2000–2011 | The Idea Takes Root

For more than a decade, community leaders explored the idea of a community foundation for Whidbey Island.

• 2000: Island County staff and nonprofit leaders researched creating a community foundation and even launched a “Leave a Whidbey Legacy” campaign concept. The effort stalled when staffing and funding shifted.
• 2003–2010: Several private and regional attempts were made to start a foundation for Whidbey, including a Children’s Foundation model and a South Whidbey–focused effort. None gained lasting traction.

Still, the need remained clear: Whidbey Island was the only community in the Puget Sound region without its own community foundation.

2012 | A Clear Opportunity

Robin Hertlein, a Certified Grant Professional, recognized that Whidbey nonprofits were missing regional grant opportunities because there was no community foundation to serve as a funding conduit.

After extensive research and conversations with leaders from community foundations across Washington, Robin committed to leading a renewed effort.

A white paper and five-year business plan were developed—calling for a volunteer-driven, locally governed foundation built to grow steadily over time.

2015-2016 | Community Leadership Steps Forward

With support from Town of Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard, a series of Exploratory Meetings were held with leaders from Oak Harbor, Coupeville, and South Whidbey. Exploratory Committee members included Robin Hertlein, Nancy Conard, Cheryn Weiser, Elden Smith, Molly Hughes, Christine Cribbs, Bob Severns, Steve Shapiro, Fred McCarthy, Janice Vaughan, and Mary Hudson.

On August 2, 2016, the decision was made to move forward.
On September 7, 2016, Whidbey Community Foundation was officially incorporated and held its first board meeting.

Initial leadership (pictured left to right):

• Bob Severns
• Steve Shapiro (Chair)
• Robin Hertlein (Secretary/Treasurer)
• Nancy Conard (Executive Director, volunteer)

Start-up funding was provided by Whidbey Island Bank, a division of Heritage Bank. By the end of 2016, WCF held $20,000 in funds. A long-envisioned idea had become a real institution.

2017 | Official Recognition, Expanding Leadership, and Nonprofit Support

On January 25, 2017, WCF received IRS 501(c)(3) status.

That same year, Helen Price Johnson, Sara Kelly, and George Saul joined the Board of Directors—broadening leadership representation across Whidbey Island and strengthening the Foundation’s early governance.

In October, WCF hosted its first nonprofit workshop in Freeland, bringing together 45 nonprofit representatives to learn about statewide resources and support.

The early years were powered almost entirely by volunteers committed to building something that would last. From the beginning, WCF committed not only to grantmaking, but to strengthening the nonprofit ecosystem across the island.

From the beginning, WCF committed to strengthening nonprofits—not just funding them.

What Makes a Community Foundation Different?
A community foundation is a nonprofit that holds and manages charitable funds on behalf of individuals, families, and businesses — investing those funds and distributing grants locally to address community needs.

2018 | First Grants & Early Stewardship Partnerships

WCF launched its first competitive grant cycle in summer 2018, awarding 15 grants to local nonprofits. Local philanthropy was now being stewarded locally.

Around this time, WCF partnered with the Community Foundation of Snohomish County to steward two donor funds on behalf of Whidbey Community Foundation. This early partnership provided investment management support while WCF was still building its internal capacity.

From the beginning, WCF prioritized responsible stewardship—ensuring that donors’ charitable dollars were well managed and locally directed.

2019 | Expanding Grants & Strengthening Leadership

The second competitive grant cycle was held in summer 2019, awarding 20 grants to local nonprofits.

In April 2019, Jessie Gunn was hired as the Foundation’s first part-time Program Manager—marking the transition from an all-volunteer effort to staffed growth.

That same year, Jerry Millhon and Lance Gibbon joined the Board of Directors, further strengthening governance and community representation.

Donors began opening a variety of charitable funds at WCF, including donor-advised, designated, and field-of-interest funds.

WCF was evolving—from a start-up nonprofit to a growing, sustainable community institution.

2020 | Responding in Crisis & Expanding Community Leadership

During the COVID-19 pandemic, WCF mobilized quickly to support local nonprofits and neighbors—raising and distributing nearly $500,000 in emergency funding. In recognition of the urgency of the moment, WCF did not charge administrative fees on COVID relief funds, ensuring that 100% of donated dollars went directly to community needs.

In that same year, WCF became the fiscal sponsor for Partners for Young Children (PYC), Whidbey Island’s county-wide early learning coalition. By stewarding PYC’s funding and administrative infrastructure, WCF strengthened coordination among organizations serving young children and families.

This year marked an important evolution—from grantmaker to trusted backbone organization and responsive community partner.

2021 | Expanding Leadership & Strengthening Strategy

Bill Larsen joined the Board of Directors, further strengthening governance and island-wide representation. WCF hired Maureen Rice, expanding staff capacity and deepening the Foundation’s ability to serve nonprofits and donors.
That year, WCF also held its first Board & Staff Retreat—an important milestone in moving from start-up operations to intentional, long-term strategic planning.

WCF launched its first Essential Needs Fundraising Cycle, partnering with Goosefoot Community Fund as a co-funder and Opportunity Council as the program administrator.
This collaborative model allowed donors to give once and support a coordinated, island-wide response to basic needs—demonstrating the power of shared leadership and collective action.
By the end of 2021, our 5^th year, WCF was stewarding over $1M in philanthropic assets across 20 different funds, and had made over $850,000 in total grants to nonprofits.

2022 | Strategic Direction & Investing in Early Learning

Ansel Santosa and Aisha Mayfield joined the Board of Directors, broadening leadership representation across Whidbey Island.

WCF developed its first formal Strategic Plan, guiding priorities for 2023–2025 and clarifying the Foundation’s role as both a steward of charitable funds and a connector across the nonprofit ecosystem.

As part of its strategic commitment to early learning, WCF became the local affiliate for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library on Whidbey Island—ensuring young children across the island receive free, age-appropriate books delivered to their homes each month.

WCF continued supporting and convening cross-sector partnerships—helping nonprofits collaborate rather than compete and strengthening the nonprofit ecosystem across the island.

2023 | Launching Issue-Focused Funds & Expanding Tools for Impact

Jason Joiner and Jeff Natter joined the Board of Directors, adding new expertise and perspective.

The Foundation helped launch and steward island-wide funds focused on shared priorities—such as the Whidbey Affordable Housing Fund, Whidbey Climate Fund, and Whidbey Food Resilience Fund—allowing donors to invest collectively in long-term solutions.

2024 | Expanding Our Role as a Community Connector

Kristen Stavros joined the Board of Directors, continuing WCF’s commitment to strong, engaged governance.

Beyond grantmaking, WCF increased nonprofit services, peer learning, and community conversations—helping align people, ideas, and resources around Whidbey’s most pressing challenges.

WCF hired Katie Watkins, PYC Coordinator, and Holly Harlan, Development & Donor Services Manager, expanding staff capacity to better serve donors and nonprofits. The Foundation also moved into its first dedicated office space in Freeland—creating a physical home for community philanthropy on Whidbey Island.

That year, WCF hosted its 2nd annual Celebration of Philanthropy, bringing together donors, nonprofit leaders, and community members to recognize the power of generosity and shared impact across the island.

2025 | Stewarding a Growing Legacy

Lynn Goebel joined the Board of Directors in 2025, followed by Jane Spalding, who was elected at the end of the year—reflecting both leadership continuity and renewal.

In 2025, WCF launched its Legacy Society, inviting individuals and families to formalize their commitment to Whidbey Island through planned gifts and long-term charitable funds. The Legacy Society recognizes those who are investing not only in today’s needs, but in the island’s future.

With millions of dollars under stewardship, WCF supports donors in planning for the future—ensuring their generosity will continue to benefit Whidbey Island for generations to come.

As the Foundation approaches its 10-year anniversary, the focus turns toward sustainability, legacy giving, and preparing for the next decade of community impact. By the end of 2025, WCF had granted over $6.1M total to charitable causes since its founding.

2026 | 10 Years of Community Philanthropy—and Looking Ahead

Ten years in, WCF reflects on what has been built together: trusted relationships, flexible resources, thoughtful governance, and a stronger nonprofit ecosystem

The work continues—with an eye toward the next decade of community-led impact.