If you have an idea that will increase neighborliness in Whatcom County, Whatcom Community Foundation wants to hear from you. Applications for Project Neighborly grants are open now through April 10, 2023, 4pm.
The Project Neighborly grant is for people who have great ideas about how we can all be better neighbors. It fuels efforts to increase kindness and connections and build trust among people in Whatcom County. The project period will run from June 2023 through May 2024.
Since 2017, nearly 100 ideas, ranging from neighborhood bowling, a “meet your family farmer” series and fire prevention activities, to a block party truck, research into how architecture can enhance neighborly behavior and activities to support LGBTQ youth have been funded, totaling approximately $350,000. Grants have ranged from $360 to $5000, with projects coming from all corners of the county and all manner of groups, from neighborhood associations and faith organizations, to schools, local government and tribes, a range of arts, environmental and social service non-profits and Western Washington University.
The most important criteria? Connect people who may not otherwise meet. Grants of up to $5,000 will fuel inspiring, actionable, relevant projects that develop a sense of community and promote neighborliness throughout the rural and urban areas of Whatcom County. The initiative’s aim is to forge more and better relationships communitywide, sparking better ideas and decisions, and a happier, healthier place for everyone.
To apply visit www.whatcomcf.org/receive/apply-for-a-grant/. If the online application is a barrier, a paper application submission will be accepted if it is received by the application deadline.
The Community Foundation is investing $100,000. Anyone can help the possibilities pool grow by making a gift online or mailing a contribution to: Whatcom Community Foundation,1500 Cornwall Avenue, Suite 202, Bellingham, WA 98225.
