Applications open for grants

Spokane Preservation Advocates will be accepting applications for the spring 2006 Heritage grants from Feb. 15 through March 15.

SPA is dedicated to the preservation of Spokane’s historic buildings, neighborhoods, landscapes and character. The Heritage Fund is made possible through donations and fund-raising events.

SPA has awarded more than $39,000 in grants during the past seven years.

The Heritage Fund provides three levels of grants for historic preservation projects:

•Capital preservation grants ($2,500 to $5,000). This grant is basically for bricks and mortar type projects, with matching required by the applicant.

•Preservation emergency fund ($500 to 2,500). This grant may be for a variety of preservation projects, not just bricks and mortar, with matching required by the applicant.

•SPA Minigrant Program ($100 to $1,000). This is the most flexible grant program, with no matching required.

Heritage Grant award recipients for fall 2005 included the West Central Neighborhood Council, awarded $1,000 for the design and construction of one entry sign to the Nettleton Addition Historic District; the Masonic Temple Association, awarded $3,750 to repair the fifth floor ceiling and skylight of the Masonic Temple; and the Spokane Antique Carousel Society, awarded $1,000 for the publication of 70 copies of “a Carousel Odyssey,” for distribution to Spokane elementary school and city libraries.

For more information on applying for a Heritage grant contact the Heritage Fund Committee chairwoman, Susan Winchell, at 477-4237 or swinchell@yahoo.com or visit www.spokanepreservation.org.

Meeting

•The Manito Neighborhood Council will meet at 7 p.m. tonight at Wilson Elementary School, 911 W. 25th Ave.