Happy 2026 neighbors, Like many of you, we’ve hit the ground running this year. Once again: disastrous flooding. And once again: an incredible show of generosity, cooperation and neighborliness in the wake of it. Close to $1.4M raised and much of it put to work immediately on neighbors’ most urgent needs. So heartening! And so hard not to ask, what can we do today, this month, this year,...
Hi neighbors, After a record return of Chinook salmon in Whatcom Creek last month, we find ourselves reflecting on a season full of both challenge and renewal. While the federal shutdown has tested systems and stretched communities, Whatcom Creek offered a quiet triumph; the work of salmon recovery seems to be paying off. It's a reminder that steady...
Hello neighbors! What a stunning summer it’s been, especially considering the extreme heat experienced virtually everywhere else in the country. But our community has not wholly escaped the consequences of hot dry conditions– as I write, the Sourdough fire is not expected to be contained until October; I just spoke with partners about relief funding for...
Happy Summer, Neighbors! In keeping with the spirit of optimism that maximum daylight brings, we’re continuing our focus on economic opportunity in Whatcom County with a spotlight on employee ownership. As an option for business owners that brings a variety of both individual and collective benefits, employee ownership offers a lot of upsides. Read on for...
Help Make a Difference Before Disaster Strikes Along with our partners, Whatcom Community Foundation is working to ensure that if we as a community are not responding to a disaster, we are preparing for one. Our goal? Rapid, orderly, sufficient and equitable care for neighbors in the face of our next community crisis. Are we a resilient...
Hi Neighbors - We’re focusing this and the next two issues of THRIVE on economic opportunity in Whatcom County. With such a big topic, it’s good to start at the beginning — so let’s talk about babies! After that, we’ll look at the many benefits of employee ownership and then conclude with the Millworks, a community...
Grant funding for Whatcom County small businesses impacted by last November's historic flooding is now available. Funding comes from the Whatcom Community Foundation in partnership with Western Washington University's Small Business Development Center and the Port of Bellingham and in coordination with the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG). Qualified businesses can apply at Whatcom Community Foundation...
Welcome to Thrive 2022 Hello Friends - We’re taking a new approach to sharing the Community Foundation's work this year, focusing each bimonthly issue on a key community challenge. We’re hoping this provides helpful insight as we work together to make this beautiful county of ours a place where everyone has what they need to thrive. Mauri Ingram, President...
