Supporting Whatcom kids & families through dedicated public funding
The Healthy Children’s Fund is a voter-approved source of funding for programs and organizations that support children and parents in our community.
About the Fund
The Healthy Children’s Fund was created by Whatcom County voters in 2022, when the community approved a levy to dedicate public funding to local programs and efforts to support children and families.
The Healthy Children’s Fund specifically aims to sustain and bolster programs that:
Expand access to affordable, high-quality, professional and accessible early learning and care
Support vulnerable children and families through access to housing resources, mental and behavioral health, and parenting supports
Build a strong, equitable system of services and supports for the youngest residents of Whatcom County
Key funding milestones:
$7.9m
invested in children & families in Whatcom County
to date since 2022
200+
added childcare & early learning slots
to date since 2022
1,000+
children & families positively impacted
to date since 2022
The fund is managed by Whatcom County in partnership with community-based organizations and guided by an implementation plan rooted in parents’ needs. From the start, the Healthy Children’s Fund has been more than a funding mechanism: it’s a promise to the next generation that every child deserves a healthy start and every family deserves support.
Funding Strategies
The Healthy Children’s Fund focuses on a set of core strategies shaped by community priorities and established research on what children need to thrive.
These strategies guide how resources are allocated and ensure funding has the greatest long-term impact.
Track Funding
Follow how the Healthy Children’s Fund invests in children and families across Whatcom County.
Our tracker provides transparent insight into how these resources are being allocated and how they are making a difference in our community.
Apply for funding
Organizations serving children and families can apply for financial support from the Healthy Children’s Fund through our open RFP process.
See available opportunities, fund guidelines, application materials, and deadlines in one place, along with support for first-time applicants.
Funded Programs
Are you a parent or guardian? Find programs and services that can support your family, from child care and early learning, to housing, parenting supports, and mental and behavioral health support. Our program directory connects parents and caregivers with the trusted community resources that are available.
More Resources
Calendar
See upcoming application deadlines, official meetings, events that are open to the public, and other important information.
Videos
Hear directly from funding recipients and the people working on a better future for children and families in our community.
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about the fund and how it is managed, allocated, and evaluated.
Get in touch
If you would like to submit a question or comment about the HCF, please use our contact form to send us a message.
More News & Updates
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December 2025 Healthy Children’s Fund Winter Storms Recovery Guidance
Introduction The Healthy Children’s Fund (HCF) is a voter-approved funding source established to support the health, safety, and well-being of children and…
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Healthy Children’s Fund Child Care Capital and Subsidy Applications Under Review
Two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) closed recently, and applications are currently being reviewed. Awards will be approved by the County Council and…
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Stories of Impact: New Videos Highlight HCF-Funded Programs
We are excited to share two new videos that tell the story of how the Healthy Children’s Fund is supporting kids and…