Historical Preservation Grant Program

The Franklin County Historical Preservation Grant Program is administered by Franklin County, Washington, through its Historical Preservation Fund and associated committee. The fund was established by the Franklin County Commissioners under RCW 36.22.170, which authorizes a surcharge on recorded documents to support the preservation of historical records and resources. Revenue generated from this fee is allocated to support grant funding aimed at preserving, documenting, and promoting the history of Franklin County. The program reflects a local government commitment to maintaining historical assets and increasing public access to cultural heritage. The primary purpose of the Historical Preservation Grant Program is to promote historic preservation activities and programs within the geographic boundaries of Franklin County. The program is designed to increase knowledge of local history, enhance services to residents, and support efforts to preserve, exhibit, and interpret historical artifacts and materials. Eligible projects may include preservation of documents, educational programming, exhibitions, or other initiatives that contribute to safeguarding historical resources or improving public understanding of the county’s heritage. Funding is made available to support projects that directly align with these goals, although specific funding limits or award ranges are not defined in the available materials. Applicants are required to submit a detailed project budget outlining both applicant contributions and requested grant funds, indicating that projects may involve shared financial responsibility. The application also requests information on total project cost, suggesting that the program evaluates both the scale and financial feasibility of proposed initiatives. Matching funds are referenced through a leverage question in the application, but there is no explicit requirement that matching funds be mandatory. Eligibility for the program is restricted to government entities and nonprofit organizations that are recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, applicants must be physically located within Franklin County and must provide services to residents of the county. Nonprofit applicants are required to submit their most recent IRS Form 990, while government applicants must provide the date of their most recent State Auditor’s audit report. These requirements ensure organizational accountability and financial transparency. The application process requires submission of a completed fillable PDF application form via email to the designated program inbox. The application includes multiple narrative sections in which applicants must describe their project in detail, explain how it promotes preservation of historical materials, outline how it increases public understanding of local history, and identify measurable performance outcomes. Applicants must also address how their project mitigates threats to historical resources and improves access to historical information or educational opportunities across the region. For the 2026 funding cycle, the application window opened on March 9, 2026, and the deadline for submission has been extended to July 1, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Applications are reviewed by the Franklin County Historical Preservation Grant Program Committee, which is responsible for selecting recipients. Approved projects are expected to begin no earlier than August 1, 2026, indicating a structured review and award timeline following the submission deadline. The program operates on a recurring basis, as it is tied to an ongoing funding mechanism through document recording fees and is positioned as an annual or periodic grant opportunity. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the program via email for additional information or clarification. The program emphasizes community impact, preservation outcomes, and educational value, making it a targeted funding opportunity for organizations dedicated to maintaining and promoting the historical legacy of Franklin County.

Focus on clearly demonstrating preservation impact, community benefit, and measurable outcomes; ensure alignment with Franklin County historical priorities