What is Bainbridge Community Foundation, and Why Get Involved Now?
Bainbridge Island is a remarkable place, but like any community, it faces challenges. There are pressures on housing, growing needs among youth and seniors, and strains on our natural environment. Now more than ever, our community needs a bridge between caring people and the organizations that make real change happen.
A cornerstone of that bridge is Bainbridge Community Foundation (BCF). For almost 25 years, we’ve turned local generosity into meaningful impact. Since inception, we have awarded more than $32 million to nonprofits and helped build lasting solutions to strengthen our Island for everyone.
Why now? Because challenges aren’t waiting, and neither should we. Every grant, every connection, every new idea matters. BCF makes it possible for donors, nonprofits, and neighbors to act together so our community doesn’t just endure, it thrives. There’s no better time to be part of the impact.
A Smart Way to Give Back
Why 2025 is the smartest year to give
Want a flexible way to support the causes you care about? A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at Bainbridge Community Foundation makes giving easy. As a Fund Advisor, you’ll be invited to BCF’s special events and become part of a vibrant network of people who care deeply about one another. And with our detailed analysis of local needs, your giving goes where you believe it matters most.
You make a tax-deductible gift now, then recommend grants to nonprofits whenever you’re ready. Whether you’re an individual, family, or business, a DAF gives you the freedom to give on your own terms, and without the paperwork of a private foundation. In 2025, giving through a DAF is as smart as ever:
✔ Deduct up to 60% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for cash gifts (or 30% for appreciated assets). When you make this charitable donation, the IRS lets you deduct (subtract) that donation from your taxable income, which can lower your tax bill. Then grow your fund tax-free while planning your impact.
✔ Strategically give to nonprofits that align with your values, whether local or nationwide. We’re happy to provide data-driven insights on community needs upon request.
Big tax law changes are coming in 2026 that will affect how much of your charitable giving counts as a deduction. That means 2025 is the last year to give under today’s more generous rules.
By opening or adding to your DAF now, you:
✔ Secure the current, higher deduction rules before they change.
✔ Keep the flexibility to support the causes you love over time.
✔ Give yourself peace of mind knowing your generosity is locked in.
Other Smart Ways to Give Back
Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
If you’re 70½ or older, you may already know a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA is a smart way to support the causes you care about while also reducing your taxable income. One of the most effective ways to make a QCD work harder is by creating a Donor Designated Fund at Bainbridge Community Foundation. By directing your QCD into a designated fund, you can support specific nonprofits or areas of interest year after year while also avoiding taxes on your distribution. This approach allows you to transform required IRA withdrawals into a steady, impactful stream of support, ensuring your generosity is felt both now and for generations to come. Contact us to learn more.
Annual Giving: Consider the Leadership Circle
The Leadership Circle at BCF welcomes donors who contribute $1,000 annually ($84/month) to address our community’s greatest needs, supporting various initiatives and grants that benefit Bainbridge Island residents, as well as those who work and visit here. With your annual donation, we pool our resources and make a profound impact on nonprofits and the neighbors they serve. Donate here.
Annual Giving: Announcing the Silver Circle
2026 marks BCF’s Silver Anniversary. For the past 25 years, we have been inspiring our community to get involved and actively stand together to improve the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit Bainbridge Island. Help us celebrate this exciting milestone by being an inaugural member of the Silver Circle. Your gift of $2,500 or more ensures that when the need arises, we can be there to support all nonprofit sectors, like Health, Housing, and Human Services, Education, the Environment, and the Arts. BCF is the rising tide that lifts all ships. Donate here.
Become Part of BCF’s Red Cedar Council
Why not give back to your community forever? A gift through your will or estate plan can leave a lasting impact on the community you love while also achieving your personal and financial goals. Learn how to join the Red Cedar Council.
Area of Interest Funds
At BCF, our Area of Interest Funds power meaningful change across the community. For example, the Youth.png)
Experience Support Fund (YES Fund) provides direct financial support to young people facing economic challenges by covering essentials like school supplies, health services, tutoring, and access to sports and the arts. The Community Response Fund acts fast to provide critical support to local nonprofits during emergencies, whether economic struggles, health crises, or natural disasters, helping ensure our community stays strong when it needs it most. Contact us today to learn more about our many Area of Interest Funds.
Volunteer with BCF If you want to get engaged, but you’re still not sure how, please come volunteer with us!
Every year, BCF involves more than 65 volunteers from the community to vet and approve applications to the Community Grants Cycle. This number keeps growing. Use your skills to be a part of the decision-making process and celebrate the incredible work of our nonprofits. This short time commitment every spring leaves a lasting impact. Learn more about BCF's Area of Interest Funds.
Volunteer with BCF
If you want to get engaged, but you’re still not sure how, please come volunteer with us! Every year, BCF involves more than 65 volunteers from the community to vet and approve applications to the Community Grants Cycle. This number keeps growing. Use your skills to be a part of the decision-making process and celebrate the incredible work of our nonprofits. This short time commitment every spring leaves a lasting impact. Please contact Debbie Kuffel at debbie@bainbridgecf.org.
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For more information on any of the above, please reach out to Development Officer Leah Stephens Clark at leah@bainbridgecf.org.
