When 30 nonprofit organizations on San Juan Island asked for the community’s help last month, islanders responded in a big way. Nearly 500 people came together to donate over $180,000 in just four days in support of critical local projects as part of the San Juan Island Community Foundation’s 2022 County Fair Giving Campaign.
More than $32,000 in additional matching funds and bonus grants were awarded by SJICF, bringing the four-day giving total to $213,000.
“The impact of the community’s donations will be felt throughout the island,” said SJICF Executive Director Carrie Unpingco. “From human services to education, animal welfare, affordable housing, community health programs, the arts, and conservation – islanders stepped forward to support the many nonprofits that have made it their mission to maintain and enhance our quality of life here on San Juan Island.”
The 2022 County Fair Giving Campaign was a true community effort, with individual donations ranging in size from as little as $5 to as much as $8,500. Donors also displayed support for a broad range of organizations, with nearly 150 people choosing to contribute to more than one project.
As part of their participation in the campaign, each nonprofit must submit a grant evaluation and status report to SJICF to provide details about the ways in which the donations they received made a positive and measurable impact. The Community Foundation looks forward to sharing stories about these impacts with the community in the months ahead.
Established in 1994, SJICF grants funds to local nonprofits and provides scholarships to local students through the generosity of donors who wish to improve the quality of life on San Juan Island. SJICF’s mission is to help the San Juan Island community thrive through inspired and informed generosity and the Foundation’s trusted stewardship. To learn more, visit www.sjicf.org.