Sometimes the best present of all is the gift of generosity.

There’s no shortage of nonprofit organizations on Whidbey Island – in fact, Whidbey Community Foundation’s online directory contains over 250. For the person who insists they already have everything they need, a donation to one of these in honor of them may just be the perfect present.

Whether it be animal welfare, historical preservation or civic engagement, there’s a nonprofit out there that’s bound to appeal to the interests of just about anyone.

Whidbey Community Foundation was founded in 2016 with the mission of supporting other nonprofits. Last month, it announced grant awards to 40 nonprofits totaling over $206,000.

Executive Director Jessie Gunn said that individual donations alone paid for about $150,000 of this year’s grant cycle, which prioritized arts and culture, K-12 education and human services.

Besides individual donations, philanthropists can also choose to start their own charitable fund based on their area of passion. And of course, art lovers can purchase this year’s holiday sculpture, “Cat Tales.”

Since 2017, sculptor Georgia Gerber and husband Randy Hudson have partnered with the Whidbey Community Foundation on the Holiday Sculpture Fund, which has raised over $150,000 to date. Gunn said the bulk of proceeds have gone to holiday-related causes, such as Holiday House, which allows families of modest means to shop for presents, free of charge.

This year’s miniature sculpture, cast in pewter, costs $250, with $90 covering the cost of materials and the remaining $160 going to the Holiday Sculpture Fund. “Cat Tales” features two tiny felines with their tails entwined. Sculptures from past years can also be ordered. Visit whidbeyfoundation.org/holiday-sculpture-fund to learn more about shipping and pick-up options.

In addition, Gunn said the Whidbey Community Foundation has launched a campaign to raise an additional $50,000 before the end of 2023.

Ballydidean Farm Sanctuary is offering donors the chance to save a lamb for Christmas with a fundraiser of the same title on givebutter.com. According to the South Whidbey farm’s latest newsletter, Ballydidean takes in bummer lambs every year, and this past spring took in the biggest group yet of 15 sheep and one goat.

“These are at-risk babies just a day or two old that wouldn’t survive without our help,” the newsletter stated. “After all was said and done, we were able to save 16 lives for just $369 each!”

Donors can also choose to sponsor a chicken, duck, goose, pig, cow, cat or dog. Visit ballydidean.farm/sponsor for more details.

A donation to Whidbey Island Nourishes helps combat child hunger and food insecurity. The nonprofit, which is based on South Whidbey, provides weekend meals comprised of healthy foods for kids who may otherwise go hungry at home. No-cost, ready-to-eat sack lunches can also be requested from the local food bank.

The organization is celebrating its 15th year of service. For more information, visit whidbeyislandnourishes.org.

And if you need more ideas of which cause to support, simply visit Whidbey Community Foundation’s directory at community.whidbeyfoundation.org/non-profit-directory to find one.