Five Ways To Give
Three of every four dollars the Downtown Bellingham Partnership needs to deliver our annual impact comes from private donors; both individuals and businesses. We are grateful for the public funds courtesy of contracts with the City of Bellingham that provide essential dollars. Simply put, without you and your generous gifts through the five methods below, we would not have full staffing, be able to host legacy events like Downtown Sounds, or be able to facilitate grants and services to businesses. If you have any questions about donating, sponsorship, or our impact, please contact our Development and Communications Director, Jenny.
Adopt-A-Basket
The Partnership installs flower baskets throughout Downtown Bellingham in May and they stay up through Fall. The baskets are ordered through the locally owned Green Frog Nursery, who creates beautiful displays!
For $75 you can help Downtown continue to be colorful and vibrant.
Give A Little, Get A Lot As An INSIDER
Want to support the work of the Downtown Bellingham Partnership and get access to exclusive deals at your favorite Downtown businesses? Join our monthly INSIDER program to unlock member-only deals and special perks at our events, all while supporting good works in the city center.
For Businesses: B&O Tax Credit Program
As a business, when you pledge to donate to the Downtown Bellingham Partnership through the WA Main Street Tax Credit Program, you will receive 75% of your donation back as a WA State B&O tax credit. Donate $10,000? You'll get a $7,500 credit. And that full $10,000 may be tax deductible, since the DBP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit*. This means you are able to self-direct your tax dollars back into our community - helping us in our mission to support our downtown economy by promoting commerce, culture, and celebration.
For Businesses: Sponsor Events
We are excited to offer opportunities for sponsor investment and promotion that align with your corporate values and philanthropic goals. Your support will allow us to continue our valuable work, fostering an environment where businesses thrive and residents enjoy a high quality of life.
Support YOUR Downtown Year-Round With A General Gift
Our award-winning events and multimedia marketing campaign reached over 5M eyes and ears in 2024, encouraging locals to rediscover Downtown and energizing small businesses. Here are some highlights of our impact using donor dollars:
Downtown Sounds 20th Anniversary: A record-breaking 26K attendees enjoyed free music and community spirit.
Flowers Bring Joy: 40+ baskets of vibrant blooms adorned our streets from April to November.
Graffiti Abatement: Over 2K graffiti pieces removed, keeping Downtown clean with City and Police support.
Micro Grants Making a Big Difference:
Community Activation Grants: Supported over 12 summer events like silent discos and makers markets.
Storefront Improvement Grants: Helped six businesses refresh signage and entryways.
Holiday Window Grants: Enabled 30 businesses to create festive displays.
Busking Grants: Funded local musicians during First Fridays, expanding Downtown’s cultural impact.
As we celebrate these milestones, we’re also planning ahead. In 2025, we’ll launch a three-year strategic plan to envision a bold and inclusive future. Every dollar you give—$50, $100, or $500—helps us dream bigger and invest in Downtown Bellingham’s bright legacy.
The Downtown Bellingham Association (doing business as the Downtown Bellingham Partnership) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (Federal Tax ID 31-1762690). Ask your tax advisor if you donation is deductible as a charitable contribution for tax purposes. This organization is currently registered with the Washington State Charities Program as required by law (Registration Number 36628). Additional information can be obtained from the Secretary of State’s office at www.sos.wa.gov/charities or 1-800-332-4483.