Fostering philanthropy to enhance and preserve the quality of life on Orcas Island
Learn MoreDonate NowThe 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.
OICF is Hiring!
The foundation is seeking new team members ready to contribute their energy to our mission of fostering philanthropy to enhance and preserve the quality of life on Orcas Island. Learn more about each position below:
Spring GiveOrcas 2025
Get ready to show how much you care for our community during this year’s spring campaign, May 6 – 15.
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 Resources
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
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...
It’s All Connected
quiet moment at obstruction pass state park It's All Connected It struck me how interconnected we are this week, and how much progress – and joy – can come from these connections. The many nonprofits on Orcas exist because a few neighbors got together at some point to...
From our Board Chair, Susan Gudgell
This week's message from our Board Chair, Susan Gudgell September Light The autumnal equinox is this weekend…I find the light in the islands especially beautiful this time of year. Many of us breathe a sigh of relief as the lively pace of summer slows and we return to...