The Orcas Island community gave more than 5,000 donations to and through the Foundation last year, enabling more than $6 million in grants to local nonprofits. This tremendous generosity moved forward dozens of projects both big and small, from inspiring lasting...

It's Homecoming season, and not just for Orcas Island High School, but for all of us who feel that familiar pull back toward the people and places that make us feel a sense of purpose and belonging. Homecoming is about more than returning. It’s about reconnecting with...

Strong communities are built by people who choose to engage, learn, and lead, and this fall we have several ways to support that work on Orcas. In August, Eric Liu visited Orcas Island for our National Nonprofit Day program, Beyond the Echo Chamber: Strengthening...

As Orcas Islanders prepare for fall, shorter days, harvesting buckets upon buckets of apples, and unpredictable weather, many nonprofit organizations are launching fall programs and events, and are working to raise awareness and support for the needs of the community....

Labor Day began in the 1880s as a tribute to the American labor movement, honoring the contributions of working people to our shared prosperity. That spirit feels so true here on Orcas, where so much of what makes island life work depends on people showing up and...

Islanders applaud civic engagement on Orcas  Earlier this week, at our National Nonprofit Day program, Eric Liu spoke about the role and importance of civic culture. He shared how it is rooted in community, on the ground, with groups of 5, 10, or 20 people showing up,...

Islanders learning how the Pea Patch Community Campus addresses critical needs on Orcas  On Wednesday evening, as the sun set over Turtleback and the full moon rose over Mount Constitution, dozens of community members gathered in support of the Pea Patch Community...

Last year's 4th of July crowd at Village Green   America's 250th anniversary is a natural moment to reflect, not just on national history or politics, but on what we value closest to home. This community has long embodied something that is easy to take for...

Orcas Island is abuzz with activity as the summer season picks up, and it’s a jam-packed month at the Foundation as well, reflected in the news we share today. Last week, I had the honor of helping the Orcas Island High School senior class present the annual Youth...

Earlier this week, 52 nonprofit board members and staff gathered to bring fundraising into focus on Orcas Island. What may have been surprising to some, was that much of the workshop didn’t focus specifically on asking for donations. Successful nonprofits can’t, and...