Give Lopez – Lopez’s annual spring fundraiser runs April 13-27

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Submitted by Give Lopez.

Lopez Island’s annual spring fundraiser, Give Lopez, is set to run April 13-27. This year, 16 nonprofits serving Lopez Island residents with a variety of community programs are participating. Now in its ninth year, the two-week fundraiser is a critical component of each organization’s yearly fundraising and outreach efforts. In 2025, Give Lopez netted a record $125K, with 606 unique donations. Donations help our community become stronger, vital and more resilient.

Heather Harrison, executive director of The Hamlet, relates: “I love that Give Lopez is truly about neighbors supporting neighbors. It’s not just a fundraiser, but it’s a celebration of people caring for one another. When I give to nonprofits on Lopez, I feel a real connection to the people I’m supporting, and Give Lopez creates a space for organizations to share the projects that they feel will most help the people that they serve.”

This past year, many federal/state funds and grants were cut or severely reduced. Rising housing, gas and food prices have directly impacted our community. Decreased funding has forced nonprofits to make tough budget choices while simultaneously feeling increased need for their services. New Give Lopez participant, Dave Dunaway, executive director of SAFE San Juans, states, “Federal and state guidelines require SAFE’s services to be free to those who need them, so funding to provide that support comes primarily through federal and state funds. With the steady reduction of federal funding for victim services along with the state’s own budget woes, donations from private individuals are becoming an increasingly important way for SAFE to keep serving.”

Laurie Bullock, operations manager of Taproot, adds, “This year, like many nonprofits, we are navigating rising costs alongside a more uncertain funding landscape. Give Lopez is especially important in helping offset these challenges. This campaign creates a focused moment of generosity, expands our reach, and allows supporters to contribute alongside others who care about the well-being of our island.”

Give Lopez makes it easy to give to multiple organizations at once, via a shopping cart, underscoring “One Stop Giving!” and the collaborative nature of the event. Donors can make a one-time donation or set up a monthly contribution. Offline donations via cash or check during Give Lopez are also accepted and can be sent directly to the organizations. No donation is too small or too big, and all are tax-deductible.

Organizations raising funds for infrastructure and capital improvements are: Lopez Island Grange – Water remediation part two and window assessment; Lopez Community Land Trust – Assist in the general maintenance of our lands and cooperatives; SWAP – Raise funds for a new-used roll off truck; Lopez Island Historical Society – Address siding and window issues at Port Stanley Schoolhouse; The Hamlet – Replace generator and deteriorating walkway; Woodmen Hall – Update security system; and Lopez Community Center – Office expansion.

Organizations seeking financial support for programs are: Taproot – Support local food entrepreneurs to make their recipes a reality; Lopez Community Fireworks – Celebrating our country’s 250th; Lopez Fit – Keep our gym affordable with discounted and sponsored memberships; Lopez Food Center – Create a community “Farm Stop” connecting local farms and consumers; Lopez Island Family Resource Center – Help us continue Coast Salish: Land, Sea & Place, place-based tribal learning to benefit Lopez youth; SAFE San Juans – Maintain an office on Lopez Island reducing barriers to service for survivors; Lopez Island Community Scholarship Fund – Support scholarships that will be awarded to this year’s graduates; Lopez Island Education Foundation – Fund intensives for Lopez secondary students and support off-island field trips for elementary and secondary students; and Lopez Children’s Center – Support ongoing programs.

Investing in our community helps islanders by supporting Lopez Island’s future, providing critical services, cultural enrichment, the preservation of history, educational opportunities and more. Give Lopez directly contributes to an organization’s ability to carry out and accomplish impactful work. Participating organizations are grateful for their community’s ongoing support and generosity. To donate, please visit www.GiveLopez.org.