Blog
It’s All Connected
quiet moment at obstruction pass state park It's All Connected It struck me how interconnected we are this week, and how much progress – and joy – can come from these connections. The many nonprofits on Orcas exist because a few neighbors got together at some point to...
From our Board Chair, Susan Gudgell
This week's message from our Board Chair, Susan Gudgell September Light The autumnal equinox is this weekend…I find the light in the islands especially beautiful this time of year. Many of us breathe a sigh of relief as the lively pace of summer slows and we return to...
Always Learning
Always Learning As I’ve started to learn more about the various funds held at OICF and the amazing number of generous donors in our community, it occurred to me that many other community members might not know much about OICF or about opportunities for philanthropy on...
From our NEW ED: New Beginnings
New Beginnings Greetings Orcas Island Community! It’s been a big week for many of us islanders with the unofficial ending of the summer season, the first week of school, and an abundance of dahlias and veggies to harvest. For me, this also coincides with stepping into...
What a great ride!
What A Great Ride! Today is my last day as the Executive Director of the Orcas Island Community Foundation. After 18 years, I am stepping down to enjoy retirement with my family. When speaking with folks about my time with OICF, the focus has often been on how much we...
Leaning Into Leadership
Leaning Into Leadership Recently, several organizations have reached out to the Orcas Island Community Foundation requesting help finding skilled Board members. With over 100 local nonprofits, the community needs to have a willing group of volunteers to provide the...
Small but Mighty!
Small but MIGHTY! I had the good fortune to spend Thursday with Manda and Sadhu Aufochs Gillespie of Cortez Island, a remote island of 1000 people in the strait of Georgia in Canada. Manda is the director of their Community Foundation and Sadhu works with their...
Match Met
Match Has Been Met! Plenty of good news this week. The Senior Center Match was beyond successful! The Community ended up contributing $65,212- a full $15,000 beyond the goal. Fantastic news for the Senior Center. Thanks to all who contributed. With these funds...
Working Together To Make Lives Better
The Odd Fellows have a great service program supplying firewood to seniors and families in need. This past winter, they noticed that a couple of their clients had aged out of being able to manage wood heat safely. Odd Fellow Didier Gincig reached out to OICF, asking...
Reet Renewal
REET Renewal The Land Bank real estate excise tax (REET) is up for renewal and will be on the ballot this Fall. The Orcas Island Community Foundation Board is endorsing continuing this REET, as it provides funding to the Land Bank for preservation and conservation of...