Farm Fund
Support Local Farms
Community Food Co-op maintains its Farm Fund as a financial resource for the local farming community, offering grants to strengthen organic and sustainable agriculture in Whatcom County.
The program encourages ecological and socially responsible farmland stewardship; supports resilient, successful farms; and increases access to healthy food grown, raised, or processed by local producers. By supporting projects that strengthen the local farming community and food system, the Co-op fills key access gaps to capital for small farms, helping to establish sustainable and resilient farm businesses.
Donate to Farm Fund
Looking for other ways to give? In partnership with the Co-op’s Farm Fund, Whatcom Community Foundation has established the Whatcom Food and Farm Fund to support the long-term resilience of Whatcom County farms in the face of increasing climate and economic challenges. Gifts are tax deductible through their 501(c)(3). Donate here.
The Co-op’s Farm Fund has provided $971,199 to 183 local food and farming projects through grants, loans, scholarships, and emergency funds since 2000.
Farm Fund Grants
The 2026 grant cycle has concluded. We recommend checking back in the fall for information on the 2027 funding cycle.
First Step Grant
The First Step Grant program distributes a limited number of grants of up to approximately $3,000 for projects that address immediate and critical farm needs, flood recovery, and market expansion. Priority consideration is given to farmers who face systemic barriers.
Next Step Grant
The Next Step Grant program is designed to support local farmers who want to expand their business to supply wholesale markets. Next Step accepts proposals for grants of $1,250 to $5,000. Priority is given to farmers who face systemic barriers.
Farm Fund Recipients
Get to know a few of our Farm Fund recipients over the years including, but not limited to Viva Farms, Ebb & Flow Herb Farm, and Brittle Barn Farms.
Farm Fund Committee
The Farm Fund is guided by a volunteer advisory committee of local farmers, and food and farming advocates.
- Hank Bertholf – Floral Department Head, Community Food Co-op
- Chris Elder – Coastal Farmland Trust
- Mike Finger – Owner, Cedarville Farm
- Margaret Gerard – Co-owner/Operator, Sunseed Farm; Community Food Co-op Board Director
- Jessica Gillis – Food and Farming Program Manager, Sustainable Connections; Community Food Co-op Board Director
- Madeline McGonagle – Owner/Operator, Daybreak Farm
- Erik Olsen – Owner, Well Fed Farm
- Mauricio Soto – Owner, Arado Farm
- Jade Vantreese – Project Manager, Community Food Co-op
Our Community Partners
Thank you to our generous members and shoppers who support the Farm Fund and to these organizations:
Other Ways We Support Our Community
Create Change for Neighbors in Need
Community Change Fund
Our PIN pad donation program took off in 2025, when shoppers raised $200,000 for Bellingham Food Bank in just seven months. Every penny you donate goes directly to the featured organization.
Champion Local Farmers
Farm Fund
Since 2000, the Co-op has donated over $878,699 to 164 local food and farming projects through grants, loans, scholarships, and emergency funds. These funds help increase the supply of local, sustainable, and organic food in Whatcom County and beyond.
Make Getting Groceries a Good Deed
Community Shopping Days
On the third Saturday of each month, 2% of sales go directly to a local organization doing vital work in our community. Your shopping helps support everything from environmental conservation to food access programs.
Raised by shoppers like you thus far in 2026.
Your choice to shop at Community Food Co-op brings tangible, positive change to our community. Last year, Co-op shoppers raised $33,964.32.
Educate Kids About Healthy Eating
The Real Food Show
Combining circus arts, food education, laughter, and fun, The Real Food Show brings healthy eating lessons to life for students throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties. It is produced and funded by the Co-op and has toured since 2014.