Ferndale allocates $23,000 for local support services
City council approved funding for eight groups including the Senior Center and a new after-school sports program.
By Tyler Khalil ·
Ferndale City Council approved $23,000 in grants on Oct. 19.
The unanimous vote funds eight organizations that serve homeless, low-income, and senior residents. This program has operated since 2012. Fourteen groups applied for a total of $190,200. The council awarded the full $23,000 to eight applicants.
The Bellingham/Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence received $3,000. The organization requested $5,000. These funds support school-based prevention efforts. They will also pilot a coaching program with up to five local coaches and their student athletes.
Ferndale Community Services received $3,000. This amount exceeds its 2026 grant. The money supports the Holiday Giving Store. Council documents state the store will provide free gifts and warm clothing to 700 children from 280 families in 2027.
The Ferndale Public Schools Foundation was a new applicant. It received $3,000 to launch free after-school athletics at all six elementary schools. Council documents note that removing fees eliminates the barriers of cost and transportation.
The Ferndale Senior Center received the largest grant at $4,000. The funds will expand health and social programs. Specific purchases include a new website, a bocce ball court, folding chairs, a storage shed, and a bingo machine.
LAW Advocates and Teen Court/NW Youth Services each received $3,000. LAW Advocates uses the funds for free legal clinics on wills and tenant issues. Teen Court uses the money for monthly peer jury hearings aimed at reducing repeat offenses. NW Fruit Rescue and the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center each received $2,000. Both are new applicants. NW Fruit Rescue will buy ingredients for shelf-stable soups. The Dispute Resolution Center will host two workshops in local middle schools. Cascade Connections declined funding this year to support other groups. Five other applicants did not receive grants.
