Application period open for historic preservation grants

The 2025 Pierce County Historic Preservation Grant Program, which assists preserving and promoting historical and cultural heritage in Pierce County, is accepting applications now through Sept. 30 at 5 p.m.

The goal of the Pierce County Historic Preservation Grant Program is to distribute grants that are awarded based on a project’s public benefit, contribution to maintaining Pierce County history and equity considerations.

The following two types of projects are eligible to apply. Building projects may be awarded up to $35,000 to protect, rehabilitate, or reconstruct significant structures or sites. The property must be located in Pierce County and designated as an official landmark or a contributing structure in a historic district on the County register, the official historic register of a city located in Pierce County, the Washington State Heritage Register or the National Register of Historic Places. Non-building projects may request up to $15,000 for preservation or interpretation of historically significant artifacts and documents, historic markers or interpretive signage, historical research or public programs that promote Pierce County culture or history.

Pierce County welcomes applications from a wide range of nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and individuals owning property on a historic register. Some examples of recently funded projects show the breadth of funding recipients. The Japanese American Citizen League was awarded grant funding for a remembrance gallery. HistoryLink.org used grant funding to create articles about local history. Grant funding supported the acquisition of the historic Parkland School building that local residents worked to save from demolition. The Foss Waterway Seaport used awarded money to support their exhibition planning, and funding allowed for the continued historic preservation of the Vaughan Library Hall, including restoration and interior work.

All applicants must have funds available to cover initial project costs prior to being reimbursed by the county. Visit piercecountywa.gov/historicpreservationgrant to learn more and apply.