Submitted by: United Way of Whatcom County
Following a competitive grant round in which United Way of Whatcom County was seeking partners to Live United® against financial instability in Whatcom County, 22 local non-profit programs were selected for new one-year grants. These 22 new grants join 10 programs previously awarded three-year grants, for a total of 32 local programs supported by United Way this year.
“We utilized support from our board and over 37 community volunteers to thoroughly evaluate the programs applying for funding this year. We’re excited to welcome Futures Northwest, an organization that supports college aspirations of low-income middle- and high-school students, and Interfaith Coalition’s Family Promise program that provides for the basic needs of low-income families in Whatcom County. These new partnerships create additional opportunities to serve our local community.” said Peter Theisen, President/CEO United Way of Whatcom County.
Through a network of community collaborations, United Way of Whatcom County continues to support families and individuals that struggle financially. In addition to a focus on economic mobility and breaking the cycle of poverty, a portion of their new one-year grants are going to programs providing basic needs – such as food and housing. United Way funded programs are anticipated to serve over 50,000 individuals in Whatcom County this year.
These investments in our local community are made possible through the companies and individuals who support United Way of Whatcom County’s annual giving campaign. The workplace giving model, made popular by United Way and introduced to Whatcom County over 50 years ago, offers a unique and invaluable opportunity for community members to engage in the grant making process by assessing the local impact contributions have on non-profits in Whatcom County.
Over 100 business host United Way workplace campaigns each year. The top 5 workplace campaigns contributing to the grants awarded this year are: 1.) BP Cherry Point Refinery; 2.) Whatcom Educational Credit Union; 3.) PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center; 4.) Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery; and 5.) Samson Rope.
To see the list of United Way of Whatcom County’s 2019-2020 Partner Agencies, please visit:https://www.unitedwaywhatcom.org/partner-agencies.
About United Way of Whatcom County
United Way of Whatcom County’s mission is to serve Whatcom County by uniting community resources around a common cause that measurably improves lives. UWWC actively builds collaborative community partnerships with organizations and entities working to improve the lives of families and individuals that struggle financially in Whatcom County.
