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’ 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.
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
One Person Can Make a Difference: Sandi
Sandi Friel San Juan County Conservation Land Bank, Chair Can you share a little bit about yourself? Looking to escape the Florida heat and crowds, my husband Bob and I vacationed on Orcas, and it was love at first sight. The slower pace, dramatic scenery and...
Looking Ahead
Bit by Bit. Prune Alley is getting done. Great news from the County: San Juan County is honoring the opening of Prune Alley with a "Celebration of Access" event on Thursday, September 1 at 6pm. The public is invited to join County officials and community...
One Person Can Make a Difference: Steve
Steve Jung Orcas Community Resource Center, Trustee Can you share a little bit about yourself? In 2000, my wife, Susan McBain, and I had a vacation home built at Eagle Lake, out beyond Olga. At that time, we met Hilary Canty and her husband Hank Date, who were...