation, educational outreach, improved accessibility to historical materials, and measurable outcomes. Funding will be disbursed to successful applicants starting no earlier than June 1, 2026, following committee review and decision-making. This is a recurring program offered annually, with no rolling deadline. The next anticipated application cycle is expected in Spring 2027, and internal review of future updates or opportunities should occur by March 1, 2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the county’s historical preservation page for announcements. While no match is required, applicants are prompted to disclose additional sources of funding to show leveraged support for their initiatives.