The Whatcom Community Foundation, in collaboration with Community to Community Development, established the Los Niños Fund to provide humanitarian aid to local families with children affected by the February 24, 2009 immigration raid at Yamato Engine Specialists in Bellingham. More than 30 children ranging in age from infants to teens are involved.

The Los Niño’s Fund will provide much needed food, housing and energy assistance for eligible families. Community to Community Development and Catholic Community Services have agreed to provide direct aid and services to eligible families. The Markets, LLC is generously providing a five percent discount on food vouchers. In addition to these local community partners, the Foundation is grateful to the Community Foundation of Southeast Massachusetts (CFSEMA) for its assistance. CFSEMA established a similar fund in 2007 following a raid in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Contributions may be sent to Whatcom Community Foundation, 119 Grand Avenue, Suite A, Bellingham, WA  98225.  You may also donate online via Network for Good (Please enter the fund name in the designation section.) 

For the current press release on this fund, please click here. 

The Whatcom Community Foundation is accepting grant proposals from local nonprofits to innovatively address primary healthcare needs in Whatcom County. Proposals may involve multi-year initiatives and should lend themselves to replication. Grants will be made from the Foundation’s MBI Health Innovation Fund (Fund). Proposals are due at the Foundation office by 10am on June 8, 2009. Click here for RFP guidelines. Click here for this current press release.

Whether you are a poet (accomplished or aspiring) or simply a lover of language, there is no better way to spend a May evening than attending the Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest. The Boynton Poetry Contest, held on May 13th, attracted Whatcom County residents of all ages and stripes together to share their poetry talents. The Contest honors the life of beloved Whatcom County poet and community organizer, Sue C. Boynton, and continues to showcase the impressive works of other Whatcom County residents. To view the live podcast of this year's contest click here. To read this year's winning poems, please follow this link to the Bellingham Herald.