Whatcom Council of Nonprofits

About Us

Thank you for your interest in the Whatcom County's nonprofit sector.

Participation in Whatcom Council of Nonprofits (WCN) is free and open to all nonprofit employees, volunteers, board members and supporters of nonprofit organizations. The Council of Nonprofits is a volunteer-run organization that builds the capacity of the not-for-profit sector by providing the following:

• Networking and training opportunities for nonprofit staff, board members and volunteers
• Linking nonprofit organizations with each other and the wider community through the WCN website, weekly eNews, and Nonprofit Community Calendar
• Advocating for our county's nonprofit sector 
• Promoting the economic and social contributions nonprofit organizations make to the overall well-being of our community

The Whatcom Council of Nonprofits' fiscal sponsor is the Whatcom Coalition for Healthy Communities which convenes the business, nonprofit, government, and education sectors to collaboratively improve health and quality of life in Whatcom County.

MISSION

The Whatcom Council of Nonprofits seeks to strengthen Whatcom County's nonprofits by building relationships, sharing resources, and communicating the vital role of nonprofit organizations in our community.

VISION

WCN's vision for the future is that all Whatcom County nonprofits will be healthy and vibrant organizations. They will work collaboratively to increase their capacity to improve the quality of life in Whatcom County. Nonprofits will be recognized as vital partners with government and business to create and sustain economic prosperity, community health and civic engagement.

VALUES

The Whatcom Council of Nonprofits provides a VOICE for the nonprofit sector:

Advocacy

Vitality

Open Dialogue

Inclusiveness

Collaboration

Engagement

GOALS

• Provide networking, peer-to-peer education and training opportunities for nonprofit employees, board members, supporters, and volunteers
• Link nonprofit organizations with each other and the wider community through an interactive website, regular eNews and an online community calendar

• Advocate for the nonprofit sector of Whatcom County by promoting the economic and social contributions nonprofit organizations make to the overall well-being of our community.

AFFILIATIONS

The Whatcom Council of Nonprofits was revitalized in 2005 by a team of Leadership Whatcom participants who believed in giving the nonprofit sector a voice and providing a tool for nonprofit networking, resource sharing, and peer education. Team members included Tom Anderson, Terri Briant Booth, AnnMarie Jordan, Moonwater, and Rachel Vasak. FMI: Leadership Whatcom.

The Whatcom Council of Nonprofits is also part of Washington Nonprofit - a new state association formed in early 2010 that will provide Washington’s 50,000+ nonprofits with representation in state and federal policy decisions.  Its mission is to provide a voice for nonprofits and associations from all parts of the state and increase the ability of public benefit organizations to achieve their missions and serve their communities. FMI: http://www.washingtonnonprofits.org/.

Our Sponsors

Whatcom Coalition for Healthy Communities

The Mary Redman Foundation

Whatcom Community Foundation

Bellingham Public Library