OICF’s grant making has evolved over the years into a true community process. Twice a year, OICF invites the community to submit proposals for funding through the GiveOrcas Campaigns. The application period for the Spring GiveOrcas Campaign closed this week, and we have 24 proposals in the hopper.
The next step is for the Community Grants Committee to review and vet the applications. They will conduct site visits and gain a good understanding of the requests, then reconvene as a group to approve the projects. The Committee consists of primarily volunteers from the community with a couple OICF Board Members included. Together, they do a deep dive into the community and learn a great deal about current needs and opportunities. It is a really interesting and rewarding process.
Once vetted, the proposals are added to the GiveOrcas Campaign which runs from May 4-18th this year. OICF uses funding from the Community Endowment to fund a portion of these grants, but the majority of the funding comes through individual donations by the community. Last year, 669 folks made over 1500 donations, and we were able to fully fund all requests. That is such amazing support! We hope to repeat this success again this year.
For those of you who are planning on participating and making your donations through a donor advised fund off island or with your Required Minimum Distribution from an IRA, we recommend you initiate the donation request by mid-April. Once the funds arrive, we will hold onto them until you decide which proposals to support.
Thank you to all of you who have helped build the GiveOrcas Campaigns into such vital support for the many programs serving this community. Your investments make Orcas a stronger community for all.
There is a Fiber Art Show opening tonight at Orcas Center. Looks like a great show! And the Dental Van returns next week. Let me know if you would like a tour.
Have a great weekend —
Hilary