Whatcom Healthy Children's Fund

How Whatcom County providers can apply for Healthy Children’s Fund dollars

Child practicing writing numbers

The Healthy Children’s Fund offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit, for-profit, private and public entities, higher education programs and early learning and care providers to grow and improve the lives of young children and families in Whatcom County. By expanding existing programs or launching new initiatives, you can play a key role in supporting the health and well-being of our community.

To stay informed and learn about the latest funding opportunities, sign up for the Healthy Children’s Fund newsletter.

Who Can Apply for Funding?

Eligible operators and service providers are encouraged to apply for HCF funding if they meet Whatcom County’s contracting requirements. Specific eligibility criteria will depend on the requirements of each funding opportunity, but all contractors and subcontractors must comply with anti-discrimination and child protection laws and policies. Most importantly, HCF funding will prioritize equitable access for traditionally underserved communities.

In Whatcom County, underserved areas typically include communities that face barriers to accessing essential services such as early learning, child care, behavioral health and other social services. These areas often overlap with populations that are economically disadvantaged, geographically isolated or part of minority groups. Underserved populations may include:

  1. Rural communities: Areas outside of Bellingham, such as the eastern and northern parts of the county, can face limited access to services due to distance and fewer local resources.
  2. Low-income families: Families struggling with poverty or economic instability are often prioritized in terms of service access.
  3. Indigenous communities: Indigenous families represent populations that may experience disparities in access to health care, education and other resources.
  4. Non-English-speaking communities: People who speak a first language other than English often face challenges in accessing services due to language barriers, cultural differences and systemic inequities.
  5. Housing-insecure families: Unsheltered families or those experiencing unstable housing are another focus for efforts to expand services and support.

Now is the time to collaborate and make a difference for Whatcom County children and families! Check out this growing list of funded projects, then consider expanding an existing program or starting a new one to help meet the needs of our community’s youngest residents.

A member of the Whatcom Healthy Children’s Fund team will happily answer any questions you have via email at healthychildrensfund@co.whatcom.wa.us.

This blog post was originally published in June 2025. We updated it in September 2025 to fix broken links.