The United Way of Whatcom County has announced it will make its Community Impact Fund available to more local nonprofits and charities in order to achieve new goals in support of community education, income and health.

The change will involve an open application process for United Way funds, specific funding priorities and a focus on programs using evidence-based practices. Interested organizations must fulfill certain criteria and attend a meeting at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27 ( an RSVP is required), in order to have the opportunity to apply for funds.

Grants could range anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the scope and qualification of a particular program.

“It takes a variety of programs and people to move the needle on important community issues,” Peter Theisen, president and CEO of United Way of Whatcom County, said in a news release. “We know that there isn’t one program that can do it all which is why we will be working with an assortment of programs using different techniques and different focuses, but ultimately working toward the same goal in one of our key areas.”

“This type of community impact alignment is an important way to create long-term change, stay focused on current issues and utilize community level metrics to measure results. We will be looking at programs and techniques with specific outcomes, not just individuals served,” he added.

For more information on criteria, or to RSVP for the Jan. 27 meeting, call 360-733-8670 or visit www.unitedwaywhatcom.org.