Grants support staff wellness, youth mental health and projects that encourage neighborliness.
All nonprofits in Whatcom County are eligible to apply for three Whatcom Community Foundation grant opportunities in 2024. Two are open now; the third opens March 1, 2024. Two of the grants are also open to schools, government agencies and tribal organizations. All organizations can apply at www.whatcomcf.org/recieve/apply-for-a-grant.
1. Whatcom Nonprofit Wellness grants support health and wellness activities for nonprofit-sector staff. Funds are limited. Application review begins January 15 and continues until all funding is awarded.
“These mini grants to local nonprofits are intended to help with the issues of staff fatigue, turnover and burnout that are currently pervasive throughout the nonprofit sector,” explains Community Foundation Senior Vice President Pamela Jons.
Nonprofits that want to apply for $1,000-$10,000 to support their team’s physical and mental health, creating a positive work environment, enhancing job satisfaction, and reducing burnout have until February 9, 4pm to apply.
2. 2024 Youth Philanthropy Fund focuses on youth homelessness and supporting youth with mental health challenges. Open now; Deadline February 9, 2024, 4 PM.
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 learn about local issues affecting Whatcom County, review grant proposals and make funding decisions.
In 2024, the YPP team will distribute grants up to $5,000 for nonprofit organizations, schools, Native American Tribes and government agencies that address and work with children and youth (up to age 24) of all races and ethnicities in Whatcom County experiencing mental health challenges and youth homelessness. Priority will be given to programs that engage youth in program design/delivery.
3. Project Neighborly grants are for people and organizations with great ideas about how we can become better neighbors. Opens March 1, 2024; Deadline April 22, 2024, 4PM.
This popular program awards up to $5,000 for inspiring and actionable projects and activities that develop a sense of community and promote neighborliness through the rural and urban areas of Whatcom County.
