Ebey’s Forever Grants accepting applications

The grant helps owners of historic buildings on the reserve do repair and preservation work.

By Luisa Loi • January 9, 2024 1:30 am

People who own historic buildings on Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve can apply for a grant that can assist them in repairing and preserving the historic character of their property’s exterior.

In its 13 years of existence, the Ebey’s Forever Grant program has been awarding small grants that have totaled over $2 million to over 110 projects, according to a press release.

Reserve Manager Marie Shimada said projects have included barns, historic homes, churches and water towers. Currently, she said, there are over 400 historic properties on the reserve.

The number of selected recipients varies each year. Sometimes all applicants receive financial support, though that depends on the amount of funds required for each project and how many applications are submitted. According to Shimada, recipients will be announced around the first week of April 2024 after being selected by a committee of historic preservation experts from around the Puget Sound area.

Grants, which are used to conduct work on the exterior of the structure, can range from less than $2,000 to $30,000. Last year, the average grant was between $5,000 and $10,000, Shimada said. Funds come from community donations to Friends of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, which raises funds to support projects on Ebey’s Landing.

The program is beneficial because, as Shimada said, the cost of maintaining old buildings has been rising over the years, with more people struggling to afford necessary repairs.

The Ebey’s Reserve office is accepting applications until Thursday, Feb. 29 at 5 p.m. To apply, visit ebeysreserve.com. For more information about the grant or to schedule a site visit, prospective applicants can reach out to Preservation Coordinator Josh Pitts at EBLAPresCoord@gmail.com or call the Reserve office at 360-678-6084.