Grantmaking is one way that we are making a difference.
The competitive grant review process seeks to identify projects and programs with the greatest potential to create an environment where everyone who lives here thrives.
Review our grant offerings listed below to determine the best fit for your project. We strongly recommend reviewing our grant guidelines before starting your application. Community groups may find a nonprofit charitable organization, public institution or tribe to serve as a fiscal sponsor in seeking grant funding. Please call us for more information about how that might work.
The Project Neighborly (PN) grant is for people who have great ideas about how we can all become better neighbors by bringing people together that might not otherwise meet. The Community Foundation will award grants (up to $5,000 each) to support inspiring, actionable, relevant projects and activities that develop a sense of community and promote neighborliness throughout the rural and urban areas of Whatcom County.
Special PN FAQ’s & Guidelines click HERE
To apply, click HERE
To preview the application questions, click HERE
Grant application closes May 10, 2024 at 4pm.
The Youth Philanthropy Project helps high school students develop personal and professional skills needed by the next generation of community leaders. With staff support, students form a leadership committee to learn about local issues affecting Whatcom County, review grant proposals and make funding decisions.
In 2024, the YPP team will distribute grants up to $5,000 for nonprofit organizations, schools, Native American Tribes and government agencies that address and work with children and youth (up to age 24) of all races and ethnicities in Whatcom County experiencing mental health challenges and youth homelessness. Priority given to programs that engage youth in program design/delivery.
Grant application is now closed.
We are offering mini grants to local Whatcom County Federal nonprofits to address some of the issues of staff fatigue, turnover and burnout that are currently pervasive throughout the nonprofit sector. We invite you to apply for grants to support you and your team’s physical and mental health, creating a positive work environment, enhancing job satisfaction, and reducing burnout.
We will have at least $200,000 in funding and will offer $1,000 – $10,000 grants (depending on organizational staffing size and what you’d like to do). Grant funding amounts could increase depending on the number of applicants and/or increase in funding pool.
We have had an overwhelming response to this grant round and received many more requests than we can fund.
Grant application is now closed.
Grant Seeking Resources
Our team knows how hard it can be to match great ideas with funding opportunities. Sometimes it can feel like if you are never in the right place and the right time.
We are working on a couple ideas to help, but in the meantime, we recommend the following resources as next steps:
Fundraising/Marketing Resources
Bellingham Library’s Nonprofit Resource Center and subscription to The Foundation Center – http://www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org/yourlibrary
Association of Fundraising Professionals
Claxon Marketing – Resources/Do-it-Yourself
Susan Howlett (fundraising and board development) – consultant, author (Boards on Fire, Getting Funded, etc.)
General Nonprofit Resources
501 Commons (statewide nonprofit support organization)
Washington Nonprofits (statewide nonprofit advocacy organization)
Tech Soup (discounted software for nonprofits)
