Bellingham Sister Cities Peace Grant 2027
Tell us what you’ll do!

The Bellingham Sister Cities Association (BSCA) is a community-based organization helping the citizens of Whatcom County build relationships and a real sense of connection with our sister cities around the world. The Bellingham Sister Cities Peace Grant is funded by the BSCA.

The purpose of this grant is to improve and expand relationships between Bellingham and its seven Sister Cities. The winning proposal should reach into the community of one of these cities, ideally create something that continues long after the recipient’s travel, and makes a lasting impression on its citizens—and, in a perfect universe, even the world.

Our mission is to promote world peace through international understanding, cultural sensitivity, and the promotion of tourism and economic exchange between our seven cities. We bring this mission to life through cultural exchanges, educational programs, and community events. The Peace Grant was created to help make that happen.

This exchange program supports Bellingham Sister City partnerships by providing funding for Whatcom County residents to travel to one of our sister cities. A total pool of $1,500 total is available to be awarded to one or more individuals traveling in 2027 who apply and are selected. Final distribution will be determined by the board. Questions can be sent to peacegrant@bsca.org.

Important Dates:

Before funds are distributed, winners will be asked to:

  1. Submit a thank-you letter to BSCA.
  2. Meet with one or more board representatives to create an agreement outlining the exact terms of the grant and how completion will be demonstrated.
  3. Within two months of returning, submit a reflection of their experience. This could be an ongoing blog with a wrap-up at the end, a photo essay, a slideshow presented to the community, a 1,000–1,500 word reflective essay, or something else agreed upon with the board.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11:59 pm November 1, 2026 (email dated or post marked)

Instructions:
Email your application to: peacegrant@bsca.org/Subject Line: “Peace Grant Application”
or 
Mail your application to: Bellingham Sister Cities Association/ PO BOX 30217/Bellingham, WA 98228      

You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application. We are under no obligation to award any funds if none of the applications meet our criteria, so please take your application seriously. We are looking for thoughtful, meaningful, impactful ideas. Partial or split awards may be made.

Bellingham’s Sister Cities
Tateyama, Japan – Port Stephens, Australia – Nakhodka, Russia – Punta Arenas, Chile
Cheongju, South Korea – Vaasa, Finland – Tsetserleg, Mongolia 

 

Bellingham Sister Cities Peace Grant

2027 Exchange Funding Application
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11:59 pm November 1, 2026 (email dated or post marked)
Complete the application below. Please answer each question thoughtfully and completely.
YOU MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE BELLINGHAM SISTER CITIES ASSOCIATION BEFORE YOU CAN APPLY (click here to become a member)

I.     Applicant Information

Name: 

Mailing Address:

Email:

Phone: 

II.      Criteria

Only dues-paying members are eligible for this opportunity. Current board members are not eligible. To be  eligible the applicants must:

  1. Follow all application instructions carefully and submit all required information
  2. Be a paid member of the Bellingham Sister Cities Association prior to applying
  3. Be a resident of Whatcom County
  4. Be traveling to one of Bellingham’s seven Sister Cities in 2027

III.     Peace Grant Application Requirements

  1. List the dates of proposed travel and to which Bellingham Sister City.
  2. List the grant amount requested.

Note: The full grant may be awarded in the case of an extraordinary proposal with the potential to make a lasting impact. Requesting the full amount does not guarantee it will be awarded.

 Think big! Be creative while focusing on your world peace efforts.

  1. Describe how your project will support the mission of the BSCA, as defined on page 1 of this application. Please include how it could make a lasting impression on the world and expand the influence of BSCA in our community and beyond.
  2. Describe your proposed project, including relevant partner agencies.
  3. Describe how you will report on your project to the BSCA Board and the greater Bellingham community before, during and after your trip.
  4. Tell us what your presentation to the Association will look like at either the annual membership meeting or at a fundraiser. Also, do you agree to give the Association permission to record the presentation for future use in promotional materials?
  5. Describe how your project will appear on our website.

Bellingham’s Sister Cities
Tateyama, Japan – Port Stephens, Australia – Nakhodka, Russia – Punta Arenas, Chile
Cheongju, South Korea – Vaasa, Finland – Tsetserleg, Mongolia