What is the mission of the Whatcom Community Foundation?

The Whatcom Community Foundation is deeply committed to improving the quality of life in Whatcom County through community-based philanthropy. Their mission revolves around fostering a sense of neighborliness and lifting community voices by connecting people, ideas, and resources, ultimately aiming to ensure that everyone in the community thrives. The foundation plays a versatile role, often described as a Swiss army knife, by adapting its functions to meet the community's needs, whether it's supporting arts, environment, health, or human services.

What kinds of programs and projects does the Whatcom Community Foundation support?

The foundation supports a wide range of projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing community health and well-being across various sectors, including arts and culture, environment, and human services. Some specific initiatives include the Millworks Project, which develops a food campus on the Bellingham waterfront, and Project Neighborly, which funds creative community projects that foster connection and understanding among residents. Additionally, the foundation has been instrumental in food security efforts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises, reflecting their holistic approach to community support.

What impact has the Whatcom Community Foundation had over the years?

Over its 25 years of operation, the Whatcom Community Foundation has significantly impacted the community by funding hundreds of organizations and various projects that align with its mission to enhance the quality of life for all residents. The foundation's efforts have included significant contributions to sectors such as education, food security, and health, and have been instrumental in developing key community assets like the Depot Market Square. Their permanent assets and funds are continuously invested to generate returns that fund ongoing community projects, thus ensuring sustained impact over time.

EN ESPAÑOL

FREEING PEOPLE FROM HUNGER

Growing To Give

Growing To Give is a registered 501c3 non-profit that
develops projects and partnerships to free people from
hunger across the country and around the world.

ON THIS PAGE

Growing To Give Blaine
7th Street Community Garden
Tomato Volcanoes

A Collaboration Between Growing to Give and Blaine 7th Street Community Garden

Growing to Give (Washington) is thrilled to partner with Blaine 7th Street Community Garden to enhance their community space with innovative Tomato Volcanoes. Funded by a generous grant from the Whatcom Community Foundation, this project aims to boost food security and promote sustainable agriculture in Blaine, Washington.

7th Street Garden

Growing to Give and Blaine 7th Street Community Garden are dedicated non-profit organizations committed to sustainable agriculture and providing fresh produce to underserved communities. Located at 700 G St., Blaine 7th Street Community Garden has been successful in delivering locally grown produce to the neighborhood. Growing to Give brings expertise in climate-smart farming technologies and extensive experience in fundraising and grant writing.

Project Overview

As part of this collaboration, Growing to Give will donate two Tomato Volcanoess to the Blaine 7th Street Community Garden. These state-of-the-art systems are designed to grow tomatoes and other vine crops efficiently. Utilizing a marine-grade, stainless steel trellis, the Tomato Volcanoes enhance air circulation and provide a protective canopy for the plants. They conserve water, fertilizer, and soil, and can be equipped for renewable energy production.

Growing to Give will also provide training on the installation and use of the Tomato Volcanoes to ensure successful integration into the garden. Blaine 7th Street Community Garden will designate a section of their sunny garden space for these systems.

Project Goals and Impact

This initiative will unite community volunteers to cultivate and donate tomatoes and other fresh produce to the Blaine Food Bank. The addition of the Tomato Volcanoes will significantly increase the garden's yield using sustainable methods. This project aims to alleviate food insecurity in Blaine, promote environmental sustainability, and strengthen community bonds.

Blaine 7th Street Community Garden will manage the daily operations of the garden and the Tomato Volcanoes, including volunteer coordination, seasonal planting, maintenance, and harvesting. They will also oversee the distribution of produce to local food banks and track key impact metrics such as the amount of produce donated, event attendance, and volunteer participation.

How You Can Help

Join us in making a positive impact in Blaine by supporting the installation and operation of more Tomato Volcanoes and Crop Circle Gardens. Your donations will help provide the essential resources we need, including seeds, transplants, and garden tools. Together, we can expand the garden's reach, bringing fresh produce to those in need and fostering a vibrant community spirit.

For significant donations or corporate partnerships, please contact Siobhan Shaw, Co-founder, at [email protected].