GRANTMAKING IS ONE WAY 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.
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.
Grant application is now open and closes 2/13/2023 at 4pm
To apply click HERE
To preview a PDF of the application click HERE
To preview a PDF of the grant report questions click HERE
To review our general grant guidelines click HERE
The Fund for Whatcom County Youth Mental Health grant round seeks to address a growing crisis. Our goal is to fund Whatcom County efforts that support children, youth and caregivers of all races and ethnicities so they have the support, connections, and healthy relationships they need to belong and thrive. Grants up to $20,000 available for operations, programs or projects.
Grant application is now closed.
Grants will be announced at the end of February, 2023.
The Project Neighborly 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.
Timeline for upcoming 2023 grant round:
Application to be posted by 2/1/2023
Application closes 3/10/2023 at 4pm
Grants announced first week of May 2023
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 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.
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.
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)
