||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||
San Juan County’s Cultural Access program is one step closer to awarding funding to local organizations in support of access to culture, science, art, and history education and experiences. Now, application materials are live, and recruitment for the advisory board is underway!
About the County’s Cultural Access Program:
In December 2024, the San Juan County Council passed an ordinance adopting a 1/10th of 1% sales tax to establish a Cultural Access Program, becoming the first rural county in Washington State to do so. The tax, which took effect April 1, 2025, is projected to raise approximately $800,000 annually to support access to cultural, historical, art, and scientific experiences for residents – particularly students and underserved communities.
Key goals of the Cultural Access Program include:
- Enhancing educational opportunities and outreach through cultural organizations
- Supporting equitable access to arts, science, and history programs
- Providing transportation support to schools for cultural activities
- Funding local nonprofits through two grant types: Comprehensive Organizational Support and Impact Grants
Apply for Funding
Application guidelines and materials are now available for local organizations to access, review, and begin completing. Materials are available on the Cultural Access San Juans webpage: https://www.
On the website, find information about funding opportunities, key timelines, contact information, and more. Applications will be accepted January 5, 2026 through February 16, 2026.
Cultural Access Advisory Board
The San Juan County Parks, Recreation, and Fair Department is seeking volunteers from local nonprofit organizations whose field of focus is culture, science, art, and history to serve on the new Cultural Access Review Board. This advisory board is tasked with reviewing submitted grant proposals to the Cultural Access San Juans program and making recommendations for funding to the San Juan County Council.
The County is seeking experienced individuals who can provide thoughtful input, which will play a crucial role in ensuring that the Cultural Access Program is receptive to the needs of San Juan County’s diverse cultural community. Those interested in serving on the Cultural Access Review Board should apply on the County’s Advisory Board and Committee’s application page. There is an easy link to locate on the Cultural Access Review Board webpage on the program website.
Contact: Gabrielle Conway, Projects and Grants Coordinator (Parks, Recreation, and Fair Department), gabriellec@
About San Juan County’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Fair
San Juan County’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Fair oversees public parks on all four ferry-served islands, manages camping, and hosts the San Juan County Fair. The department offices are located at 849 Argyle Avenue, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Fair, visit https://sanjuancountywa.gov/
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