LU WINSOR ENVIRONMENTAL FUND
The Lu Winsor Memorial Environmental Grant programs was established in 2003 as an extension of Peninsula Light Company’s Green By Choice program, which allowed PenLight members to incorporate green energy into their fuel mix. In support of this initiative, PenLight committed $5,000 annually to fund the grant program. Recognizing the program’s impact, Pierce County Water Programs joined the effort, matching PenLight’s contribution, making about $10,000 available annually for the first 10 years of the program
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​In 2014, the Lu Winsor Environmental Grant Fund, was established as managed fund under the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation. The fund is fueled by donor-directed gifts and proceeds from the Cider Swig Festival. Each year, approximately $25,000 in grants is available to local nonprofit organizations, schools, and agencies that align with the program’s mission.
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Today, the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation oversees the fund, with program co-management with Pierce County and application review by a dedicated six-member team, including representatives from Pierce County, the City of Gig Harbor, Pierce County Conservation District, PenLight, the Foundation, and the community. Since 2014, the program has awarded over $300,000 in grants, advancing environmental initiatives throughout the KGI Watershed.
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ABOUT
Luther (Lu) Winsor was a retired U.S. Park Service Manager/Ranger, appointed in 1996 by the Pierce County Council to serve on the Key Gig Harbor and the Islands (KGI) Watershed Planning Committee to help develop the KGI Watershed Plan.
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Once the plan was adopted in 2000, Lu continued to serve on the newly formed KGI Watershed Council until his passing in 2003.