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. Full results can be seen here. 

We're hiring someone for Outreach & Administration Support

Spring GiveOrcas 2025

 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

 Now – February 27, 2025, Orcas Island nonprofit organizations are invited to submit grant proposals for consideration.

Please follow these steps to apply:

1. Review Request For Proposals HERE

2. Review the Qualifications Checklist HERE

3. Fill Out Application HERE

Applications Due 2/27 by 5 pm

The Spring GiveOrcas campaign will run May 6 – May 15

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 is helping to purchase the Pea Patch Property to 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 Resources

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

Reet Renewal

REET Renewal The Land Bank real estate excise tax (REET) is up for renewal and will be on the ballot this Fall. The Orcas Island Community Foundation Board is endorsing continuing this REET, as it provides funding to the Land Bank for preservation and conservation of...

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Here We Go

Here We GO!!! Here we are in the thick of Summer! Salmon fishing and crabbing opened yesterday, the flowers have gone crazy and I suddenly have plenty of cabbage! The abundance is on! Tomorrow my neighborhood celebrates Olga Daze, a community wide event to raise funds...

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Summer in Swing

  Summer is in Swing! Wow, the island is abuzz! It’s wonderful to see our local businesses swirling with traffic, flowers in full bloom and feel the sunshine bouncing around. There’s no shortage of summering to be done with plenty of interesting activities, music...

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