Imagine Children’s Museum $250k grant reinstated following federal court order

EVERETT — A $250,000 federal grant to the Imagine Children’s Museum has been reinstated, following a federal court order.

In April, the Institute of Museum and Library Services terminated the grant without explanation. On Wednesday, the museum received notice about the reinstatement from the institute’s acting director, Keith Sonderling. The notice added that an appeal to the court order is pending, which could affect the grant’s future status.

“We are relieved and grateful that this essential funding has been restored, at least for now,” said Elizabeth Wood, chief executive officer of Imagine Children’s Museum, in a press release Thursday.

The grant supports the museum’s Little Science Lab program, which brings free science lessons to preschool-aged children and their families throughout rural Snohomish County, through 2027. Without the grant funding, the program could end prematurely, museum spokesperson Gretchen Wilson-Prangley wrote in the release.

In April, Washington joined 20 states in suing the Trump administration to protect the Institute of Museum and Library Services and its grant funding. The museum’s grant reinstatement is a result of those efforts, Wilson-Prangley said.

The museum plans to deliver the Little Science Lab program through at least June 2025, Wood said, and is closely monitoring developments.

“We will continue advocating for the children and families who benefit from this program,” Wood said. “While this reinstatement is a meaningful victory, we recognize that uncertainty remains.”

Jenna Peterson: 425-339-3486; jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com; X: @jennarpetersonn.