Washington Income Security and Social Services Grants

The City of Bellingham is offering a grant for parties capable of producing a special or unique public experience, referred to as a “signature event.” This grant aims to foster artistic and cultural impact within the local community and among visitors, celebrating Bellingham’s indoor food, restaurant, arts, and culture scene. While the specific foundation mission or strategic priorities are not explicitly stated as a separate entity, the City of Bellingham's Tourism Commission acts as the guiding body with clearly defined goals that serve a similar purpose, aligning with the broader civic objective of enhancing the city's appeal and economic vitality through tourism and cultural enrichment. The target beneficiaries include the local community of Bellingham, visitors (with an emphasis on Canadian tourists), and historically marginalized communities such as BIPOC and LGBTQIA+. The impact goals are multi-faceted, aiming to create meaningful artistic and cultural experiences, celebrate local culinary and arts scenes, promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, attract significant tourism (particularly overnight stays), generate secondary economic benefits, and foster a positive long-lasting impression of Bellingham/Whatcom County. The program also seeks to integrate new and emerging talent, ensuring a dynamic and evolving cultural landscape. The program prioritizes events that provide a unique and distinctive Pacific Northwest experience, avoiding replication of events found in larger cities like Seattle. A strong focus is placed on walkability, highlighting the food and restaurant scene, and incorporating local businesses, history, attractions, and environmental stewardship. Crucially, the program aims for the signature events to become self-sustaining within a few years, minimizing the long-term reliance on City funding. This reflects a strategic priority to seed initiatives that can ultimately thrive independently, contributing to the city's cultural and economic fabric for the long term. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism, particularly from Canadian visitors, and a higher likelihood of overnight stays. The events are anticipated to generate numerous secondary economic benefits for local businesses. Success will also be measured by the artistic and cultural impact on the community, the level of diversity and inclusivity achieved, and the creation of a lasting positive impression of Bellingham. The long-term goal is for these events to become financially self-sufficient after three years, demonstrating a successful launch and sustainable operation, thereby contributing to the City's broader tourism and economic development objectives. Funding is committed for up to three years to provide seed money. Up to $100,000 is available for the first year, with approximately $70,000 for each of the following two years, for one or more signature events. Eligible expenses cover marketing and operational costs. Marketing activities include advertising, publicizing, and distributing information to attract tourists, as well as developing tourism expansion strategies. Operational expenses encompass typical event management costs such as supplies, equipment rentals, and venue fees. This financial structure supports the strategic objective of launching a new event and fostering its growth towards self-sustainability within the initial three-year period.

This grant provides funding to organizations that will educate students and families in the Poverty Bay Shellfish Protection District about reducing fecal pollution through community outreach and culturally relevant materials.

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program utilizes federal funds to support communities in providing street outreach, emergency shelter, rental assistance, and related services. This program provides resources for adults and families with children experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The purpose of the ESG program is to provide homelessness prevention assistance to households who would otherwise become homeless and to provide assistance to rapidly re-house persons who are experiencing homelessness. The funds under this program are intended to target individuals and families who would be homeless but for this assistance. The funds will provide various assistance, including short-term or medium-term Rental Assistance, Housing Search and Placement, and Housing Stability Case Management.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Thurston, Lewis, or Mason counties that support youth mental health, particularly for underserved populations, through training and collaborative projects.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations, government agencies, and tourism-related facilities in Grays Harbor County, Washington, to enhance festivals and events that attract tourists.

This funding initiative provides financial support to various organizations and groups that enhance community well-being in Mukilteo through public events and activities focused on arts, education, youth development, and economic growth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to businesses, non-profits, and government agencies in Grays Harbor County for tourism-related events and activities that attract visitors to the area.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations that deliver essential human services to residents of Kent, focusing on community well-being, healthy aging, and stable housing.

This program provides $1,000 grants to BIPOC small business owners in the Fourth Plain Corridor to help them purchase essential equipment that improves their operations and supports long-term growth.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations in Duvall, Washington, that provide essential services to vulnerable residents, including children, seniors, and families, ensuring access to food, shelter, employment, and mental health support.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to charitable organizations and government entities serving residents of Oregon and southwest Washington for specific projects that align with the foundation's priorities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community-based groups in King County, Washington, to help families access culturally responsive services for children from prenatal to age five, particularly those facing systemic barriers.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Western Washington that support children and youth facing trauma and their families through prevention, intervention, and treatment services.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that deliver essential human services, such as food, housing, and healthcare, to residents of Bainbridge Island over a two-year period.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations that help historically underrepresented individuals in South King County access living-wage jobs in port-related industries through workforce development and career readiness programs.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations, public agencies, and schools in Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties to promote health, education, and arts initiatives that benefit the community.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in King County, Washington, to establish mobile clinics that provide essential vaccinations to underserved children and families, particularly those who are uninsured or underinsured.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and small businesses in Vancouver, Washington, to create affordable housing, prevent homelessness, and promote economic stability for low- and moderate-income residents.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Benton and Franklin Counties, Washington, to support programs that enhance the well-being and academic success of children from birth through middle school and their families.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Washington State across various sectors, including arts, education, health, and human services.