Applications being accepted for small business and farm flood recovery grants

Whatcom Community Foundation announced it is accepting online applications for its 2026 Whatcom Small Business Flood Recovery Grants.

This is a collaborative grants project developed by Sustainable Connections, Western Washington University Small Business Development Center and Whatcom Community Foundation.

First reviews will begin on 2/13/2026
Application end date is 2/20/2026 at 4pm

The devastating December 2025 flooding damaged many small businesses in hard hit Whatcom County communities, from property to revenue and job loss. Those businesses are the life blood of their communities, providing jobs, products and services, and contributing to local character. Businesses typically have access to federal and other forms of disaster assistance only through borrowing. We understand business owner needs vary. Some are in a position to access low- interest loans or other capital on their own. Others need grants to remain or reopen. That’s why the Whatcom Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund (WSBDR Fund) was created. The Fund provides resources to invest in the recovery and resilience of Whatcom County’s flood affected small businesses to preserve community character and foster economic viability.

Recovery grants are intended to help cover essential expenses, including rent, payroll, repairs and mitigation measures to better face future disasters. The information you share in your application will help local partners better understand the impacts of the flooding as well as better support your recovery needs going forward.

Please note the below eligibility requirements for this application. Submitting this form does not guarantee financial support.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must first complete a Whatcom County damage assessment form
• Have been operating prior to December 9, 2025
• Be open or intend to reopen
• Have a state Business License, or explanation as to why a state business license is not required
• Have annual pre-flood gross receipts of less than $5 million

– Whatcom Community Foundation (February 2026)

Community Food Co-op announced they are accepting applications for its Farm Fund Flood Response grant program. 

The Farm Fund offers grants to strengthen the market for organic and sustainable agriculture in Whatcom County; encourage ecological and socially responsible farmland stewardship; support resilient, successful farms; and increase access to healthy food grown, raised, or processed by local producers.

Deadline for submissions: February 8, 2026.

Farm Fund Flood Response Grant and Funding Priorities 

Due to the recent major flooding event, we are directing the Farm Fund grant to support the cleanup, stabilization, and rebuilding efforts of local farms. The Farm Fund grant cycle will distribute a limited number of grants up to $5,000 for projects that address emergency flood response, flood recovery, and related immediate farm needs. This might include farm infrastructure, repairing irrigation systems, replacing damaged equipment, and funding to offset lost crops, seeds, and sales.  

Funding in 2026 will primarily address immediate flood relief projects. The Farm Fund Committee will also consider flood risk reduction/farm resilience projects and projects that address other farm needs (depending on the amount of donations we receive).  

Applicants must:

• Be a farm business, or farm business support organization 
• Address the priorities listed above  
• Supply Whatcom County markets and communities, or support Whatcom County farms as part of their program  

– Community Food Co-op