Fostering philanthropy to enhance and preserve the quality of life on Orcas Island
Learn MoreGive Today

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’ 2023 national survey ranked the Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) #1 for Gifts per Capita and #18 for a 25% 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. View the full results to learn more. 

Now Accepting LEAD Grant Applications

Learn more >>

 

Looking for ways to support Orcas Island?

There are many ways to give back. It’s our goal to make it easy for you to invest in the nonprofits you care most about, get involved in projects that tackle community challenges, help meet critical needs and improve the quality of life for all on Orcas Island.

Orcas Island Dental Clinic
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 helped to purchase the Pea Patch Property which will 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 Programs

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

Winter Whips In!

Winter Whips In! Well, this is quite a swift shift. The drop in temperature accompanied with gale force winds ensures winter has arrived in full force! Hopefully you are safe and cozy. For those folks who need some help staying warm and safe, the Orcas Community...

read more

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...

read more

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,...

read more