OICF is the fiscal sponsor and supporter of the following community programs that are important to the health and stability of our community.

Early Childhood Education Initiative (ECEI)
The Early Childhood Education Initiative (ECEI) brings together lead educators and board members from Orcas Island’s three licensed preschools with other community members and expert advisors to develop strategies to strengthen access and quality of early childhood education and allocate funds to implement these strategies. ECEI has achieved dramatic results, creating affordable access to preschool for all families and significantly increasing kindergarten readiness. Strong, stable early childhood education and daycare programs are vital to the health of our island families and our economy. ECEI is seeking community members who are interested in getting involved – please check out their website and get in touch if you are interested.

Island Allies of Indigenous Lifeways (IAoIL)

Island Allies of Indigenous Lifeways (IAoIL) fosters decolonization, Indigenous sovereignty and adaptive culture through Tribally-led education and participatory practices. Through the lens of Food as Lifeway, we choose to step into this work as a responsibility to Place and to move toward reconciliation with the islands’ Original Stewards. 

IAoIL is a cultural organization whose work is connected to two communities: Indigenous peoples with ancestral ties to the Islands, and islander allies who realize the necessity of building right and respectful relations across all community sectors. IAoIL  collaborates with many existing island organizations on Tribal Relations work, including a county-wide workgroup composed of representatives at local, state and federal levels.

LIFT (Local Immigrant Family Treasury)

LIFT is a community-based, emergency fund organization devoted to keeping immigrant families together. The purpose is to increase the diversity of our island’s residents and protect the rights of immigrants who we consider to be one of our most legally vulnerable populations. LIFT provides information to immigrants regarding their legal rights and obligations; emergency immigrant legal assistance; and education regarding various opportunities relating to immigration.

Orcas Island Sexual Health Alliance (OISHA)
formerly Island Reproductive Health Initiative (IRHI)

The Orcas Island Sexual Health Alliance (OISHA) is another important program expanding access to reproductive healthcare on Orcas. Confidential, affordable access to birth control and STI testing is critical, especially on our small island with limited healthcare services, and when reproductive healthcare is under threat in our country. OISHA is also empowering island youth with facts and skills through educational programs for middle schoolers and high schoolers. Please follow the links on the OISHA website to get involved or support these initiatives.