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.
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.
Nonprofits
Learn about capacity building, annual grants awarded, GiveOrcas and other resources we offer.
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
To the Rescue
Not the way you want to land. I have been a member of Orcas Fire and Rescue for 22 years, serving as a volunteer EMT. It has been a very rewarding experience for the most part. Being able to assist colleagues, neighbors, and friends during their times of crisis is a...
Bird’s Eye View
Don Stillman came by to take a drone photo of our garden this week. Fun to see the fruits of our labor from a new perspective! If you are over 70 ½ you may be eligible to take a qualified charitable distribution of up to $100,000 from your individual...
Happy September
Pedestrians and cars pass through Eastsound on Orcas Island. (Erika Schultz / The Seattle Times) I just saw this article on the staffing shortage that local restaurants are experiencing. The challenges extend to our nonprofit sector as well. Currently, the Orcas...