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

Gather + Share

Gather + Share One of the most important roles of OICF is to support capacity building within the nonprofit community. For many years, we have hosted regular meet-ups for nonprofit leaders to encourage collaboration and share updates and resources with each other....

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Bright Lights!

Hooray for nonprofits with the 6th grade class! Bright Lights Wow, what a shining display of auroras last night - I hope you stepped outside to see the northern lights! What a treat! I brought some treats to the public school 6th-grade class yesterday. I was a bit...

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Renewal and Soup

The shift into autumn is in full swing – a few less visitors, sweaters and boots out of storage, forest fungi popping up, new restaurant hours. I’m excited to tour island farms this weekend and get together with friends who have been busy with travel and guests all...

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