There are only three basic options for non-profit dedicated baseline funding: A large endowment, municipal funding, or a specialty tax supported by the community. Memberships and donations only make up an average of 20%-50% of a non-profit budget.
Cultural Access Gig Harbor
How It Works
Getting Started
A cultural access program can only be started in two ways:
A vote of the people (placed on an official ballot by the city).
A vote by city council.
​The average cost per household is just $3.66 per month.
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The Basics
If the city council approves the initiative and a resolution to place it on the ballot, city residents will vote to enact it.
In the last state legislative session, HB 1575 granted city councils the authority to enact Cultural Access in their municipality by simple council vote. Councils do, however, still have the option to require a vote of the people.
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If enacted by May 31, 2025, the soonest collection can begin is late 2025 or early 2026, with funds available for disbursement to local organizations in 2027.
Legislation states that the vast majority of funds must be disbursed to qualifying cultural organizations. The following ratio is recommended for a small community:
80% to organizations; 5% to access programs for schools (transportation);
15% to program management.
CULTURAL ACCESS makes it easy to support numerous organizations that serve each and every taxpayer, creating a community that is vibrant and alive.
With many people who live outside of the city shopping here, the tax burden is spread across all shoppers not just those who live in the city limits.
Putting it to a Vote
CULTURAL ACCESS GIG HARBOR requires a vote, either by city council or, if they chose, by the people. Basically one penny from every $10 spent would go into the Cultural Access fund. Currently our tax is 9.1%; with the increase it would be 9.2%. That's still one of the lowest sales tax rates in the state.
Dedicated Funding
Use of Cultural Access funds is dictated by Washington State legislation (RCW 36.160). Funds are specific to the purpose of supporting nonprofit organizations who have been functioning for at least three years, hold 501-c-3 tax status, and who provide public and school programming.
Governance
A volunteer Community Advisory Committee may be formed by the city to help develop operational guidelines. ArtsWA is also named in the legislation as an option for program administration.
The program provides up to 15% of collected funds to administer the program and disburse funds.
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BUILT FROM SCRATCH
CAGH leverages existing legislation: RCW 36.160
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If successful, it will be the sixth program of its kind in Washington state.
TIMELINE
There is a lot to do to get this measure passed and active:
2025
City Council Decision on Vote
(councilmanic or ballot)
2025
Council or Ballot Vote
2026
Year one of tax collection.
Draft management plan
2027
Disbursement of funds to organizations.
Awesome programs ensue!
ENDORSEMENTS
The following organizations have endorsed
Cultural Access Gig Harbor:
Harbor History Museum
Harbor WildWatch
Gig Harbor BoatShop
Peninsula Hands-on Art
Peninsula School District
InspireWA