The best source of change comes from communities who engage with their neighbors and identify the most important challenges, potential solutions and are involved in their implementation. Mount Baker Foundation wants to listen and explore new types of philanthropy that supports and inspires increasing levels of community engagement.
Funding in 2025
Mount Baker Foundation offers two types of grants to support community initiatives:
Go! Grants: These grants have a maximum award of $10,000 and require an application process. In 2025, Go! Grants will focus on power-building initiatives.
Strategic Grants: These larger grants are determined by committees composed of community members. They aim to address broader, systemic challenges and create long-term impact. This year, strategic grants will be invite-only, focusing on past grantees whose work aligns with our strategic priorities.
Strategic Grants: A Community-Centered Approach
Mount Baker Foundation has recently completed a year-long strategic planning process, with a significant focus on refining our grantmaking approach. A key priority identified during our strategic planning process is creating processes for meaningful community input in our grantmaking, as we move towards participatory grantmaking. To achieve this, we are working collaboratively with community members to shape the committees responsible for Strategic Grants. This includes identifying individuals who represent the diversity and unique needs of Whatcom County and designing a process that is inclusive and low-barrier.
While this work is underway, we want to ensure the process is thorough and reflective of the community’s wisdom. As a result, Strategic Grants for 2025 will be invite-only as we continue to refine our approach. Invites will go out in the summer. We will prioritize organizations serving populations most affected by health inequities, reaffirming our commitment to addressing systemic disparities. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to develop a transparent and equitable grantmaking process.
