Pierce County Historic Preservation Grant Program

The Pierce County Historic Preservation Grant Program is administered by the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission (LHPC) and funded through a surcharge collected on document recording, as authorized by RCW 36.22.170. This local grant program is designed to support the identification, preservation, and promotion of historic and culturally significant resources throughout Pierce County, Washington. The initiative offers meaningful financial support to projects that demonstrate a strong public benefit and connection to local heritage, history, architecture, archaeology, or culture. The grant is managed in coordination with the Pierce County Council, which provides the final approval of award recommendations made by the LHPC. The purpose of the grant is to distribute funding to projects that protect or enhance historic properties or heritage-related activities. Two distinct funding tracks are offered: building-related projects may receive up to $35,000, while non-building projects may receive up to $15,000. Eligible building projects include the rehabilitation, restoration, excavation, and reconstruction of structures or sites listed on local, state, or national historic registers. These must be accessible to the public and follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Non-building project types may include artifact preservation, historical interpretation, exhibitions, signage, educational programming, or heritage events. All expenditures must comply with applicable public works and prevailing wage laws when required. Applicants must submit their application electronically through an online form between August 25 and September 30, 2025. The application includes specific documentation such as budget details, scope of work, and evidence of public benefit. A public Q&A session is scheduled for September 9, 2025, from 12 to 1 p.m. via Zoom. All applications will be reviewed by county staff for eligibility and completeness. Those deemed eligible will proceed to the LHPC for scoring and evaluation, during which applicants may be invited to present their project. The Commission will then forward its funding recommendations to the County Council for final approval. Notifications are expected in November 2025. Evaluation criteria include relevance to Pierce County history, application quality, demonstrated public benefit, urgency of project need, and alignment with equity goals. Each application is scored accordingly, and the Commission considers geographic diversity across council districts when allocating funding. Only one application per applicant is allowed per cycle. Matching funds are required for all projects, though the specific match amount is determined by the grant request and must be documented in the application. The total available funding for the 2026 cycle is estimated at $80,000. Grants are reimbursable, not awarded upfront. Successful applicants must provide proof of expenditure before receiving funds, and invoices may be submitted no more than once per month. All projects must be completed, and final invoices submitted by March 1, 2027. Recipients are required to submit a mid-term status report by October 1, 2026. Projects may be subject to on-site inspection or photo verification by county staff. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public agencies such as cities, tribes, and school districts, and private individuals or entities that own eligible properties. All applicants must provide a matching contribution. For more information or assistance, interested parties can contact Becca Book, Senior Planner at becca.book@piercecountywa.gov or 253-798-6246. Administrative support is also available via ppwlongrangeadmin@piercecountywa.gov or 253-798-3736.

Applicants are encouraged to attend the optional Q&A session, ensure their application addresses public benefit and equity, and submit early to avoid disqualification for incompleteness.