Whidbey Community Foundation (WCF) is proud to announce the launch of its Impact Investing Program, a new initiative that blends philanthropy with financial investment in order to generate measurable social, environmental and economic returns for Whidbey Island.
Investing In Whidbey
Traditionally, grant-making and investing have been separate disciplines: one dedicated to social change, the other to financial return. With this new program, WCF is breaking down that barrier by offering mission-driven capital that emphasizes both impact and prudence.
By supporting local projects that advance solutions in areas such as affordable housing, child care, regenerative agriculture, and climate resilience, and doing so through loans or other investment instruments, WCF is creating mechanisms by which philanthropic capital is recycled into future community-led initiatives.
How It Works
Eligible nonprofit and for-profit organizations based on or benefiting Whidbey Island may submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) through WCF’s website. Selected applicants may be invited to complete a full application.
Investments are typically structured as low-interest loans repaid over three to five years, with all repayments recycled back into WCF’s Impact Investing Fund for future projects. Each opportunity is evaluated for both its community benefit and financial soundness, with the goal of amplifying lasting local impact.
Projects must be aligned with WCF’s key investment themes:
- Affordable Housing
- Economic Development
- Food & Agriculture
- Arts & Culture
- Health & Wellness
- Environment
- Nonprofit Capacity Building
By intentionally deploying capital in these interlinked areas, WCF aims to strengthen the long-term health and resilience of Whidbey Island’s community infrastructure.
How Can You Support This Initiative?
Anyone can make a donation to WCF and earmark it for an impact investment in a field of interest fund. Those who hold a donor-advised funds with WCF can specify that an impact investment be made on their behalf through their fund.
“The launch of our Impact Investing program marks a significant evolution in how we think about community philanthropy,” said Jessie Gunn, WCF Executive Director. “We believe that by combining the power of mission-driven investment with the discipline of financial returns, we can unlock a new wave of opportunity for Whidbey Island—solutions that continue giving back for years to come.”