Protecting and promoting Coupeville’s historic waterfront takes not only time and effort, but also money.

With the support of a state Main Street program and the community, the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association has done just that for years.

The organization has built up one of the town’s biggest events, the Penn Cove Mussel Festival, which received state recognition just this year.

Most of the events, promotions and community activities the group organizes are done independently and without asking for sponsorships or participation fees.

But for the first time, the association finds itself in a bit of financial constraints and needs the community’s support.

Through the Washington Main Street Program, any business that pays B&O tax can divert 75 percent of their taxes to a specific Main Street program.

However, the state allowance maxes out at $1.5 million with each individual Main Street program allowed to collect $133,333.

“It was never an issue because it was always 13-15 programs and we never reached that max,” said Vickie Chambers, executive director of the historic waterfront association. “Now there’s 35 Main Streets going after those dollars.

“For the first time ever two years ago, the funds tapped out in December. Last year it tapped out in May.”

And with the $1.5 million funding allocating out so early in the year, the association found itself with less revenue than expected.

Chambers said the association received about 40 percent of what it normally does.

And for an organization with an annual budget of about $100,000, that’s a big hit.

Musselfest alone costs about $50,000 to put on each year and the association’s goal is to have enough money leftover for startup costs to hold the event the following year.

This year, Chambers said the association may have to look at finding sponsors for the first time.

They may also have to look at sponsors for some of the other activities the association holds like flower baskets for Front Street, holiday lights, and gingerbread house making.

“All those things we do without charge,” Chambers said.

Chambers said eight Main Streets get their maximum amount from just one check.

Because the Main Street program has grown so much, the group petitioned the state legislature last year to double the maximum state allowance.

“Bills like this normally take three years to pass so we’re going back again,” Chambers said.

And in the meantime, Chambers said Coupeville’s Main Street program needs to be more aggressive earlier in the fiscal year in hopes of collecting B&O taxes.

“We strongly believe if we don’t do this in January, we won’t have funds,” Chambers said. “Our goal is to focus on fundraising.

“Every penny we make benefits to our historic catchment area.”

The group is starting a campaign to educate Coupeville business owners on how they can divert the taxes they already pay to help keep those dollars local.

And in January, Chambers said they will host several events where Historic Waterfront Association members will help business owners fill out the necessary paperwork.

“The nice thing is a business can pledge Jan. 2, but not have to write the check until December,” Chambers said.