Fostering philanthropy to enhance and preserve the quality of life on Orcas Island
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The 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. 

We're hiring someone for Outreach & Administration Support

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

Applications Due 2/27 by 5 pm

The Spring GiveOrcas campaign will run May 6 – May 15

A small village nestled in conifers from the water.

Read the report on OICF’s and the community’s response to the Covid pandemic.

Learn more here

Arial view of map of property for sale with bible diagram overlaid

OICF is helping to purchase the Pea Patch Property to serve as a nonprofit campus.

Learn more here

Mural on fence at Salmonberry

Take a look at our Annual Report. It’s full of pictures and great stories. Working together. Helping each other.

See the Annual Report 

Lance and Janet at OIEF Auction

Donors

Learn how to donate to a fund, how to set one up, the funds that we have and much more.

OISD Art Class

Nonprofits

Learn about capacity building, annual grants awarded, GiveOrcas and other resources we offer.

Seniors in a computer class

Community Resources

Learn about some of the resources that are available to the members of our community.

OICF Welcomes You cover image with Turtleback Mountain, fog and sheep in field

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

Happy New Year!

Looking back on 2023 fills me with gratitude. So many of you supported this community and donated through OICF this past year. We ran three GiveOrcas campaigns in 2023- Spring, Pea Patch Match, and Holiday. All in all, over 1000 donors contributed $837,000 to 36 local...

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December Dawn

We are a community that loves celebrating! Orcas Island Yacht Club's Lighted Boat Parade in West Sound is this Saturday at 4 pm. The route starts at the Orcas Island Ferry dock and cruises east along the Orcas shore down Cayou Channel to near Grindstone Harbor,...

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Be The Light

Thank You, Orcas! WOW! What a great Holiday GiveOrcas Campaign! 17 of the 19 proposals were fully funded and more than $150,000 was contributed from over 300 donors. Amazing! The generosity of this community is heartwarming and inspiring. Thanks to all who...

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