Our RCOB Foundation

About Us
THE RCOB FOUNDATION
RCOB Foundation Definition and History
The Rotary Club of Bellingham Foundation (RCOBF) was founded in 1998 as an approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. The goal of the foundation is to support the mission of the RCOB through grants, scholarships and other awards. The purpose of the RCOBF is to provide a secure vehicle into which the Rotary Club of Bellingham, its members and others can contribute funds on a tax-deductible basis for service in the community. A particular long-term goal of the RCOBF is to accumulate assets, including bequests to endowment funds, so that those funds can provide a continuing income stream for charitable programs. As a result, members are urged to consider the RCOBF in long-term giving plans and in their wills.
 
RCOBF got its start when the Club raffled off a Volkswagen convertible. It was won by member Bob Gibb, who immediately gave it back to the Club, who sold it, providing the initial funds for the foundation. Over the years, Rotarians provided endowments for additional names scholarships. As of January 2025, the endowments totaled over 1.9 million.
 
The Foundation currently administers the following funds:
  • Rotary Club of Bellingham Scholarship Endowment Fund        
  • Michael Mischaikow Scholarship Fund
  • Ershig Family Scholarship Fund
  • DC Morse Jr. and Jan Marchbanks family Scholarship Fund
  • Douglas Blair Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • Phil Millard Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • RCOB Endowed Scholarship with WWU Foundation
  • RCOB Endowed Scholarship with WCC
  • RCOB Endowed Scholarship with BTC
 
The Foundation oversees the following accounts:
  • Designated Club Account
  • Funds for the Club’s annual major projects
RCOB donations that go to the Foundation are:
  • Individual contributions via semi-annual club membership dues
  • Club Members designated “Happy Bucks” for anniversaries, the birth of a child, or grandchild unless designated otherwise.
  • Any other donation so designated by the donor at the time of gifting.
RCOBF Directors:
Directors serve overlapping terms for three years. As noted in the RCOBF Articles of Incorporation, Article VIII, Directors are appointed by the Rotary Club of Bellingham President, and terms expire June 30, of the year shown.
  • #1-Nathan Twining Ending 6/30/28
  • #2-Daver Morse III Ending 6/30/28
  • #3-Scott Wilson Ending 6/30/27
  • #4-David Blair Ending 6/30/27
  • #5 -Teri Treat Ending 6/30/26
  • #6-Dennis Williams Ending 6/30/26
RCBOF Officers:
  • Teri Treat, President
  • Nathan Twining, Vice President
  • David Blair, Secretary
  • Dennis Williams, Treasurer
Address:
Rotary Club of Bellingham Foundation, P. O. Box 28113, Bellingham, WA.  98228
Sponsors