Whatcom Community Foundation

Whatcom Community Foundation

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Cultivate neighborliness. Lift community voice. Invest in equity and hope.

08/04/2026

A library is about more than books. It's about belonging. 📚

For years, neighbors in Birch Bay have envisioned a library that could serve as more than a place to borrow books—a welcoming community hub where people of all ages can learn, connect, and grow. Through partnership, persistence, and a shared commitment to the future, that vision became a reality.

The new Birch Bay Library is a testament to what's possible when a community comes together around a common goal. It's an investment not only in literacy and learning, but in belonging, opportunity, and the connections that help communities thrive.

Thriving communities don't happen by accident. They're built by neighbors who invest in the places and people they care about.

Watch our video to hear the story behind the new Birch Bay Library and learn more about Whatcom Together. Help shape what comes next in Birch Bay!

08/04/2026

When one Washington community is hurting, all of us feel it.

Our hearts are with our neighbors in the Spokane Valley as they face the devastating impacts of this week's wildfires. We know from our own experience that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, and that communities are strongest when neighbors show up for one another.

If you're looking for ways to help, please consider supporting organizations that are providing immediate relief and long-term recovery for those affected. Whether it's making a financial contribution, donating needed supplies, volunteering your time, or fostering displaced pets, every act of generosity makes a difference.

Thank you to the many organizations leading this response, including the City of Spokane, Innovia Foundation, Second Harvest Inland Northwest, Catholic Charities Eastern Washington, American Red Cross, and so many others working tirelessly to care for their community.

We're holding the Spokane region in our hearts and sending strength to everyone affected. ❤️

As the Spokane community continues to face the devastating impacts of local wildfires, you can help your neighbors. We will continue to update this post with more opportunities to help!

The City of Spokane H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund is accepting donations to support individuals and families affected by the ongoing wildfires. Every dollar donated will go directly toward meeting the needs and supporting recovery efforts for those impacted. https://my.spokanecity.org/donate/

The Innovia Foundation is accepting donations to support nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community organizations working to meet the needs of those impacted by wildfires in our region. https://innovia.org/wildfire-response/

Second Harvest Inland Northwest is accepting non-perishables at 1234 E Front Ave. through Friday, Aug. 7, daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Catholic Charities Eastern Washington has set up an emergency fund to help support individuals and families. Your donation will help their Emergency Response team provide essential items, housing, counseling, support, and short/long term assistance to those impacted by this devastating fire. https://give.cceasternwa.org/give/511873 #!/donation/checkout

Partners INW is collecting donations at 10814 E Broadway Ave. Donations of non-perishable food, clothing, diapers, and hygiene items are needed.

Spokane Humane Society is collecting pet supplies at its main campus, 6607 N Havana St.

American Red Cross Northwest Region is collecting donations for people affected by wildfires in Washington. https://www.redcross.org/donate/dr/washington-wildfires-2026.html/

American Red Cross Northwest Region is also looking for volunteers. Fill out a volunteer application here: https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer

SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. is collecting pet supplies at 710 N Napa St. They are also looking for volunteers to foster displaced animals.

Project Beauty Share is collecting donations at 2718 E Sprague Ave. They are looking for hygiene products: toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine products, soap, razors, lotion, deodorant, hair brushes, combs, lip balm, etc.

Global Neighborhood Thrift & Vintage is accepting donations in their Fire Emergency Donation Bins at the following locations:
- Thrift Store, 905 E Trent Ave.
- St. Mark’s Church, 316 E 24th Ave.
- Waste to Energy, 2900 S Geiger Blvd.
- North Transfer Station, 22123 N Elk Chattaroy Rd.
- Valley Transfer Station, 3941 N Sullivan Rd

Plato's Closet - Spokane Valley, WA is accepting clothing donations at 13004 E Sprague Ave.

07/30/2026

Blaine neighbors are making their voices heard. 💙

With 93 community members participating so far, Children & Youth, Health & Wellness, and Arts & Culture have emerged as Blaine's top priorities for a thriving community.

Every response helps build a better understanding of what matters most to the people who call Blaine home. Through Whatcom Together, we're listening, learning, and investing in community-driven priorities across Whatcom County.

📍 Live, work, or have a connection to Blaine? There's still time to add your voice and help shape what's next: whatcomtogether.org

07/28/2026

Food is more than a meal, it's the foundation for healthy families, growing kids, and a thriving community. ❤️

At the Blaine Food Bank, around 750 families every week receive the support they need, with children and seniors making up a significant portion of those served.

Through partnerships with non-profits like the Whatcom Community Foundation, the Blaine Food Bank continues to expand its impact and ensure more people have access to nutritious food when they need it most.

Through Whatcom Together, we're investing in the people, organizations, and ideas that help every community thrive. Because when neighbors come together to support one another, we build a stronger Whatcom County for everyone.

Find your community and build your fund today at whatcomtogether.org.

‘So much joy’: Bellingham’s Lettered Streets residents paint community mural 07/26/2026

This is what Project Neighborly is all about. Neighbors meeting neighbors. Finding joy in the people that surround us.

Congratulations to our neighbors in the Lettered Streets. Your street mural is beautiful and the vibes are radiating throughout Whatcom County!

‘So much joy’: Bellingham’s Lettered Streets residents paint community mural The mural, designed by artist Lydia Dahl, was created to brighten the neighborhood, while encouraging drivers to slow down.

07/23/2026

What does Laurel want to see more of? 🌾

From supporting children and youth to caring for the environment and improving food security, Laurel residents are sharing what matters most to them through Whatcom Together.

Your perspective belongs in the conversation, too. Help shape what's next by sharing your top three priorities at whatcomtogether.org.

07/21/2026

What does it take to build a stronger community? 🌱

In Meridian, it starts by investing in the next generation.
The Meridian community has created opportunities that help students discover their passions while meeting real needs across Whatcom County. From fire science and allied health to welding and early childhood education, the Skills Center gives students hands-on experience that prepares them for life after graduation.
One of those opportunities is making a lasting impact today. By creating an Early Learning Center alongside an adult classroom, students can gain valuable experience in childcare while helping address one of our county's greatest needs: access to quality early learning.

With support from the Whatcom Community Foundation, this community-driven project is preparing future professionals, strengthening local families, and creating opportunities that benefit everyone.

Watch our video to see how Meridian is investing in its students and learn more about Whatcom Together to help shape what's next!

07/16/2026

Lummi Island neighbors—here's what we've heard so far! 🌿

These results reflect the priorities shared by community members to date, but there's still time to add your voice. If you live on Lummi Island, visit WhatcomTogether.org to identify your community and vote for the three opportunities you believe matter most.

Every voice helps create a clearer picture of what matters most to Lummi Island.

07/14/2026

What makes a community thrive? 💙

For Lummi Island, it starts with connection.

Living on an island brings incredible beauty, but it can also create barriers to accessing healthcare, resources, and opportunities to gather. That's why local leaders came together to create a space where neighbors of all ages can stay active, build relationships, access telehealth services, and find the support they need to age in place.

By focusing on the pillars of health, movement, connection, stress management, and community, this community-led effort is making it easier for island residents to care for themselves and one another.

With support from the Whatcom Community Foundation as an anchor funder, these ideas have grown into lasting resources that are helping Lummi Island become an even stronger, healthier place to call home.

Every community has its own vision for what thriving looks like. Watch our video to hear Lummi Island's story, learn more about Whatcom Together, and help shape what's next.

07/09/2026

Lynden residents are sharing their top priorities for a thriving community through Whatcom Together.

It's not just about the list, but the care behind it. Add your voice: https://whatcomtogether.org/lynden-community-fund/

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1500 Cornwall Avenue, Ste 202
Bellingham, WA
98225