Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community - Cultural Funding Application 2025 COMBINEDCultural Funding Application
Applicant Organization Name*
Grant Request Type*
Total Amount Requested (over 2-year period)*
One Sentence Description of Request (e.g., "To support...")*
Applicant Organization Name*
Proposal Contact Person*
Position/Title*
Mailing Address*
Phone Number *
Applicant Organization Legal Status*
Year Established*
Proposal Summary
Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community
General Operating Support
Project Support
Capital Project
20,000.00
To support Mochi Tsuki for 2 years and March 30th
commemoration for 1 year
Applicant Organization Information
Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community
Carol Midori Reitz
President
City
Bainbridge Island
State / Province / Region
WA
Postal / Zip Code
98110
Country
United States
Street Address
PO Box 10449
Address Line 2
4257659284
Legal Status of Applicant Organization
501-(C) (3)
1987
Organization Tax ID #*
Fiscal Sponsor Organization Name
Fiscal Sponsor Contact/Title
Fiscal Sponsor Email
Fiscal Sponsor Phone
Fiscal Sponsor Tax ID #
Fiscal Sponsor Mailing Address
City of Bainbridge Island Funding
Please list year(s) and award amount of other funding received from the City of Bainbridge Island. Include HumanServices (HS), Lodging and Tourism Tax (LTAC) funding, Cultural Funding (CF), and/or any other grant or contractfunding.
2025 2024 2023 2022 2021
LTAC
HS
CF
Other
91-1078620
Fiscal Sponsor Information (If applying with fiscal sponsor)
N/A
City State / Province / Region
Postal / Zip Code Country
Street Address
Address Line 2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
I. Organizational Overview*
IIa. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Accessibility*
IIb. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Accessibility*
Please provide a brief history of your organization and an overview of the programs and services you currently provide.(Limit 1,500 Characters)
Mission:
“To preserve the history and culture of Japanese American of Bainbridge Island and support education and
community outreach that fosters a deep appreciation for diversity, justice, and the need for vigilant protectionof our civil and constitutional rights.”In its 65+ year history, BIJAC has delivered an extensive array of programs and cultural activities aimed at
maintaining cultural ties and sharing its unique history with the community. We have played a role in thecreation of several visible symbols that grace the island, such as the Haiku No Niwa BI Public Library Garden
dedicated in 1997, the Memorial Gate erected at the Winslow Post Office in 2004, and the Bainbridge Island
Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, which opened to the public in 2011.
Over the years we have hosted numerous cultural events, free to the public. These include:
• Annual commemoration ceremonies at the Exclusion Memorial, have included 80th Anniversary attended byGovernor Jay Inslee and other dignitaries in 2022. Survivors and their families are remembered and attendedby 150+ people on March 30th.
.
• Mochi Tsuki Festival, a New Year’s tradition, celebrated its 35th year of hosting the event for the greater
Puget Sound community. There were over 2,000 in attendance with 100 volunteers supporting the event.• A team of docents provide narrated over 100 tours in 2024. Over 20,000 visited the Memorial, showing upevery day throughout the year.
Does the work of your organization contribute to a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible Bainbridge Island?Is so, please describe. (Limit 1,500 Characters)
Accessibility may be defined as providing no barrier to attendance because of financial requirements. Grantsand in-kind donations allow us to host events at no cost to the community which allows families to attend andlearn more about the Japanese American culture. Another way to look at diversity, is our acceptance and
encouragement of those who are NOT Nikkei (those of Japanese decent) as well as the Japanese Nationals
(who have no direct connection to Bainbridge Island Japanese American history. Those who make up our
Board and involvement as volunteers fall into all 3 categories, which stands as model for the rest of thecommunity for acceptance into our activities.
Have members of your organization (staff, leadership, board, etc.) worked towards greater understanding of diversity,
equity, inclusion, and accessibility issues? This may include trainings, conversations, workplans, actions taken, or otherstrategies you have employed to address sociocultural barriers to equity within your organization and its programs and
services. If so, please describe. (Limit 1,500 Characters)
Members of BIJAC have attended local offerings such as Bystander Training, Peace Keeping Training, as well
as national workshops: Los Angeles, Tsuru for Solidarity 2024, Oakland, CA Changing Perspectives of the JA
experience, 2025. We also work at developing relationships and supporting and learning about otherorganizations in our area: Indipino, Filipino, Suquamish.
III. Scope of Work*
Character Counter
Please provide a scope of work to the services you plan to provide for your project or general operating, whichever youare applying for. A scope of work lists the activities, deliverables, outcomes, and goals to be accomplished under an
agreement.
Activities: This is the work that will be accomplished with the requested budget. It should include the who, what, when,where, and how the recipient implements the work.
Deliverables are the items produced under the agreement. These are tangible evidence of the work done and alignedthe activity’s progress with meeting the expected outcomes. This can include reports, workshops, outreach materials,
evaluations, and other relevant products.
Outcomes are the measurable results of your work. Outcomes can be estimated based on the planned activities and
schedule and should be measured and reported on throughout the agreement period. Your application should also
indicate how you plan to measure these outcomes to track success.
Goals are the big-picture benefits or changes you anticipate as a result of meeting your estimated outcomes.
All applications should include a goal statement that identifies a community need and how the organization works toaddress it. Keep the following in mind:
- Categorize your task work into activities.
- Determine the cost for each activity and a plan to track spending. - Align your activities with a schedule that provides sufficient time to complete the planned work. - Identify key deliverable(s) for each activity and target dates for their completion.- Identify and estimate at least one measurable outcome and how it will be measured. - Relate each activity to a specific goal.
(Limit 6,000 Characters)
We are asking for funds for tangible, specific events which have a long history benefitting those on the island
as well as the greater community.
There are 2 major events where funding is needed in order to maintain no fees for attendees and
participants:
1) Mochi Tsuki community festival– generally held the first Saturday in the new year – the next one is scheduled
for January 10, 2026. The event has been held for 35 years, open to the public, free of
charge. Activities include:
a. Education about the forced removal in 1942, Mukai Farms, The Exclusion Memorial Visitor Center status,
Suyematsu Historic Farm renovation status
b. Hands-on origami (paper folding)
c. Hands-on forming and eating mochi (rice cakes)
d. Participate in and learn about bon odori – traditional group dancing used in summer festivals, in Japan, and
here in the US, associated with the local Buddhist Temples.
e. Watching/participating in the traditional method of steaming rice over the fire, and pounding the rice into a
dough in the granite bowl with wooden mallets
f. Watching the Seattle Kokon Taiko drummers (2 shows, 700 person limit/show)
g. Support local food vendors by inviting them to sell at our event: Sushiko and Grillipino (first time in 2026)
will be our preferred vendors in 2026. Our visitors bought out Sushiko's inventory in 45 minutes! Definitely
room for an additional vendor.
h. We'll introduce the ancient strategy board game of GO presented by the Seattle GO Center
i. A new non-profit opening a WA state Japanese American Museum will be on hand to discuss their work
2) March 30th Commemoration program support: Each year, we commemorate and honor those Bainbridge
Islanders who were forcibly removed from their homes for 3 years, in 1942. In 2026, it will be held indoors since
the site may be under construction. We received a BCF grant for this special presentation. In 2027, the
ceremony is held outside at the Exclusion Memorial with speakers, reading of the 276 names on the wall, and
placing of the origami cranes, a symbol of peace and healing.
IV. Community Needs that Your Organizations Meets*
V. City Cultural Funding Goals Alignment*
What needs in the community are addressed by your organization?
How does your organization meet these needs?
How does the proposed project or program specifically meet these needs? If possible, please cite relevant and up-to-date City documents, demographic or research sources, etc. For general operating support requests, describe overallhow your organization meets that community need.
Please also explain how the proposal prevents duplicating other services for Bainbridge Island residents.
(Limit 3,000 Characters)
Each year, at Mochi Tsuki, we see at least 1/3 of the people attending for the first time. It’s a welcome event inJanuary, in the winter months, where people learn about the Japanese American culture, learn about BI
history. They get to participate in hands on activities that appeal to the whole family. Families are also
welcome and encouraged to volunteer. The Chamber of Commerce likes the event since it
occurs in our off-season.
The March 30th commemoration is a healing event for not only the survivors of theincarceration, but the descendants and the greater community who are able to come together
on a meaningful place and acknowledge their neighbors.
Please describe how this proposal aligns with:
- Goals in the cultural element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan - Values related to climate adaptation/mitigation (including sustainable transportation) - Values related to equity and inclusion
(Limit 1,500 Characters)
Bainbridge’s Cultural vision for 2036 is to enhance understanding and appreciation for the historyand heritage of our island. Policy CUL 1.5 also states that there should be support of the
emergence of cultural spaces Island-wide especially in designated centers where they are
accessible to a broad range of people encouraging both informal and planned gatherings and
recreation.The Japanese American community has been contributing economically and culturally to islandlife since the 1880’s. The island has acknowledged the significance of the groups’ contribution
through the naming of streets, parks, schools, partnerships with the city for the Exclusion Memorial –especially as we look towards the completion of the 20 year project through theaddition of the Visitor Center and amphitheater in '26.In the last 65+ years, the BIJAC community has delivered an extensive array of programs andcultural activities aimed at maintaining cultural ties and sharing its unique history with the community – locally
and visitors from around the world.Three major ways we educate and promote the positive partnerships between BIJAC, its citizens,city government and businesses are: 1) The Mochi Tsuki event which the community has come
to expect and look forward to each year. 2) The March 30th Commemoration of the removal of
Japanese Americans in 1942 and the 100+ narrated tours conducted at the Exclusion
Memorial reaching hundreds of people of all ages from around the world.
VI. Imapct*
VII. Organizational Capacity*
VIIIa. 2026 Proposed Contract Metrics
Awardees will enter into a contract with the City and report back quarterly on what you have achieved. Please list 2
outputs that you have the capacity to monitor and report on over the two-year contract period. These should be“Outputs” which are defined as the number served or amounts of service provided. They are quantitative in nature. They
should be easily measurable for your organization. All organizations must provide the number of unduplicated
Bainbridge Island residents served per year, and the title of that metric is filled in for you.
Metrics*Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total*
VIIIb. 2027 Proposed Contract Metrics
How does this proposal improve services on Bainbridge Island? Specifically, how will it:
- Involve significant community participation - Create access to human services activities for underserved or underrepresented groups of people - Strengthen organizational capacity; and/or foster opportunities for collaboration with the human services sector?
(Limit 6,000 Characters)
We are able to partner with many organizations, and promote small businesses and non-profits with ourevents. For Mochi Tsuki:
Bainbridge Prepares: Our event is an official project for traffic, medical and communications support
Fire Department: To acquire a burn permit for outside fires
Tour Bainbridge - contract for shuttle support (NEW in 2026)
Town and Country: Offers all food and food prep supplies; their Community Engagement personnel volunteerat the eventAdding shuttle service for guests for the first time (Tour Bainbridge) to help with easing congestion on
SportsmanRotary Club of Bainbridge Island-Provides many of the 100+ volunteers needed, and credit card readersArts and Humanities-Provides publicityBI School District-Provides the custodial, kitchen staff, venue (Woodward Middle School) spaceVisit Bainbridge – Provides marketing and publicity support
Seattle Kokon Taiko (From Seattle)Martial Arts Studio from Poulsbo participates with group dancing
Inviting small local businesses (Sushiko and Grillipino) to be our food vendors
Promoting other non-profits: Suyematsu Farm Legacy Alliance, Mukai Farms (Vashon Island), BI Japanese
American Exclusion Memorial
The March 30th commemoration allows us to collaborate with:National Park Service-Provides vehicle parking support
Tour Bainbridge-Provides shuttle service for the volunteers and the attendeesBainbridge Rentals-Provides equipment needed for presenters and survivorsVisit Bainbridge-Provides media supportBainbridge Island Japanese American CommunityBI Museum of Art- Provides lunch gathering space for survivors and guests
Town and Country Markets-Our vendor for lunch provided to survivors and guestsBI Schools- Several classes in the school district provided class time to fold origami cranes whichwere hung on March 30th
Receipt of strings of cranes from all over the US: Chicago, Oklahoma, Kauai, BI schools, Marysville schools,
Tacoma
Please explain how this service will continue operating during and after the funding period.
Please explain how the City’s funds would be used responsibly.
(Limit 1,500 Characters)
We've already demonstrated our ability to continue both traditions through several years of hosting bothevents, and providing concrete use of the funds.
Number of people served: From
Bainbridge and those from outside of
Bainbridge (Mochi Tsuki)
2000 N/A N/A N/A 2000
March 30th. Number of people in
attendance and volunteers
200 N/A N/A N/A 200
N/A 0
Awardees will enter into a contract with the City and report back quarterly on what you have achieved. Please list 2
outputs that you have the capacity to monitor and report on over the two-year contract period. These should be
“Outputs” which are defined as the number served or amounts of service provided. They are quantitative in nature. Theyshould be easily measurable for your organization. All organizations must provide the number of unduplicated
Bainbridge Island residents served per year, and the title of that metric is filled in for you.
Metrics Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total
IXa. 2026 Proposed Use of Funds
Please complete this table below. The Total column should equal the total cost of delivering your program.
Expense Category Amount Covered
by City Cultural
Funding Request
(Column A)*
Amount Covered
by Other Funding
(Column B)*
Total (A + B)*
Staff Costs (Salaries, Benefits,Taxes, Training, etc.)
Professional Services /Consultants / Contractors
Program Supplies
Other Operating Expenses (e.g.,Technology, Rent, Equipment,Insurance)
Scholarships
Other
Total
IXb. 2027 Proposed Use of Funds
Please complete this table below. The Total column should equal the total cost of delivering your program.
Expense Category Amount Covered
by City Cultural
Funding Request
(Column A)*
Amount Covered
by Other Funding
(Column B)*
Total (A + B)*
Staff Costs (Salaries, Benefits,Taxes, Training, etc.)
Professional Services /Consultants / Contractors
Program Supplies
Other Operating Expenses (e.g.,Technology, Rent, Equipment,Insurance)
Scholarships
Other
Number of people served: From
Bainbridge and those from outside of
Bainbridge (Mochi Tsuki)
2000 N/A N/A N/A 2000
March 30th. Number of people in
attendance and voluntee
200 N/A N/A N/A 200
N/A 0
0 0 0
2500 0 2500
735 4500 5235
3800 0 3800
0 0 0
705 0 705
7740 4500 12240
0 0 0
5900 0 5900
1815 4500 6315
3800 0 3800
0 0 0
955 0 955
Total
Comments on Other Funding Sources
X. Stories of Impact*
Board of Directors List
Include names and titles of current members, as well as any open positions.
Name *Title*
Current Staff List
Include names and titles of current members, as well as any open positions.
Name *Title*Work Status*
12470 4500 16970
Of the amounts listed in Column B, do you have any funds committed to date? If yes, please list sources and amounts
below. If no, please describe where you expect to secure these funds from, and how you know you can raise thosefunds.
We've already secured funding for the March 30th commemoration for 2026 from Bainbridge Community
foundation ($8,600). The other amount for each year, is the generous donation of goods, food items, andmany needed supplies from Town and Country (approx. $4500)
Please provide a testimonial(s) or narrative(s) that demonstrates the impact of your organization’s work. (Limit 750Characters)
My message to our 150 volunteers over the two days
"Wow! What a great day! My favorite parts of events such as this, is watching volunteers laugh, connect and
learn from each other. What can be better than working together for a shared purpose knowing that every job
is important. We distributed over 900 bags of mochi, the Martial Arts group (new in 2025) had so much fun
they want to come back. We have been approached by the Seattle Go Center asking if they can have spaceto introduce our community to a Japanese strategic board game. We get great coverage since it's such a
photogenic event: https://www.kitsapsun.com/picture-gallery/news/2025/01/11/bainbridge-island-celebrates-
the-new-year-with-mochi-tsuki/77641914007/
Carol Reitz President
Katy Curtis Vice President
Joyce Nishimura Secretary
Debra Grindeland Treasurer
Keith Uyekawa Trustee
Gary Sakuma Trustee
Stan Miyao Trustee
Ken Matsudaira Trustee
Lilly Kodama Trustee
Carolyn Hart Trustee
Clay Eaton Trustee
Hisa Matsudaira Trustee
Vern Nakata Trustee
Operating Budget*
Organizational Statement of Activities*
Organizational Statement of Financial Position *
Top Five Funding Sources
Please prepare a list of your five largest income sources in your past two fiscal years – this may be a single funder,
donor, fundraising event, community appeal, etc. We are trying to get a sense of where most of your funding comesfrom.
Name *Amount*
IRS Determination Letter of 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status *
Authorized Signature Name*
Authorized Signature*
Date
N/A N/A Full Time
Part Time
Volunteer
Other
0
For your current fiscal year. If you work with a fiscal sponsor or are a division of a larger organization, please include the
operating budget specifically for your entity or division.
BIJAC 11.1.24-10.31.25 Operating Budget.pdf 70.22KB
This is sometimes referred to as Income and Expense Statement. Please provide a statement for your most recently-
completed fiscal year for your organization. If you work with a fiscal sponsor or are a division of a larger organization,
include a statement specific to your entity or division.
BIJAC - 2024 FY PandL.pdf 44.1KB
This is sometimes referred to as a Balance Sheet. Please provide a statement for your most recently completed fiscal
year for your organization. If you work with a fiscal sponsor or are a division of a larger organization, include astatement specific to your entity or division.
BIJAC - 2024 FYend Balance Sheet .pdf 24.33KB
Public Contributions 43,755
Tsunohara Family Trust 25,000
COBI Cultural Funding Grant 10,560
H. Hayashida Family 8,000
Profit from sales of inventory 6,557
IRS 501 (c)(3)letter 1 of 2.pdf 46.21KB
IRS 501 (c)(3)letter 2 of 2.pdf 29.33KB
Carol Reitz
9/23/2025
Fiscal Sponsor Name (If applying with fiscal sponsor)
Fiscal Sponsor Authorized Signature (If applying with fiscal sponsor)
Date
Is the Applicant One of the Following?*
Does the proposed fund expense occur during the two year funding cycle?*
Does the Applicant NOT have a Board Member, Officer, or Staff Member Serving on the Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee?*
Materials Checklist (Have all been provided?)
Based on the Provided Information, is the Applicant Eligible to Receive Funding?*
Review by City Staff (Insert Full Name)*
Date
Notes
Sign
9/23/2025
Eligibility Vertification
Nonprofit - 501(c)(3) with two-year history of continuous operation
Nonprofit - 501(c)(3) without two-year history of continuous operation but with a fiscal sponsor
Entity without 501(c)(3) with a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) with two years of continuous operation
Yes
No
Yes
No
Applicant Information
Narrative
Board of Director List
Current Staff List
Operating Budget
Statement of Activities
Statement of Financial Position
Top Five Funding Sources
IRS Determination of Nonprofit Status
Authorized Signatures
Yes
No
Adam Nebenzahl
9/24/2025
BIJAC
2025 Operating Budget
November 1, 2024 through October 31, 2025
Budget
Income
Contributions, gifts, grants
Grants Received 8,885.33
Membership Dues 85.33
Public Contributions 8,885.33
Total Contributions, gifts, grants 17,855.99
Interest Earned 2,666.67
Sales from Inventory 4,437.33
Total Income 24,959.99
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of Goods Sold 1,770.67
Total COGS 1,770.67
Gross Profit 23,189.32
Expense
Admin Expenses
Bank fees 352.00
Business registration fees 65.00
CPA 500.00
Insurance 2,133.33
Internet fee 160.00
Other expenses 725.60
P.O. Box rental 201.33
Printing, publications, postage 85.33
Total Admin Expenses 4,222.59
BIJAEM Program Development
Other expenses 1,000.00
Total BIJAEM Program Development 1,000.00
Community Fund
Grants and similar amounts paid 885.33
Total Community Fund 885.33
F. Kitamoto Legacy & MLK Awards
Grants and similar amounts paid 700.00
Other expenses 266.67
Total F. Kitamoto Legacy & MLK Awards 966.67
March 30th Event
Grants and similar amounts paid 500.00
Other expenses 6,218.67
Printing, publications, postage 170.67
Total March 30th Event 6,889.34
Mochi Tsuki
Grants and similar amounts paid 704.00
Other expenses 1,066.67
Printing, publications, postage 266.67
WMS Facilities Rental 6,218.67
Total Mochi Tsuki 8,256.01
Newsletter
Printing, publications, postage 85.33
Total Newsletter 85.33
Other Program Expenses
Other expenses 437.33
Printing, publications, postage 170.67
Storage Unit Rental Fee 4,266.67
Total Other Program Expenses 4,874.67
Total Expense 27,179.94
Oct 31, '24
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings
Merrill Lynch EMA 111,851.09
Merrill Lynch EMA donatio...1.00
BIJAC Checking 57,735.94
Woodward Fund checking 1,000.08
Total Checking/Savings 170,588.11
Other Current Assets
*Inventory Asset 1,708.77
Total Other Current Assets 1,708.77
Total Current Assets 172,296.88
TOTAL ASSETS 172,296.88
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Other Current Liabilities
Sales Tax Payable 568.95
WA DOR Payable -412.19
Total Other Current Liabil...156.76
Total Current Liabilities 156.76
Total Liabilities 156.76
Equity
Opening Balance Equity 253,219.97
Net Income -81,079.85
Total Equity 172,140.12
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 172,296.88
BIJAC
02/04/25 Balance Sheet Standard
As of October 31, 2024
Page 1
Nov '23 - Oct '24
Income
Contributions, gifts, grants
Donor Specified Funds 0.00
Grants Received 10,560.00
Membership Dues 79.11
Public Contributions 14,727.53
Unusual Grant 8,000.00
Total Contributions, gifts, grants 33,366.64
Interest Earned 7,283.98
Sales from Inventory 6,701.96
Total Income 47,352.58
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of Goods Sold 1,993.57
Total COGS 1,993.57
Gross Profit 45,359.01
Expense
Admin Expenses
Business registration fees 65.00
CPA 500.00
Insurance 2,383.00
Internet fee 179.40
Other expenses 759.15
Bank fees 838.92
Printing, publications, postage 73.00
P.O. Box rental 302.00
Total Admin Expenses 5,100.47
BIJAEM Program Development
Grants and similar amounts paid 100,000.00
Other expenses 1,000.00
Total BIJAEM Program Development 101,000.00
Community Fund
Grants and similar amounts paid 250.00
Total Community Fund 250.00
F. Kitamoto Legacy & MLK Awards
Grants and similar amounts paid 700.00
Other expenses 257.55
BIJAC
02/04/25 Profit and Loss Standard
November 2023 through October 2024
Page 1
Nov '23 - Oct '24
Total F. Kitamoto Legacy & MLK A...957.55
March 30th Event
Grants and similar amounts paid 500.00
Other expenses 4,074.20
Printing, publications, postage 170.60
Total March 30th Event 4,744.80
Mochi Tsuki
Grants and similar amounts paid 735.00
Other expenses 1,206.60
Printing, publications, postage 296.37
Storage unit rental 2,274.00
WMS Facilities Rental 4,523.85
Total Mochi Tsuki 9,035.82
Newsletter
Printing, publications, postage 69.20
Total Newsletter 69.20
Other Program Expenses
Other expenses 363.94
Printing, publications, postage 120.23
Shipping and Handling -3.15
Storage Unit Rental Fee 4,800.00
Total Other Program Expenses 5,281.02
Total Expense 126,438.86
Net Income -81,079.85
BIJAC
02/04/25 Profit and Loss Standard
November 2023 through October 2024
Page 2