Leadership, Excellence, Advancement, and Development (LEAD)
Grant Program

OICF’s Leadership, Excellence, Advancement, and Development (LEAD) Grant Program was created in an effort to support access to professional and leadership development opportunities for Orcas Island-based nonprofit organizations. 

Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for financial support for continuing education and professional development programs that will strengthen their team’s leadership skills and promote organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

LEAD professional development grants are funded by OICF’s Hilary Canty Leadership Fund and Marilyn Anderson Excellence Fund. The Hilary Canty Leadership Fund was established to provide educational and experiential opportunities for individuals and organizations interested in improving their understanding of the organizational, financial and professional leadership skills practiced by successful non-profits, and the Marilyn Anderson Excellence Fund was established to promote nonprofit excellence.

Application Process and Guidelines

1. Applications will be accepted for grant funding of up to $2,000 per individual, per year, and a maximum of up to $6,000 per organization.
2. Grants may be used to cover the cost of professional development training, including registration fees for online and in-person training, conferences, and/or related travel expenses.
3. Grants may be requested to cover the expense of bringing a facilitator to Orcas Island to provide training for nonprofit staff members or teams. In such cases, organizations are encouraged to partner and collaborate to maximize the number of people benefiting from educational opportunities. 
4. Once awarded, grants must be used within one year. If an organization is having difficulty spending the funds for the purposes expressed in their grant proposal or in the allotted time frame, the organization needs to notify OICF in writing within one year from the date the grant check was written. OICF will work with the organization to ensure the funds get used appropriately and within a reasonable timeframe. If an alternative plan cannot be agreed upon, the funds need to be returned.

Eligibility Criteria & Application Requirements

1. Individuals applying must be an employee of a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or a fiscally sponsored organization, serving the Orcas Island community. Applications for professional development for staff will be prioritized. Applications for training and development of board members and/or key volunteers will also be considered.
2. Applicants must complete an online application and include a brief statement with details about the professional development program, full cost of the program and expenses, budget for the requested amount, and learning objectives.
3. Applications must include the endorsement of the Executive Director (or Board Chair, if the ED is applying) of the organization.

Important Dates

Application Period:  July 11 – August 20, 2025

Decision Notification: Late September

After this inaugural grant cycle, we plan to open open grant cycles twice each year, in January (decisions in late February), and June (decisions in late July) 

OICF looks forward to receiving feedback from nonprofits on how LEAD grants can best address the needs of their organizations and may make adjustments to the program in the future.

Questions?

For specific questions about the LEAD Grant Program, please contact Grants Manager Lynn White at lynn@oicf.us or 360-376-6423.