The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation has announced that grant applications for the 2010 Valerie Sivinski Washington Preserves Fund are being accepted.

Established in 1997, the program has awarded 62 projects totaling over $51,000 in funding to local historic preservation organizations and advocates engaged in the important work of preserving Washington’s cultural heritage. While priority is given to bricks and mortar rehabilitation of historic resources, eligible projects also include preservation planning, producing publications/materials to assist with advocacy efforts, and development of interpretive elements that promote the preservation of a specific resource.

“The Valerie Sivinski Washington Preserves Fund serves the dual role of assisting with key preservation projects across the state and, perhaps more importantly, acknowledges the individuals and organizations dedicated to Washington’s heritage,” stated Jennifer Meisner, Executive Director of the Washington Trust.

Recent grants from the Washington Preserves Fund have been awarded to assist with a variety of projects and preservation activities, including a roof replacement for the 1856 George Pickett House in Bellingham, restoration of the historic facade on the Fox Theater in Centralia, and masonry rehabilitation work to the Cutter Theater, located in Metaline Falls.

“Having worked as a practitioner and advocate for preservation at the local level, I know first hand the impact this grant program can make,” said Kris Bassett, Chair of the Valerie Sivinski Washington Preserves Fund. “Locally initiated projects are the linchpin of preservation and the Washington Trust is thrilled to support communities across the state as they engage in heritage-related efforts.”

The next deadline for submitting grant applications is Tues., Feb. 16. Applications submitted via e-mail must be received by 5:00 p.m. that day. If a hard copy is being sent via US Mail, application materials must be postmarked no later than Feb. 16. All application materials are available on the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation’s Web site at http://www.wa-trust.org. For additional questions about the application and for information on donating to the Valerie Sivinski Washington Preserves Fund, please contact Chris Moore at (206) 624-9449 or via e-mail at cmoore@wa-trust.org .

The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation is a statewide, tax exempt 501(c)3 non profit organization founded in 1976 to safeguard Washington’s historic places through advocacy, education, collaboration and stewardship.

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For earlier Tacoma Daily Index coverage of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, click on the following links:

1. Washington Trust includes UP’s Curran House on endangered properties list — http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1556327&more=0

2. In an old hilltop mansion, a strong voice for preservation — http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1528102&more=0 or http://www.wahmee.com/tdi_wa_trust.pdf

3. Washington State budget cuts threaten Main Street program — http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1510564&more=0

4. Long List of Concerns for Washington State Preservationists — http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1228444&more=0 or http://www.wahmee.com/tdi_jennifer_meisner_qa.pdf

5. Murray Morgan Bridge tops list of Washington Trust’s annual Most Endangered Historic Properties — http://www.tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1226325&more=0