Project Application Guidelines

>> Download Foundation Grant Application

The Mission of the Whatcom County Library Foundation: is to promote and enhance the libraries in the Whatcom County Library System through program and capital project funding. We endeavor to augment, not replace, tax-based support for our libraries through gifts, grants, and bequests from individuals and organizations. Our aims are to foster intellectual freedom and First Amendment rights and to encourage life-long learning.

Eligibility

Grant applications will be accepted from the following:

• Friends of the Library organizations that support Whatcom County Library System branches.
• Whatcom County Library System employees with approval from their supervisor and/or WCLS administration.
• Whatcom County Library System Board of Trustees upon action at a regular board meeting.

Application Deadline

Applications for grants must be received by January 1 for March distribution and by July 1 for September distribution. Monies may not be spent until the grant is awarded. Look carefully at the timing of your grant and plan to submit accordingly!

Grant Cycle

Foundation grants will be awarded twice a year in March and September. All applicants will be notified of the Foundation’s decision by letter. Grant monies must be spent within one year from the date of the award unless an extension is approved by the Foundation Board.

Grant Amounts and Timelines

The maximum grant award is $1000. The total amount of funds granted each year will be determined in the annual Foundation budget. Award recipients have 1 year from the date of the award to expend their grant. All unexpended grant monies will be retained by the Foundation.

Reporting Requirements

All award recipients must submit a grant report to the Foundation. A grant report form is available. The report will include itemization and documentation of all expenses as well as an evaluation of the project at the end of the year subsequent to the award. The Foundation can request other reports as needed.

Limitations

Foundation grants will not be made for WCLS staff salaries. Foundation grants will be made only once in any given calendar year to an applicant. The Whatcom County Library Foundation will not consider requests for individual, religious, or political purposes.

For more information, call 360-305-3600 or contact Jennifer Rick, Foundation Development Director