BCF’s unique Capacity Building Grants Cycle provides resources for local nonprofits to grow their expertise in a particular area of their choice. Most nonprofits apply to this grant cycle to help pay for training or expert advice where needed—some focused on DEI workshops while others look to hire a multi-year strategic planning consultant. In 2022, BCF received 23 applications, of which 19 were approved. Eight of the requests came from new applicants, seven of which were approved.

This was the largest number of new applicants to this grants program since it began, enabling BCF to assist an even greater number of nonprofits. Of those grants that were not approved for funding, it was recommended that the requests were better suited for the Community Grants Cycle which opens only a few months later in February 2023.

In total, BCF funded a record $27,450, up from $23,250 in 2021. BCF started with distributing $7,000, and the remaining funds were contributed by generous fund advisors of donor advised funds. BCF has granted a total of $135,180 to 47 different local nonprofit organizations through its Capacity Building Grants program. 

Total grantmaking by BCF was more than $2.9 million in 2022 alone, which brings our grand total to nearly $22 million awarded to nonprofits since inception. To learn more, please contact Debbie Kuffel at debbie@bainbridgecf.org.

Kitsap Equity, Race, And Community Engagement Coalition (Kitsap ERACE Coalition) is hosting a calendar focused on events that support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and racial equity. This public calendar allows for anyone with the link to have access to community DEI events, as well as provides a space for posting about events nonprofits might be hosting. To visit the calendar, click here. To submit listings for the calendar or to ask questions about how the calendar works, please write to KitsapERACEcoalitionCALENDAR@gmail.com.

About Kitsap ERACE Coalition: Kitsap ERACE Coalition is a coming together of groups and individuals boosting interconnected race equity work. Rooted in relationships, collaboration, and commitment to racial justice, Kitsap ERACE Coalition tenaciously organizes for thriving community and for profound, accountable, and institutional change. If you are interested in learning more, email KitsapERACEcoalition@gmail.com.

Housing Resources Bainbridge (HRB) is seeking a dynamic, community-minded professional committed to equity and excited by learning to serve as Fund Development Director. The Fund Development Director plays a lead role in planning and executing a comprehensive fundraising program that will position HRB for growth and success in fulfilling its mission. This includes developing fundraising strategy, organizing events, cultivating and soliciting major donors, engaging with community partners, and capital campaign leadership and management. This position works closely with the Executive Director, Communications Director, Board, and Board’s Fund Development and Capital Campaign Committees. To learn more or apply, click here.

Do you want your nonprofit job openings advertised in our eNewsletter?

Email media@bainbridgecf.org and we will include it the following month.

ArtsFund's Community Accelerator Grant application is now OPEN to Washington arts and cultural organizations.

What is it? Funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, the Community Accelerator Grant program will provide unrestricted grants for cultural nonprofit organizations across Washington state in amounts of $2,500 to $25,000. Funding will provide essential capital to Washington’s cultural organizations, including fiscally sponsored and tribal organizations, whose primary mission is to produce or support arts and cultural activities. Awards will be unrestricted, allowing recipient organizations to utilize funding in ways that they determine and prioritize for highest impact.

Who is eligible? This program is open to Washington State-based arts and cultural organizations with a 3-year average budget of $25,000 or greater, whose primary mission is to produce or support arts and cultural activities. Eligibility includes organizations with their own 501(c)(3) status, fiscally sponsored organizations, and tribal organizations.

To learn more, visit their website here.

Legacy Giving and BCF's Red Cedar Council

It is a New Year and time for new resolutions! If you have an estate plan, perhaps your resolution might be to review your plans. If you haven't created an estate plan, now is a perfect time to start.

We encourage you to become a member of BCF's legacy giving group, called the Red Cedar Council, by creating a permanent fund or by including a gift to BCF in your estate plan. This will allow for your charitable interests to remain fulfilled years from now. In recognition of your partnership and generosity, you will enjoy the following benefits: 

• A relationship with the foundation and other donors during your lifetime
• Satisfaction in knowing your legacy will make a difference for your community
• Special recognition in newsletters and annual reports, unless anonymity is desired
• A seat at the Annual Red Cedar Council lunch, often enjoyed at Heyday Farm
• Invitation to the November Philanthropy Celebration and other special donor events
• Some planned gifts can reduce your tax burden during your lifetime, such as gifts of securities donated in-kind

“When we give to the Bainbridge Community Foundation, we give to the whole community,” remarked Chris and Cameron Snow. “That is why we have made plans for a legacy contribution to the Foundation.” To learn more, click here.