Fostering philanthropy to enhance and preserve the quality of life on Orcas Island
Learn MoreDonate NowThe Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) was founded in 1995 to help build and strengthen our community by encouraging and supporting local philanthropy and by connecting people and organizations who want to make a difference by improving the quality of life on Orcas Island.
The Council on Foundations’ 2022 national survey ranked the Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) #1 for Gifts per Capita and #7 for a 20% distribution rate, reflecting the community’s truly remarkable generosity. While Orcas Island is often seen as a wealthy enclave, nearly 25% of residents require financial support due to the ever growing affordability gap. Local nonprofits like OPAL, the Food Bank, the Community Resource Center, and the Senior Center provide essential services, relying on community donations to meet increasing needs. OICF is honored to support both donors and nonprofits in ensuring all neighbors receive the help they need. Full results can be seen here.
Spring GiveOrcas 2025
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Now – February 27, 2025, Orcas Island nonprofit organizations are invited to submit grant proposals for consideration.
Please follow these steps to apply:
1. Review Request For Proposals HERE
2. Review the Qualifications Checklist HERE
3. Fill Out Application HERE
The Spring GiveOrcas campaign will run May 6 – May 15
Read the report on OICF’s and the community’s response to the Covid pandemic.
OICF is helping to purchase the Pea Patch Property to serve as a nonprofit campus.
Take a look at our Annual Report. It’s full of pictures and great stories. Working together. Helping each other.
Nonprofits
Learn about capacity building, annual grants awarded, GiveOrcas and other resources we offer.
Welcome Home.
We are delighted to have you as a neighbor and look forward to getting to know you.
Thank you for the opportunity to introduce you to the Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF). This Packet gives you a brief look into the community, the work of OICF and the local nonprofits. We encourage you to stop by our office to say hi.
Most Recent Blog Posts
Many Hands
Many Hands I spent this morning on a walking tour with Dr. Jack Ehlen, a retired dentist and a new(ish) resident of Deer Harbor. Dr Ehlen is assisting in establishing an interim dental clinic to bridge the gap now that the Medical Teams International Van Clinics are...
Where There is Sunshine, There are Shadows
Where there is Sunshine, there are Shadows Employer provided housing is frequently cited as a viable option to the shortage of available staff. That solution comes with challenges as the current sale of Rosario is demonstrating. Of the 45 employees being laid off, 24...
Seasonal Swings
Seasonal Swings I heard from Patricia Benton, chair of the Community Resource Center, that OCRC is experiencing a spike in the number of people needing help meeting their rent this month. This can likely be attributed to the number of businesses that close in the...