Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) applied for funding because they wanted to expand their work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to the broader community. According to Sheila Hughes, Executive Director of BIMA, “While this work has infused the growth of the museum since its beginning, BIMA has deliberately focused on discussing DEI with our team these past two years. Now we are ready to share what we have learned.” BIMA has conducted monthly workshops for their staff and volunteers, and are now looking to engage in DEI learning more broadly.
BCF’s Capacity Building Grants Cycle awarded an average of $1,500 per grant. Nineteen organizations applied in 2021, and BCF awarded a record-setting 16 grants after a thorough vetting process by BCF’s Grants Committee. BCF distributed $23,250 this year, which is the most dollars awarded since the program started nine years ago. Nonprofits that did not receive grants this year will be given feedback so they have a better chance to participate next year.
As Shelia shared, “Drawing on our strong start, we hope to broaden our reach while supporting a variety of viewpoints and experiences. We are prepared to be an integral part of this process. We thank BCF for this grant so we are able to deepen our commitment to our staff, volunteers, and Board.” BCF is proud to invest in the long-term growth and sustainability of local nonprofits and our community.
In 2021 alone, 586 grants of all types totaling more than $2.2 million were awarded to nonprofits supporting our community. BCF's cumulative grantmaking is now $19 million since inception.
