Whatcom Farm Friends is comprised of two companion non-profit organizations that are governed by the same board:
Whatcom Farm Friends - Producers
WFF-P is a tax exempt 501(c)(5) organization advocating for the interests of farmers and agriculture related businesses. Contributions to WFF-P are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. A portion of your contribution is used to engage in political lobbying type activities on your behalf. Farm Friends estimates that 20% of contributions received will be used for lobbying type activities and thus 20% is not deductible. 80% of your contribution may be deducted as an ordinary and necessary business expense for farms and ag-businesses.
Whatcom Farm Friends - Community Education
WFF-CE is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization whose primary purpose is to educate the wider community about agriculture issues and the value of this substantial portion of our local economy and way of life. Contributions to WFF-CE are fully deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. One of the reasons Farm Friends maintains WFF-CE as a separate organization is that there are a significant number funding opportunities and benefits available to 501(c)(3)'s that are not available to 501(c)(5)'s.
History
WFF-P came into existence in 2007. Prior to 2007 it was known as the Whatcom County Agriculture Preservation Committee (WCAPC) or APC/Ag Pres, and it operated under a separate board of directors from Whatcom Farm Friends. The decision was made to consolidate the boards and rename WCAPC to Whatcom Farm Friends - Producers (and in turn add Community Education to the name for Farm Friends) in order to maximize administrative efficiency as well as to acknowledge that the two organizations serve in a complimentary role.
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