Fostering philanthropy to enhance and preserve the quality of life on Orcas Island
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The Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) was founded in 1995 to help build and strengthen our community by encouraging and supporting local philanthropy and by connecting people and organizations who want to make a difference by improving the quality of life on Orcas Island.

 

The Council on Foundations’ 2022 national survey ranked the Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) #1 for Gifts per Capita and #7 for a 20% distribution rate, reflecting the community’s truly remarkable generosity. While Orcas Island is often seen as a wealthy enclave, nearly 25% of residents require financial support due to the ever growing affordability gap. Local nonprofits like OPAL, the Food Bank, the Community Resource Center, and the Senior Center provide essential services, relying on community donations to meet increasing needs. OICF is honored to support both donors and nonprofits in ensuring all neighbors receive the help they need. View the full results to learn more. 

OICF is Hiring!

The foundation is seeking new team members ready to contribute their energy to our mission of fostering philanthropy to enhance and preserve the quality of life on Orcas Island. Learn more about each position below:

We're hiring someone for Outreach & Administration Support

Spring GiveOrcas 2025

 Get ready to show how much you care for our community during this year’s spring campaign, May 6 – 15.

 

 

Looking for ways to support Orcas Island?

There are many ways to give back. It’s our goal to make it easy for you to invest in the nonprofits you care most about, get involved in projects that tackle community challenges, help meet critical needs and improve the quality of life for all on Orcas Island.

Mural on fence at Salmonberry
A small village nestled in conifers from the water.

Read the report on OICF’s and the community’s response to the Covid pandemic.

Learn more here

Arial view of map of property for sale with bible diagram overlaid

OICF helped to purchase the Pea Patch Property which will serve as a nonprofit campus.

Learn more here

Mural on fence at Salmonberry

Take a look at our Annual Report. It’s full of pictures and great stories. Working together. Helping each other.

See the Annual Report 

Lance and Janet at OIEF Auction

Donors

Learn how to donate to a fund, how to set one up, the funds that we have and much more.

OISD Art Class

Nonprofits

Learn about capacity building, annual grants awarded, GiveOrcas and other resources we offer.

Seniors in a computer class

Community Resources

Learn about some of the resources that are available to the members of our community.

OICF Welcomes You cover image with Turtleback Mountain, fog and sheep in field

Welcome Home.

We are delighted to have you as a neighbor and look forward to getting to know you. 

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce you to the Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF). This Packet gives you a brief look into the community, the work of OICF and the local nonprofits. We encourage you to stop by our office to say hi.

Most Recent Blog Posts

Spring Conditions

Spring Conditions

A time for building community resilience The Orcas Island Community Foundation’s primary goal is to build and strengthen our community by encouraging and supporting local philanthropy. We strive to simplify charitable giving for individuals and simplify fundraising...

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Please Pass the (Pi)e

Please Pass the (Pi)e

It’s Pi Day! My favorite kind of pie is a pizza pie. The problem with pie is sometimes there aren’t enough slices to go around. If friends and family are around, chances are someone brought another pie to the table. Can this be a metaphor for life - and community -...

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All About The Good!

All About The Good We are all thawed out, some businesses return from their hibernation and little signs of new life are appearing in pockets all over the island. Spring is around the corner! These pockets of ideas, energy, and genuine care continually propel us...

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