GRANTMAKING IS HOW WE MAKE 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.
Recovery Grants are intended to help cover essential expenses, including rent, payroll, repairs and mitigation measures to better face future disasters. Grants this round will be up to $5,000. Please read FAQ’s in link below about who to contact for additional information.
This opportunity is currently closed.
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 review grant proposals and make funding decisions. They learn about local issues affecting Whatcom County and distribute funding that benefits environmentally focused organizations. This grant round provides funding up to $5,000 for environmentally focused projects.
This opportunity is currently closed.
The Project Neighborly grant is for people who have great ideas about how we can all become better neighbors. It fuels efforts to increase kindness and connections and build trust among people in Whatcom County.
This opportunity is currently closed.
Grant funding for outdoor youth activities and equipment (related to hunting, fishing and habitat) as funding becomes available. Grant amounts vary, but typically range from $1,000-$10,000.
This opportunity is currently closed.
The Funds for Whatcom County for the Environment or Arts & Culture Grant Round provides support for efforts emphasizing the shared vision that everyone who lives here thrives, and that are in alignment with our mission to cultivate neighborliness, lift community voices, and invest in equity and hope. Grant amounts typically range from $1,000-$20,000. Timing, eligibility, and criteria may vary based on funding availability, fund type, and Foundation and community priorities.
This opportunity is currently closed.
Please review or Grant Guidelines HERE before submitting a grant request.
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/specialcollections/NRC.aspx
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)