At summer's end, we are reflecting back on the incredible work our community is doing to support each other during this unprecedented time. Whidbey Community Foundation continues to grow its programming and assets in order to fulfill our vision of a more vibrant, healthy, and unified Whidbey community.
Our COVID-19 Community Resilience Fund continues to provide resources to nonprofit organizations on Whidbey Island working with our friends and neighbors who are impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of this outbreak. Because of the generosity of our donors, the fund has raised over $227,000 and disbursed over $170,000 to community organizations on Whidbey Island. Grants provided by the COVID-19 Fund have supported basic needs (including all food banks on Whidbey), personal protective equipment (PPE), and all three school districts on the Island.
As we look ahead to schools reopening next month, we recognize the changing landscape and guidelines for schools to navigate for the new academic year. WCF has provided flexible support to all 3 school districts on Whidbey with match grants to meet their reopening needs. If you would like to invest in our schools, you can contact their respective foundations:
This fall we will be offering even more trainings for our Whidbey nonprofits, for free, and ways to connect in our virtual new normal. We look forward to connecting with you!
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Investing in Whidbey Child Care Providers |
Whidbey Community Foundation recently announced a grant to the Opportunity Council for the NW Center for Child Care Retention and Expansion. As part of the award, approximately $25,000 will be made available for pass-through grants to all licensed child care providers on Whidbey Island.
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“The cost of child care, driven by our inadequate supply, impedes the financial stability and resiliency of families with children in our community. We are excited to partner with the NW Center at the Opportunity Council to help stabilize licensed child care providers on Whidbey Island challenged by the pandemic,” noted Jessie Gunn, Program Manager, Whidbey Community Foundation. |
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Featured Grantee:
Whidbey Homeless Coalition
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"These funds have allowed us to reach out to 61 individuals that are either homeless or are at imminent risk of becoming homeless. These 61 individuals comprise 34 households with 17 children. Had it not been for these funds these individuals would have been overlooked."
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Annual Grant Cycle Closes August 31 |
Whidbey Community Foundation recognizes the tremendous strain on our nonprofit sector and the people and places they support due to the current economic and social issues.
Through the Annual Grant Cycle, we want to enable nonprofits working on Whidbey Island to focus on long-term mission fulfillment by providing support that is flexible and enables organizations to build critical skills and adapt as work structures pivot due to the pandemic.
The deadline to apply is August 31. Grant decisions are expected to be made by November.
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Other Funding Opportunities |
The Puget Sound Energy Foundation will provide grants totaling $400,000 to community-based public charity organizations across PSE’s 16-county working or service areas in Washington State to aid in the response and recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The deadline to apply is August 31.
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Island County currently has a response rate of 67%, higher than both the national average of 63% and the Island County response rate in the 2010 Census (62%).
It's not too late to complete the Census! Filling out the Census affects funding for social programs, political representation and much more. Ten minutes of your time can affect ten years for our community! The self-response portal will remain active until September 30, 2020.
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Featured Trainings & Events |
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How to Best Impact Your Favorite Charities During COVID
Thursday, September 3 | 10:30-11:30am
FREE
As a result of COVID, many people in the community have been wondering how they can best support the causes that are close to their heart. Nonprofit organizations need our help now more than ever. But what challenges are they facing? What can we do to support them during this time, and which tax efficient strategies will help to maximize our contributions?
Join Laura Pierce, Executive Director of Washington Nonprofits, Jessie Gunn, Program Manager for the Whidbey Community Foundation, and Financial Planner Tyrel Lacey of Mainspring Wealth Advisors as they share insights and take your questions.
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Boards in Gear
Wednesday, September 16 | 12:00-2:30pm
FREE
Boards play an important role in the success of any organization. They move forward an organization's mission, and they steward the assets and relationships of that organization to keep it out of harm.
This interactive, virtual workshop will cover board responsibilities, operations, development, fundraising, and advocacy. It is based on the Boards in Gear resources developed in partnership with some of our state's leading board experts. You will leave with concrete action steps, tools, and connections. Strengthening the practice of nonprofit boards within a community will lead to more effective and sustainable results as that community addresses poverty, education, the environment and other critical issues.
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Strategic Planning in Nonprofits
3-Part Online Training
Wednesdays | September 23, October 7, and October 21
Is strategic planning on your radar for next year? Do you need to clarify the strategic direction of your organization and the strategies that will be used to achieve your vision while also ensuring organizational health and sustainability? If you answered yes, join this three-part webinar series that will set you on the path to developing a plan that doesn't sit on a shelf collecting dust! Strategic planning aligns your people and resources around a plan to achieve your mission.
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WCF Zoom Community Forum
Monday, September 28 | 4:00-5:00pm
FREE
Whidbey Community Foundation is hosting monthly Zoom Community Forums as open space for Whidbey nonprofits to speak with Whidbey Community Foundation and each other, and to discuss what needs, challenges, and opportunities our community is experiencing during the pandemic.
Our topic for September will be on child care and early learning on Whidbey Island. This will be an opportunity learn about what services are available for families and providers.
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Support Whidbey Community Foundation
Whidbey Community Foundation envisions a more vibrant, healthy, and unified Whidbey Island community. Our mission is to improve the quality of life on Whidbey Island by providing support for the nonprofit sector, assisting donors to build and preserve enduring assets for charitable purposes, and meeting community needs through financial awards.
Your support fuels our ability to provide training and grants to Whidbey nonprofits, helping us grow into one of the most effective community foundations in Washington.
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Whidbey Community Foundation Leadership |
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Board of Directors
Sara Kelly, President
Nancy Conard, Vice President & Executive Director
Steve Shapiro, Treasurer/Secretary
Lance Gibbon
Robin Hertlein
Jerry Millhon
Helen Price Johnson
Bob Severns
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Staff
Jessie Gunn, Program Manager
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www.WhidbeyFoundation.org |
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Info@WhidbeyFoundation.org |
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