Whatcom Community Foundation
Whatcom Community Foundation is a community foundation based in Bellingham, Washington, serving Whatcom County. Established in 1996, it operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that pools and builds assets from donors to meet local community needs. The Foundation describes itself as a "creative generalist" able to see challenges and opportunities across a diverse landscape and adapt quickly as priorities shift.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$89.6M
+17.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$5.9M
+20.3% YoY
Grant Count
106
-12.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$56K
+37.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Vision: Everyone who lives here thrives.
The Foundation's work centers on cultivating neighborliness, lifting community voices, and investing in equity and hope. It operates according to a Strategic Framework adopted in 2016 that guides decision-making, resource allocation, and impact measurement.
The Foundation maintains a commitment to incorporating insights and perspectives of neighbors, particularly those placed furthest from opportunity, so that all aspects of its work—from grantmaking to practices, policy work, and investments—reflect its values and advance its vision.
Grantmaking
The Foundation offers multiple vehicles for donors to direct their philanthropy:
Grant Range
s vary by program, with typical awards between $1,000 and $10,000, though awards can reach higher amounts depending on the program.
How to Apply
The Foundation maintains an online grants portal at whatcomcf.org. Prospective partners are invited to fill out a Prospective Partner Form to share philanthropic goals, after which staff will follow up to schedule a consultation. Decision time is typically 12-16 weeks.
Ready to take the next step with Whatcom Community Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Whatcom County, Washington. The Foundation has invested more than $86 million across all corners of Whatcom County since its inception, funding vital community structures including Bellingham's Depot Market Square, Fairhaven Village Green, Mount Baker Theatre improvements, Ferndale Library, Blaine Community Center Pavilion, and East Whatcom Regional Resource Center.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets: $76.1 million (as of 2024); $89.6 million (per most recent 990 filing)
Annual Giving: $7.4 million (2025)
Revenue: $25.1 million (annual)
2024 Financial Summary:
- Total Revenue: $10.7 million
- Total Expenses: $8.6 million
- Total Liabilities: $5.64 million
The Foundation operates a donor-advised fund and maintains strong financial management, having earned a Four-Star rating with a perfect score of 100%.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $89,617,037 | $76,099,525 | $67,954,808 |
| Revenue | $18,380,942 | $10,672,052 | $12,129,184 |
| Expenses | $11,316,128 | $8,604,427 | $10,265,779 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $2,038,239 | $1,718,990 | $1,874,202 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
7 open opportunities from Whatcom Community Foundation
Funds for Whatcom County: Health & Wellness Grants
WHATCOM COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Amount
US $1,000 - US $10,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
General Funds for Whatcom County - Environment or Arts & Culture
WHATCOM COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Amount
$1,000 - $20,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Lynn Heimsoth Memorial Scholarship
WHATCOM COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The Foundation employs 9 people. Board members include Natasha Dewey.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLO SIMON | CHAIR | 1.5 | — |
| KAREN OCCHIOGROSSO | VICE-CHAIR | 1.5 | — |
| TASHA DEWEY | TREASURER/SECRETARY | 1.5 | — |
| CAROL DELLECKER | DIRECTOR (THRU 12/24) | 1 | — |
| FRANCISCO RIOS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| LUCAS GUTIERREZ SENGER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| KERRY HASTINGS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| LIZ BAXTER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DARRELL HILLAIRE | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| SILVIA MENDOZA | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DAVI WEASLEY | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| CHUCK ROBINSON | DIRECTOR (THRU 12/24) | 1 | — |
| MAURI INGRAM | PRESIDENT & CEO | 40 | $211,898 |
| PAMELA JONS | EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT | 32 | $134,398 |
| MARCUS WAROLIN | CONTROLLER | 40 | $142,058 |
| SARA NICHOLS CHIABAI | CHIEF OF STAFF | 40 | $122,596 |
| ALEXANDREA SPAULDING | DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS | 30 | $119,463 |
| BRAD TUININGA | VP OF PHILANTHROPY | 40 | $129,923 |
Contact Information
Address: 1500 Cornwall Avenue, Suite 202, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 671-6463
Email: wcf@whatcomcf.org
Website: whatcomcf.org
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or by appointment
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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