Bainbridge Community Foundation Programs
Building Permanent Funds for Long-term Philanthropy
Just as every household budgets for day-to-day expenses while also saving for unforeseen expenditures, we strive to support not just the operational costs of our nonprofit sector, but also the one-time expenses, such as capital improvements and responsive programming. By growing collective funds, we can meet both sets of needs and respond with agility to unexpected need.
Grantmaking
Our commitments to both donors and nonprofits merge in our grantmaking work where we fulfill donor intentions and meet the increasing needs of local organizations. Collective giving through BCF provides a distinct and valuable form of support. Our annual grant cycle, coupled with grants made year-round from Donor Advised Funds, is critical to the community and makes every difference to local non-profits.
Leadership
BCF also provides community leadership activities that address a wide range of current and long-term needs on Bainbridge Island. Through training and hands-on volunteer work, we help non-profits build their own internal capacities for growth and sustainability. This non-financial support is critical to reinforcing the infrastructure of our local non-profits.
We annually recognize and honor people in our community who make a difference and set a standard of excellence through service. We are a recognized authority on the local non-profit sector and provide counsel and guidance to other community agencies serving Bainbridge Island.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Recent Successes
In 2011, Bainbridge Community Foundation celebrated its 10th Anniversary with one of the largest years of grantmaking in its history. Supported through BCF funds, Donor Advised Funds, and other private donations, the 2011 Community Grants Cycle awarded over $233,000 to Bainbridge Island and Kitsap County organizations. This, coupled with additional grants made during the year, brought the Foundations total giving in 2011 to over $800,000.
In February of 2012, BCF conducted its first-ever Nonprofit Survey. The survey helped to identify some of the core strengths and challenges of the local nonprofit sector. In all, more than 55 local nonprofits took part in the survey, many of them attending convening meetings in-person to discuss trends in their sector. The results of the survey point to a local nonprofit sector which, though still reeling from the economic downturn, is investigating creative ways to collaborate on programming and build capacity for future sustainability. These findings will help shape and inform the 2012 Community Grants Cycle priorities.
Emerging Needs
BCF has received over $400,000 in grant requests for the 2012 Community Grants Cycle – a sum which far outstrips the funds available. BCF is currently actively seeking funding partners who may be interested in collaborating with the Foundation’s 2012 Grants Cycle to help ensure that the community needs are met.