Blog
The Many Hats We Wear
The Many Hats We Wear We all wear multiple hats. We may be parents, professionals, teachers, volunteers, aunties and uncles, activists, emergency responders, coaches, board members, artists, and more. We often approach these roles in different ways and reap different...
Gather + Share
Gather + Share One of the most important roles of OICF is to support capacity building within the nonprofit community. For many years, we have hosted regular meet-ups for nonprofit leaders to encourage collaboration and share updates and resources with each other....
Bright Lights!
Hooray for nonprofits with the 6th grade class! Bright Lights Wow, what a shining display of auroras last night - I hope you stepped outside to see the northern lights! What a treat! I brought some treats to the public school 6th-grade class yesterday. I was a bit...
Renewal and Soup
The shift into autumn is in full swing – a few less visitors, sweaters and boots out of storage, forest fungi popping up, new restaurant hours. I’m excited to tour island farms this weekend and get together with friends who have been busy with travel and guests all...
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...