Fostering philanthropy to enhance and preserve the quality of life on Orcas Island
Learn MoreGive TodayThe 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. View the full results to learn more.
Now Accepting LEAD Grant Applications
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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.
Read the report on OICF’s and the community’s response to the Covid pandemic.
OICF helped to purchase the Pea Patch Property which will 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.
Donors
Learn how to donate to a fund, how to set one up, the funds that we have and much more.
Nonprofits
Learn about capacity building, annual grants awarded, GiveOrcas and other resources we offer.
Community Programs
Learn about some of the resources that are available to the members of our community.
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
Building Community
I am enjoying my weekend in South Carolina with my high school mates. We have rented a large house on the Isle of Palms. The pool and the ocean are still warm enough to swim in—mighty fun. There is nothing like time with really old (in every way) friends! One...
One Person Can Make a Difference: Justin
Justin Paulsen Orcas Island Park & Recreation, Commissioner Can you share a little bit about yourself? I was born and raised in Renton, Washington and spent a good amount of time looking at Orcas Island from Bellingham, where I attended Western Washington...
Sail On, Bruce
I am sad to let you know that Bruce Coffey died this week. Bruce was one of the Founders of OICF and was a Board and Committee Member for nearly 20 years. He was instrumental in setting up our investments independently and helped guide us to where we are today....