The Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service awarded $249,189 to the Northwest Indian College Foundation on September 26, 2025, under the Community Facilities Loans and Grants program (CFDA 10.766) to develop an essential community facility project in rural Bellingham, Washington. The grant funds construction or improvement of an essential community facility serving the local community in a primarily rural area; the source does not specify the particular facility or infrastructure project. Performance runs through September 26, 2027. The program provides affordable funding to nonprofits, public bodies, and federally recognized tribes for essential community facilities that support orderly community development and do not include private commercial or business undertakings. Priority is given to projects enhancing public safety, such as fire, police, rescue and ambulance services, and health care facilities.