We recently visited the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association (CHWA), a key steward of one of Washington’s most iconic historic waterfronts and a driving force behind Coupeville’s vibrant downtown. Through events, preservation efforts, and community partnerships, CHWA plays a central role in sustaining both the cultural and economic vitality of the town.
CHWA received a $5,000 Nonprofit Capacity Building grant to strengthen its long-term sustainability through strategic fundraising and board development, in partnership with Rebecca Zanatta of RJZ Connections, Inc. This work comes at a critical time. Currently, nearly 50% of CHWA’s revenue comes from Washington’s Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program (MSTCIP), which allows businesses to direct a portion of their B&O taxes to designated Main Street organizations. While this program is set to sunset in 2030, continued advocacy could extend its life—an important consideration not just for CHWA, but for the 40 Main Street communities across the state, including three right here on Whidbey Island (Langley, Coupeville, and Oak Harbor).
From October through December 2025, CHWA’s project was focused on diversifying revenue beyond MSTCIP, strengthening donor engagement strategies, and enhancing its website to make giving more accessible. These efforts complement existing funding streams, including donations and signature events like the beloved Musselfest.
During our visit, we also saw how this capacity-building work connects directly to real, on-the-ground projects. CHWA has partnered with the Island County Historical Society (another WCF grantee!) on a state-funded initiative to transform the museum’s front garden into a more welcoming and environmentally sustainable community space—featuring native plantings, a rain garden, and improved gathering areas. With approximately $203,000 secured through the state legislature, the project has been more than two years in the making and still requires additional fundraising to bring it fully to life—making CHWA’s investment in fundraising capacity all the more timely.
Like many small, community-based organizations, CHWA is doing a tremendous amount with limited resources. Strengthening the systems behind their work—from board leadership to fundraising infrastructure—ensures they can continue to preserve Coupeville’s historic character while creating spaces and experiences that bring the community together. Grants like these are made possible through the support of donors to the Foundation Fund, helping local organizations build the capacity they need to thrive for years to come.
As we mark 10 years of community philanthropy at the Foundation, it’s organizations like CHWA that remind us what long-term investment really looks like—supporting not just the projects we can see today, but the capacity that makes future impact possible.
Support Community Grants
WCF is able to provide grants like these with broad support from our community. If you are interested in supporting WCF Grant Programs, 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.