COVID-19 Response

Supporting the Community

While Mount Baker Foundation does not perceive its role for crisis or operational funding, our Board of Directors recognized the impact COVID-19 would have on our community and prioritized 2020 grants to support community organizations on the front line. In addition to funding for childcare, additional funds have been and will be distributed to the community.

Food Security & Support for “Stay at Home” - $125,000
Council on Aging

A grant of $125,000 to the Council on Aging for the Meals on Wheels delivery program with an extended focus for rural communities, and for expanding check in calls to individuals homebound by COVID-19 to identify needed services.

Protective Gear for our Health Workers - $5,000
Bellingham Makerspace

A grant of $5,000 to Bellingham Makerspace to support their work in manufacturing face shields and Tyvek procedure gowns that meet PeaceHealth’s infection control standards.

Childcare Services - $200,000
Multiple Agencies

Grants totaling $200,000 to support childcare providers have been approved by Mount Baker Foundation’s Board. Whatcom County has been challenged by a lack of childcare availability, and the impact of COVID-19 has been challenging on childcare providers. Staff / child ratios have gone up and the number of children per room has gone down, creating a very difficult business model. These funds were distributed to a number of agencies.

Housing Security - $110,000
Multiple Agencies

Housing is a vital part of our lives. During COVID-19, homeless was exacerbated due in part to economic impact on individuals and in part because many families often share a single home in our community, and concern for the impact of the pandemic changed some of their living situations. Mount Baker Foundation has contributed $110,000 towards housing security and emergency housing during the COVID-19 epidemic.