Blog
A Love Letter to Orcas Island Volunteers
Dear Volunteers, As we reflect on the heart and soul of our island during this Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are filled with immense gratitude for the spirit of volunteerism that defines this place we call home. Orcas Island is extraordinary not just for its...
Stepping Up Together to Face Uncertainty
Across Orcas Island, people and organizations are facing harmful effects of federal funding cuts, along with policy changes that threaten important programs that support the health of our community. The nonprofit community is just beginning to understand these rapidly...
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...
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 -...
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...
Showing Up on Snow Days
Showing Up on Snow Days Snow arrived on Orcas this week, highlighting the sparkling, quiet beauty of our isle and also of our community. We’re a community of neighbors who show up to help neighbors – by sharing updates on road conditions, pulling each other out of...
Getting Together To Get Creative
Opportunity is All Around Getting Together To Get Creative Undoubtedly, this island is full of creatives. Artists and artisans of all kinds, yes, and also so many people who enjoy lifelong learning and getting together to find creative solutions to care for the...
A New Beginning
A New Beginning I wish I could say it’s been a great start to the year and fill this message with only joy and excitement. Hard to do when so many are suffering from recent bouts of violence in our country and throughout the world, and the destruction and...
Be the Light
Be the Light The holiday season is upon us, a time many of us gather with family and friends, reflect on the past year, or simply cozy up to the fire with a good book and a warm drink. Some head south to seek more sun, others to the mountains in search of snow....
FULLY FUNDED
Last week, I asked: How far can we go together? You, our amazing and generous Orcas Island community of friends, neighbors, kids, leaders, superheroes…answered the call by donating an incredible $278,303. OICF rounded out our shared goal by contributing $6,000, for a...