Submitted by Whatcom Transportation Authority
Imagine a van filled with eager young minds heading out on an educational adventure outdoors. Picture individuals experiencing homelessness being transported to essential services, or community members gaining access to medical care and everyday necessities. These are just a few examples of the transformative impact made possible by Whatcom Transportation Authority’s (WTA) Community Van Grant Program.
WTA is offering up to 11 retired vanpool vans to local community organizations through its Community Van Grant Program. To apply for a van, organizations must be nonprofits with 501(c)(3) designation or government agencies that provide valuable community services.
“The Community Van Grant Program highlights WTA’s commitment to connecting people to opportunity,” said Ferndale City Councilmember and WTA Board President Ali Hawkinson. “By providing these vans, we are helping local organizations expand their reach and ensure that more residents can access the essential services and resources they need.”

Past Success Stories
In 2021, Lighthouse Mission, Vamos Outdoors Project, and Whatcom County EMS utilized the vans to serve nearly 2,300 passengers in their first year.
- Vamos Outdoors Project: Connected Latinx and English Language Learner youth to environmental education and recreational opportunities.
- Lighthouse Mission: Provided their members access to medical facilities, social services, day-to-day shopping, and religious services.
- Whatcom County EMS: Addressed transportation needs for individuals experiencing homelessness.
In 2019, the program benefited organizations such as Guru Nanak, Northwest Youth Services, and Skookum Kids, each making a significant difference in their communities.
Application and Selection Process
During a competitive selection process, WTA staff will evaluate applications based on the recipients’ ability to ensure a community benefit, bridge a transportation gap, and administer the program. Administering the program includes insuring and maintaining the van, managing transportation logistics, and reporting ridership results. The retired vans will be awarded to the highest-scoring applicants.
While the retired vans are no longer suitable for the long daily trips required by vanpool vans, they are in good working order. Up to eleven vans are available in twelve- and fifteen-passenger models.
How to Apply
Applications are due by Friday, August 23, 2024, at 3 p.m. Interested organizations are encouraged to apply through the WTA application page or contact Malcolm Duncan-Graves at vanpool@ridewta.com or 360-788-9312 for more information.
Featured photo courtesy Whatcom Transportation Authority