Community Fund COVID Donations In Action

By San Juan Island Community Fund

As we enter the eighth month of helping to measure and offset the impact of COVID-19 in our community, the San Juan Island Community Foundation remains focused on bringing ideas and funding together to meet the needs of San Juan islanders.

Looking ahead to the fall, SJICF is anticipating the longer-term needs of local individuals and families affected by the shutdown of businesses, schools, and summer programs.

Thanks to your continued support, there is hope.

• To date, SJICF has granted more than $180,000 to local nonprofits helping in the areas of social services, food security, housing, and mental health. We’ve featured three recipients below.

• $234,000 has been contributed to the SJICF Emergency Response Fund. Based on the projected long-term need, the goal is to raise at least $250,000. That leaves just $16,000 left to raise!

• An additional $112,000 has been granted to local nonprofits from our donor-advised fund holders since early March.

• Zoom meetings with nonprofits and county service providers continue as new topics emerge. You can view the document library, including meeting notes, from these calls on the San Juan Island Recovers website at https://sjisland.recovers.org/documents.

With you as our partner, SJICF is committed to providing steady, meaningful support to our local nonprofits for the duration of the crisis and beyond.

So many islanders are nurturing San Juan with their ongoing generosity of time, skills, and financial support. Together, we can emerge a stronger, more sustainable community.

Grant Profiles:

Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center Childcare, Food Security, General Financial Assistance

The family resource center has helped thousands of families since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Emergency Response Grant funds have provided islanders in need with meals, utility assistance, cleaning/hygiene supplies, medication, rental/mortgage assistance, youth activities and learning pods, behavioral health support, and many more vital services.

San Juan Island School District COVID-19 School Safety Measures

The San Juan Island School District received an Emergency Response Fund grant to upgrade its facilities and purchase safety equipment for the schools. The district has purchased Personal Protective Equipment and health screening supplies, touchless toilets and sinks for restrooms, and plexiglass partitions to keep teachers, staff, and students safe.

This grant was a huge relief to the SJISD and removed the financial burden of using state student allocations to fund these unexpected expenses.

“The San Juan Island Community Foundation has been there, every step of the way, responsive to each and every voice that is hurting,” said Fred Woods, SJISD superintendent.

San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild Food Security

The SJ Islands Agricultural Guild launched the SJ Islands Food Hub in April with help from an Emergency Response Fund grant. Buyers can now shop online directly from local farms and producers, helping farmers stay in farming.

The Food Hub has received approval to accept SNAP benefits, worked to create food security programs through the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and has generated over $110,000 in sales for local food producers on San Juan, Orcas and Lopez. Check out the Food Hub website at https://sjifh.com/.

To donate to SJICF or to the Emergency Response Fund, call 360-378-1001 or visit sjicf.org.

Established in 1994, SJICF is celebrating more than 25 years of success in granting funds to local nonprofits and providing scholarships to local students through the generosity of donors who wish to improve the quality of life on San Juan Island. SJICF’s mission is the help the San Juan Island community thrive through inspired and informed generosity and the Foundation’s trusted stewardship. To learn more, visit sjicf.org.

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