The Orcas Island Community Foundation received over $250,000 in requests from 31 different non-profits during the 2010 grant cycle.

More than $82,000 was awarded to 21 different programs thanks to contributions of Partners In Philanthropy, community members who provide funding through the foundation, and an additional $20,000 from the earnings on the Orcas Island Community Endowment. This represents a 15 percent increase in grant awards from the 2009 grant cycle, a remarkable feat during tight economic times.

Even with the increase, several valuable programs and projects remain in need of funding. These opportunities include providing housing for low to moderate income families, offering chemical dependency treatment programs on Orcas, maintaining access to infant toddler care, supplying medical equipment for the animal shelter, providing arts education training for teachers and science programming through San Juan Nature Institute. All of these projects and programs have been vetted and approved by the grants committee, comprised of community volunteers and OICF trustees. The non-profits who applied are at the ready to provide these services to our community if funding is received. Brochures highlighting remaining opportunities can be found at all local banks, the Chamber of Commerce and will be at the OICF booth at the Library Fair on Aug. 14.

If you are interested in learning more about any of these programs, or about becoming a Partner In Philanthropy, please contact Hilary Canty at the OICF office, 376-6423.