Grant Opportunities

The Skagit Community Foundation and Partners to Help Skagit County Families Get More Support in Difficult Economic Times

New funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will help nonprofits address growing and urgent needs

Increasing access to existing public benefits and supports.
Many low-income families are already eligible for a variety of government assistance, such as food stamps and the earned income tax credit. We will support the efforts of community-based organizations and government agencies to reach out to eligible families and increase utilization rates. We believe this preventative approach will help the largest number of at-risk families in the near term.

Supporting evidence-based and promising approaches to preventing and reducing violence in our communities.
Violence can take many different forms and is driven by many factors, some of which may be exacerbated by the economic hard times that create greater stress on families and communities. In addition, financial stress leaves fewer options for individuals seeking to flee violence. Children and families experiencing violence are likely to suffer long-term consequences that affect their ability to learn, to relate in healthy ways to other people, to hold a job, and to participate fully in community life in healthy and productive ways.

Strengthening communities and building strong families.
The foundation of a healthy, successful life - regardless of income - is an extended social network comprised of family, friends, and community. These support mechanisms are lifelines that are particularly important during hard times. We will work with partners focused on the continued strengthening of communities throughout the Skagit County.

Strengthening food distribution systems and fighting hunger.
Our partners tell us that the first signs of family economic stress were seen at food banks and meal programs. Emergency food distribution programs continue to experience growing demand and great need for support and resources.

Call John G. White, The Skagit Community Foundation, at (360) 419-3181 for details on these competitive grant opportunities. He will give you "grant application" details. Due date for "grant application is November 15, 2009.