Bellingham Youth Philanthropy Program

Whatcom Community Foundation houses the Bellingham Youth Philanthropy Program (BYPP). This unique program provides high school students in our community with experiential and knowledge based learning opportunities. Students will learn about environmental issues, critical thinking, leadership and community in addition to fund development and the grant making process. The BYPP began when two Sehome

High School students who, for their senior project, biked more than 1,200 miles around Washington State to raise funds intended to introduce youth in our community to the concept of charitable giving. This year we have established the first ever committee of high school students who will help grow and manage the fund while learning about the local environment, community, and charitable giving. The committee includes student representatives from all three high schools in Bellingham, Washington. BYPP committee members will spend time identifying and discussing critical environmental and community issues while learning about them from field experts. The committee will also learn about the fundraising process through hands-on-experience that will grow the amount of funding available for grant making. In addition to learning about fundraising, the committee will have the opportunity to evaluate grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Community Foundation Board. Participating in the BYPP committee will introduce young people to the value in community relationships and environmental advocacy while fostering strong leadership and critical thinking skills.