Ferndale Council Allocates $23,000 in 2027 Organizational Grants

The Ferndale City Council approved $23,000 in grants for local organizations on Oct. 19. The unanimous vote covers funding for the 2027 fiscal year. The city has distributed these grants to groups serving homeless, low-income, and senior residents since 2012. Eight organizations received awards ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 this year. Fourteen groups applied for a total of $190,200 in funding.

The Ferndale Senior Center received the largest award at $4,000. The funds will expand programs designed to promote health, independence, and social connection for seniors. Specific purchases include a new website design, a bocce ball court, folding chairs, a storage shed, and a bingo machine.

Three groups received $3,000 each. The Bellingham/Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence will use its grant for school-based prevention and response efforts. The commission also plans to pilot a Coaching Boys into Men Program with up to five local coaches and their student athletes. Ferndale Community Services received $3,000 to operate its Holiday Giving Store. This free program provides gifts and warm clothing to families. Council documents estimate the store will assist 700 children from 280 families in 2027. This amount exceeds the grant the organization received in the 2026 budget.

The Ferndale Public Schools Foundation was a new applicant for the 2027 cycle. It received $3,000 to launch free after-school athletics at all six elementary schools. This initiative is part of the Ferndale Prevention Model. Council documents state that removing fees addresses the two largest barriers of cost and transportation.

LAW Advocates and Teen Court/NW Youth Services also received $3,000 grants. LAW Advocates uses the funds for free civic legal clinics covering wills, tenant workshops, and general legal issues. Teen Court/NW Youth Services will continue monthly hearings where a peer jury holds teens accountable for their actions. This process aims to reduce repeat offenses and the risk of homelessness.

Two new applicants received the minimum grant amount of $2,000. NW Fruit Rescue will use the money to buy ingredients, packaging, and distribution materials for its Nobody Goes Hungry program. The program provides shelf-stable soups to local food banks. The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center will use its grant to host two conflict resolution workshops in local middle schools.

Cascade Connections received funding in previous years but opted to direct its resources to other organizations this year. A Better Way Out, Avenue of Flags, Ferndale Sister City Association, Miracle Food Network, and Placemake Art applied for grants but did not receive funding.