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. 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.

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

You did it!

You did it!

Good Morning!  And THANK YOU! We ended the GiveOrcas Campaign on a high note, fully funding all 27 proposals.  Thanks to all 672 donors who collectively contributed $374,171.  What amazing support from and for this community! The Grants Award Celebration will be this...

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So Close to the Finish Line

So Close to the Finish Line

We are in the home stretch of the GiveOrcas Campaign.  Thanks to the 603 neighbors who have contributed so far.  We are 75% funded with three days to go.  It is really exciting to see so many new donors to the process — over 200 so far! Eleven of the proposals are...

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Off to a GREAT start!

Off to a GREAT start!

Wow!  What a great start to GiveOrcas!  We have raised over $136,000 in the first 4 days — 36% of the total requests.  Three proposals are fully funded — Kwiaht, Salmonberry School, and Fresh Bucks through OCRC. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far....

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