Whatcom Community Foundation has kicked off its WhatcomTogether initiative, which will give $10,000 each to Blaine and Birch Bay, and allow residents to decide how those funds can best serve their communities.
The Bellingham-based nonprofit launched WhatcomTogether as a yearlong project to celebrate its 30th anniversary. In total, $150,000 will be evenly distributed to 15 communities in the county, including Blaine, Birch Bay and Point Roberts.
“We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than to make ‘local’ philanthropy even closer to home for everyone who lives here,” wrote Mauri Ingram, CEO and president of Whatcom Community Foundation, in a statement.
The foundation began inviting the public to participate in the project on April 30. Whatcom County residents can visit whatcomtogether.org to find a map of each fund’s distribution area.
They will then be prompted to select three issues where the funding could best help their communities. Categories include arts, youth, civic engagement, environment, food security, equity, health, housing and economic opportunity.
Anyone who lives in the community may vote, regardless of whether they have given money to the foundation. People may also pledge money to their community’s fund to build it above $10,000.
The foundation plans to establish local advisory boards that can make funding recommendations. Organizers have said they hope to create a lasting, flexible resource that creates stronger community ties.
Since 1996, the foundation has invested more than $86 million in Whatcom County.
For more information, visit wcf@whatcomcf.org or call 360-671-6463.
