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 HERE 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.
Youth Philanthropy Project (YPP) invests in opportunities for young people to thrive in Whatcom County. Using the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) as a guide, YPP supports projects that strengthen the relationships, activities, connections, and environments that contribute to healthy youth development. Youth voice is central to this work, and projects should reflect young people’s ideas, priorities, and experiences.
Health & Wellness grants support Whatcom County nonprofits in caring for the people who care for our community. Funding is intended to strengthen staff well-being, build healthier workplace environments, and support practices that help nonprofit teams stay connected, supported, and sustainable in their work.
The Project Neighborly grant is for people who have great ideas about how we can all become better neighbors by bringing people together who might not otherwise meet. The Community Foundation will award grants (up to $5,000 each) to support inspiring, actionable, and relevant projects and activities that promote neighborliness throughout Whatcom County.
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)
