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
The difference a decade can make
I joined the staff of OICF just as the nation entered the economic crisis of 2008. It was an awakening for me personally and for the community as a whole. The nonprofit sector was not prepared as well as we needed to be. Boards were challenged to meet payroll much...
Time for Reflection
Photo credit: Coleen O'Brien Happy New Year! As I reflect on the past year, I recall how, last New Year, I was anticipating OICF’s 25th anniversary and excited about the celebrations we were planning. Needless to say, those parties never quite materialized and the...
All in Washington goes ALL IN
I am writing to share some wonderful news. Last night we received word from the All In Washington Campaign that is providing a 100% match secured an additional $25 million from Jeff Bezos. This means that all donations to the Community Emergency Response...