Ferndale City Council Allocates $23,000 in 2027 Local Grants

The Ferndale City Council approved $23,000 in organizational grants for the 2027 fiscal year during its Oct. 19 meeting. The vote was unanimous. This funding supports eight local groups that serve homeless, low-income, and senior residents. The city has maintained this grant program since 2012.

Fourteen organizations applied for a total of $190,200. The council awarded grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000. The Ferndale Senior Center received the highest amount at $4,000. These funds will expand programs for health and social connection, including the construction of a new bocce ball court, a storage shed, and a new website design. The center will also purchase a bingo machine and folding chairs.

Three organizations received $3,000 each. The Bellingham/Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence requested $5,000 but received $3,000. This money will support school-based prevention efforts and pilot a coaching program for up to five local coaches and their student athletes. Ferndale Community Services also received $3,000, a higher amount than its 2026 budget allocation. The funds will support the Holiday Giving Store, which provides free gifts and warm clothing. Council documents project the store will help 700 children from 280 families in 2027.

The Ferndale Public Schools Foundation was a new applicant and received $3,000. This grant will launch free after-school athletics at all six elementary schools as part of the Ferndale Prevention Model. Council documents state that removing fees eliminates the two largest barriers of cost and transportation for students.

LAW Advocates and Teen Court/NW Youth Services each received $3,000. LAW Advocates will use the funds for free civic legal clinics covering wills and tenant issues. NW Youth Services will continue monthly hearings where teens are held accountable by a peer jury to reduce repeat offenses and homelessness risk.

Two new applicants received $2,000 each. NW Fruit Rescue will purchase ingredients, packaging, and distribution materials for its Nobody Goes Hungry program, which provides shelf-stable soups to food banks. The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center will support two conflict resolution workshops for local middle schools.

Cascade Connections, a past recipient, opted to direct its funding toward other organizations this year. A Better Way Out, Avenue of Flags, Ferndale Sister City Association, Miracle Food Network, and Placemake Art requested funding but did not receive a grant.