Student Emergency Funds

“All I have to say is that I am very thankful that this opportunity exists for myself and for the greater WCC community. I know other people like myself who are greatly struggling to cover all their financial needs while succeeding in their classes, and this will help a lot of people to focus on their future and their education.” – Spring 2022 emergency grant awardee

Since the start of the pandemic, WCC Foundation has partnered with the College to award more than $5.5 million in federal stimulus funds and $70,000 in private donations to 3,000+ students.

While the pandemic has increased the need for emergency funding, this support has always been essential. Small emergencies—from an unexpected utility bill, to a dental emergency to a car repair—cause students to drop out, even in a typical year. The WCC Foundation is committed to offering emergency funding to students long-term. 95% of students who received an emergency fund grant from WCC Foundation successfully completed their quarter.

Thank You for Your Service

Thank You for Your Service is an emergency fund for student veterans established in 2015 by Steve Shropshire of Shropshire Law Firm in Bellingham. Thank You for Your Service provides vital emergency support to student veterans to help cover unanticipated expenses that could impact their ability to meet their academic goals.

To date, 16 student veterans have received an award from the fund. One of these veterans, Kady M., told us, “I can guarantee this gift you have so graciously given is doing many good works within the Whatcom community.”

The Thank You for Your Service Fund is for Whatcom Community College student veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard) and have been honorably discharged or who are currently serving in a reserve capacity. We recommend that students meet with Veterans Services in Laidlaw Center before applying. This application is open on a continuous basis while courses are in session throughout the academic year. 

Orca Food Pantry

In 2017, the Community College Survey of Student Engagement reported that approximately 50% of WCC students had skipped a meal due to lack of money and 36% of students reported that hunger had affected their ability to learn. The Orca Food Pantry provides non-perishable food and hygiene products to combat student food insecurity at Whatcom Community College.

Financial gifts can be made to the Orca Food Pantry at whatcom.edu/give or click on "Donate" below.

Fast Facts

Since the start of the pandemic, the WCC Foundation has partnered with the College to award more than $5.5 million in federal stimulus funds and $70,000 in private donations to 3,000+ students.