Submitted by San Juan Island Community Foundation
Each year, the San Juan Island Community Foundation hosts an exciting matching grant program in its booth at the San Juan County Fair. This tradition gives local nonprofits heightened visibility in the community and a chance to raise funds for current projects. More than $65,000 was awarded to nine nonprofits following the 2019 county fair.
When it became necessary to move to a virtual county fair in 2020, the SJICF staff was determined to find creative ways to keep the matching grant program alive. A virtual fair matching grant program was designed and will be launched during the four days of the fair, Aug. 12-15. The online grant catalog will feature 28 local nonprofits in a wide variety of interest areas, including education, visual and performing arts, animal welfare and health and human resources.
The catalog features Alchemy Art Center; Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor; Canoe Island French Camp; Compass Health; Family Umbrella Group; Friends of Lime Kiln Society; Island Haven Animal Sanctuary; KWIAHT; Leadership San Juan Islands; Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood; Mullis Center; PADs for Parkinson’s; SAFE San Juans; San Juan Center Head Start; San Juan County Arts Council; San Juan Island Sailing Foundation; SJ Community Home Trust; SJ Community Theatre; SJ Historical Museum; SJ Public School District; SJ Public Schools Foundation; SJC Fairgrounds; SJI Agricultural Guild; SJI Family Resource Center; SJI Library; SJI Museum of Art; SJI Women’s Fund; Spring Street International School; Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehab Center; and the Youth Conservation Corps.
“We look forward to the fair every year because it’s a chance for us to visit with donors in a fun setting and to engage the entire community in local philanthropy. There is so much opportunity to support local nonprofits as they continue to provide services during COVID-19 despite having to cancel annual fundraising galas and events,” SJICF Executive Director Carrie Unpingco said. “This year, funds are being requested for both program support and operations. Although general operating expenses are not typically within our grant guidelines, we feel strongly that now is the time to provide funding support to programs as well as to sustain nonprofit operations.”
The virtual grant catalog will open on SJICF’s website at sjicf.org during the four days of the fair, Aug. 12-15. SJICF will match up to the first $1,000 raised for each project. Additional bonus grants totaling $2,500 can be earned during the virtual fair through featured games designed to engage donors. Bonus grant game details and funding updates will be provided each day of the virtual fair via SJICF’s Facebook page and local news.
Mark your calendars to visit sjicf.org Aug. 12-15 so you can support your favorite nonprofits!
Established in 1994, SJICF is celebrating more than 25 years of success in granting funds to local nonprofits and providing scholarships to local students through the generosity of donors who wish to improve the quality of life on San Juan Island. SJICF’s mission is the help the San Juan Island community thrive through inspired and informed generosity and the Foundation’s trusted stewardship. To learn more, visit sjicf.org.
