Initiatives

Internal Operations Fund

The Operations Fund covers all Foundation administrative, community outreach and fund raising activities including events. The Operations Fund allows us to support a blanket, no-load fee for all sub-funds (except those managed by the Seattle Foundation).

Critical Needs (Healthy Community) Fund

The Critical Needs Fund supports grants specifically for critical community needs as defined by twelve work groups and recommended by the Community Foundation Critical Needs Task Force Steering Committee. The Steering Committee, consisting of community leaders including Foundation board members, is the direct interface with the work groups.  The workgroups are: Social Services, Community Financing, Energy, Jobs & Business Development, Food & Sustainable Agriculture, Housing, Education, Healthcare, Community Communications, Environment and Arts & Recreation.  This is an open community process and any person interested in participating should contact the chair of the respective work group or the Foundation office, 378-1001.  In 2009, over 300 individuals focused on the most pressing needs of our community resulting in the creation of several new programs.

Peace Island Medical Center Campaign

This pledge campaign will support the design and construction of a new integrated medical center. The project is a partnership with PeaceHealth, a not-for-profit regional health care provider and San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1. Philanthropy is expected to contribute $10 million toward the cost of construction.  PeaceHealth, who also operate St Josephs Hospital in Bellingham, will fund the remaining $20 million for the land, facility construction and equipment.

Permanent Farmer’s Market Fund

A new facility in an historic Friday Harbor building is sited for the permanent location for the San Juan Island Farmer’s Market The space and its surrounds will feature an increased number of booths, preparation and food storage areas and an all season, indoor market capability. This project will spearhead a Sunshine Alley neighborhood revitalization program and include important green space in town and small outdoor performance stage.

Island Stage Left Designated Fund

This program is designed to support our resident professional Shakespearian acting company and put them on a firm, sustainable financial basis. In 2008, Island Stage Left gave 72 performances of professional live theater county -wide.  They provide an enormous cultural enrichment for our community.

Q.E.D. Quality Education Fund Campaign

The Q.E.D. campaign will attempt to address a portion of the state education budget shortfall by focusing on re-establishing programs in advanced placement, music, arts and languages.

The campaign will build on the 2008 highly successful Save-Our-Schools campaign, in which the SJICF initiated and provided a $300,000 challenge grant that was matched by the community at large, making a total grant for public education in the amount of $600,000.

Annual Grant Cycle “Breakfast of Champions” Awards

Continuing our traditional annual grant cycle, this program provides financial support for our local non-profits through a competitive review process.

Please call the office, 378-1001 for more information.