Snohomish County Historic Preservation Grant Program

The Snohomish County Historic Preservation Grant Program is administered by the Snohomish County Historic Preservation Commission and funded through document recording fees collected by the Snohomish County Auditor, as authorized under RCW 36.22.170. These funds, often referred to as HB1386 funds, are allocated competitively to support projects that preserve and enhance the county's rich history for residents, visitors, and future generations. The program emphasizes public engagement and historical preservation by supporting work that aligns with one of four key funding categories: Professional Development, Public Programming, Capital Improvements & Equipment, and Collections Management. The Historic Preservation Grant is open to Snohomish County-based nonprofit cultural organizations and public agencies that provide heritage-related services. To be eligible, proposed projects must have a clear connection to Snohomish County history and demonstrate a defined public benefit. Applicants are expected to define project goals, outline measurable outcomes, and provide a budget that demonstrates how grant funds—alongside any cash or in-kind contributions—will enable project completion. Although financial matching is not mandatory, offering a match strengthens applications, especially for non-information-focused projects. Priority may also be given to applicants not already receiving Historic Preservation surcharge funding. Individual grants can be awarded up to a maximum of $15,000, with the program allocating up to $75,000 in total funding for the 2026 cycle. Funded activities must be completed within the approved calendar year, and all awards are made on a reimbursement basis. Reimbursement requests can only be submitted after October 20, 2026, and no more than once per calendar quarter. Each request must include documentation tying the expense to pre-approved project elements. Projects that involve digitization, creation of historical materials, or public education programming are eligible, and offering a match will improve their chances, though such matches are not required. The evaluation process begins after the application deadline, with staff reviewing proposals for eligibility and preparing summaries for the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). The HPC evaluates, prioritizes, and recommends top proposals based on alignment with program goals and available funding. These recommendations are then submitted to the County Executive and Council for final approval. If selected, awardees will enter into formal contracts that define the project scope, award amount, and eligible expenses. Allowable activities under Professional Development include training for nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers in historical preservation practices. Public Programming supports educational initiatives for the community, such as exhibits and publications. Capital Improvements & Equipment grants are for restoration and structural enhancements to heritage facilities, while Collections Management supports acquisitions, conservation, and systems for managing historical collections. Projects involving permanent exhibits must comply with relevant federal accessibility and preservation standards. Interested applicants must complete all required sections of the application and are encouraged to contact Gretchen Kaehler, County Archaeologist, at [email protected] or 425-388-3432 for guidance. The 2026 application window opens November 21, 2025, and all submissions are due by 5:00 PM on January 20, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Prioritize public benefit and tourism relevance; offering a match strengthens proposal.