Give Lopez 2025

Now in its eighth year, Give Lopez is Lopez Island’s annual spring fundraiser that benefits local nonprofits doing vital work in our island community. This year, Give Lopez is May 8-22, with 18 organizations participating. The Give Lopez campaign promotes awareness about local nonprofits and helps to raise much-needed funds, strengthening programs that serve residents of Lopez Island. Collaboration is at the core of Give Lopez, with organizations sharing costs and working together to plan and promote the event, emphasizing “One Stop Giving!” which allows donors to give to multiple organizations at the same time.

Amy Frost, executive director of Lopez Island Historical Society and Museum, shares, “What ALWAYS excites me about GiveLopez is the opportunity to work with other Lopez nonprofits and lift one another up. To connect with other leaders in our community and hear about the good work they’re doing is a joy!”

Local fundraising is essential this year, as federal grant dollars are being cut or paused, and local organizations face an uncertain future about funding necessary infrastructure and programs. Lopez Island nonprofits are the cornerstone of our community, keeping it vibrant and resilient while creating lasting impacts. With a challenging fundraising landscape, organizations are more dependent than ever on community support. Loss of funds could significantly diminish organizations’ ability to keep staff, fund programs, finance maintenance projects, provide critical services and carry out their missions. “Give Lopez provides an important opportunity for islanders to make a difference by funding a specific project,” adds Robert Harrison, assistant director at Lopez Center.

Donors can access participating nonprofit fundraiser pages from the leaderboard on the home page of GiveLopez.org and learn about each nonprofit and its fundraising objective. The shopping cart system allows donations to be made to multiple organizations at once, either as a one-time donation or by setting up a monthly contribution. Off-line donations are also accepted via cash or checks, and all donations are tax-deductible.

Organizations raising funds for infrastructure and capital improvements are: Friends of the Library – fix the library’s leaky roof; Lopez Grange – rebuild the deteriorating back porch; Taproot – upgrades to prep kitchen; Lopez Community Fireworks – replace ATF-approved storage containers; Friends of Woodmen Hall – restore hardwood floors; Lopez Community Center Association – create a music garden and finish the Sally’s South Garden revitalization project; Lopez Island Historical Society – paint the Port Stanley schoolhouse; Solid Wastes Alternative Program – fund a new/used roll-off truck; LOHO – replace deteriorating asphalt walkways near Hamlet House and upgrade the heat recovery ventilation; LCLT – complete construction of seven homes; and Lopez Island Home and Hospice Support– partnering with Lopez Fit & Lopez PT to fund specialized gym equipment.

Organizations seeking financial support for programs are: Lopez Island Scholarship Foundation – fund a traditional and vocational scholarship to graduating high school seniors; Lopez Island Family Resource Center – fund the food share to keep Lopez fed; Lopez Children’s Center – maintain educational access by providing summer scholarships; Friends of Lopez Island Pool – lifeguard and swim instructor training; Lopez Food Center – lay the groundwork for a communal farm stand; Lopez Fit – keep the gym affordable by funding discounted and Medicare-sponsored memberships; and Housing Lopez – welcome baskets for new residents of Village North.

Investing in our local community during Give Lopez pays off in dividends year-round. Every dollar donated is directly put to work by Lopez Island nonprofits, who make a difference in the lives of their fellow islanders, strengthen our bonds and help our island thrive. Participating organizations are grateful for their community’s ongoing support and generosity. To donate, please visit www.GiveLopez.org.

View article at Island's Weekly