Snohomish County Historic Preservation Grant Program

The Snohomish County Historic Preservation Grant Program, administered by the Snohomish County Historic Preservation Commission, aims to preserve and promote the rich historical heritage of Snohomish County. Launched in 2009, the program provides funding on a competitive basis for projects that enhance public understanding of the county’s history. Grants are funded by a portion of document recording fees collected by the Snohomish County Auditor, and authorized under Washington State legislation RCW 36.22.170 (also referred to as HB1386 funds). The program supports four major project categories: Professional Development, Public Programming, Capital Improvements & Equipment, and Collections Management. Professional Development grants aid nonprofit organizations by enhancing their capacity to collect, preserve, and interpret historical assets. Public Programming supports educational activities for the general public, such as exhibits, publications, and events. Capital Improvements & Equipment projects involve restoration and enhancements to heritage facilities or equipment critical to historic interpretation. Collections Management grants support acquisitions, conservation efforts, digital tools, and professional assessments to maintain nonprofit heritage collections. The 2026 grant cycle will offer up to $75,000 in total financial support, with individual awards not exceeding $15,000. Projects must be completed within the calendar year of award, with no extensions permitted. The program does not require applicants to provide a financial match; however, inclusion of cash, in-kind labor, or materials can enhance the likelihood of success. Information-oriented projects such as digitization and content creation are not expected to offer a match but may still benefit from doing so. All grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis, and reimbursements will not be processed until after October 23, 2026. Only one reimbursement request per quarter is allowed, and awardees are encouraged to minimize the number of requests. Eligible applicants include Snohomish County-based nonprofit cultural organizations and public agencies that provide heritage services. All projects must present a clear public benefit and have defined objectives, deliverables, and success metrics. After submission, program staff conduct an eligibility review and prepare proposal summaries for the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). The HPC evaluates and recommends projects based on funding category alignment, eligibility, and available funds. Final decisions are made by the County Executive and Council. Funded projects are governed by contracts detailing award amounts, eligible expenditures, and performance expectations. Applications for the 2026 cycle will open on November 21, 2025, and are due by January 20, 2026 at 5 PM. Submissions must be made via email with all required attachments, including a signed form, a current W-9, and organizational information. For questions about the application process, applicants are advised to contact Gretchen Kaehler, the county’s preservation officer. A downloadable PDF version of the application is also available for review.

Projects that offer in-kind match, demonstrate measurable public benefit, and align with funding categories are prioritized.