Habitat for Humanity of Island County has always been about more than just building houses. Since its founding in 1998, the organization has brought people together to build stability, community, and hope—one home at a time. Now, with support from Whidbey Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant, they’re taking time to strengthen something less visible but just as critical: their internal infrastructure and strategic planning.
As the only affordable homeownership program in Island County, Habitat for Humanity provides new housing, critical repairs, and aging-in-place upgrades to households earning under 80% of the area median income. In 2023 alone, they built five new homes. And while the sawdust and framing may draw the eye, the real impact is felt in the lives of the families who now have a safe, affordable place to call home.
The WCF grant is helping to fund the development and launch of a new multi-year strategic plan. Habitat’s leadership team is already deep into this work. This effort will align the board, staff, and volunteers under a shared vision—with clear goals for housing growth, revenue development, retail operations, and more.
The timing is intentional. With operations stabilized post-COVID, Habitat is now positioned to look forward. Strategic planning, paired with professional consulting support, will equip the organization to grow its donor base, diversify its revenue, and prepare for major capital needs like land purchases—each a step toward serving more families each year.
Beyond internal planning, the organization continues to invest in a culture of inclusion. In 2023, Habitat for Humanity of Island County launched its first formal DEI training with the help of a consultant and a dedicated grant. That work has resulted in updated policies, inclusive language, and new practices across the organization—from pronoun tags to board-level engagement. Their programs already serve a wide cross-section of the community, and the organization is committed to making sure every future homeowner, volunteer, and donor feels truly welcomed.
The outcomes of this capacity-building effort are broad but practical. With greater efficiency and clarity, each department—from construction to the stores to fundraising—can work toward specific, measurable goals. And those goals lead directly back to the mission: helping more Island County families find strength and stability through homeownership.
To learn more about their work, volunteer opportunities, or how to donate, visit www.islandcountyhabitat.org.
Support Nonprofit Capacity-Building Grants
WCF’s Nonprofit Capacity-Building Grant Program strengthens the internal operations of Whidbey Island nonprofits, ensuring they have the tools to grow and sustain their impact. By funding staff and board development, technology upgrades, financial planning, and strategic assessments, WCF helps organizations build long-term resilience. Investing in organizational infrastructure rather than direct program costs allows nonprofits to operate more effectively and expand their impact in the community.
WCF is able to provide grants like these with broad support from our community. If you are interested in supporting the Nonprofit Capacity-Building Grant Program, we invite you to make a contribution to WCF’s Foundation Fund, which holistically supports our grant programs, nonprofit trainings/workshops, and WCF operations. Our Board of Directors allocates funding each year to ensure nonprofits have access to critical resources. WCF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to Whidbey Island; all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Learn about different ways to make a charitable contribution here.