How do you measure healing, connection, and purpose? For Growing Veterans—a nonprofit rooted in peer support and sustainable agriculture—it starts with a shovel, a seedling, and now, a tablet.
Founded in 2012, Growing Veterans has helped hundreds of veterans and community members find belonging and wellness through what they call Dirt Therapy. The program brings veterans, transitioning service members, and civilians together to grow food and relationships. As they plant, harvest, and talk, they build a stronger, more connected community.
Backed by VA research and accredited by the Washington Mental Health Counselors Association, Growing Veterans is not only changing lives—it’s saving them. With multiple locations across Washington, the organization’s Whidbey Island program operates at historic Greenbank Farm, where raised beds and inclusive practices make volunteering accessible to all.
This year, with support from Whidbey Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant, Growing Veterans is launching the Growing Data Project—a practical, tech-focused effort to enhance how they track participation, measure impact, and engage with the community.
The grant supports the purchase of a mobile touchpad computer, color printer, and volunteer check-in software. These tools will be used at the farm, in a newly secured office space provided by the Opportunity Council, and during their weekly Coffee Check-ins—an informal, in-person gathering hosted at The Book Rack in Oak Harbor. These check-ins offer an accessible option for veterans and community members who may not be able to make it to the farm due to mobility or health challenges.
With this technology, staff can spend less time on manual data entry and more time building relationships. It also helps them better understand who they serve and where outreach can improve.
To learn more about their work or find ways to get involved, visit growingveterans.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.