The Orcas Island Community Foundation will hold its annual Report to the Community Luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Rosario Resort Discovery House. This year’s theme is “The Impact of Giving,” a celebration of $2 million of grants made over the past 15 years. The entire community is invited to celebrate, as this is truly a community-wide accomplishment, honoring the tradition of islanders taking care of each other.
The Community Foundation was founded in 1995 with the mission of fostering philanthropy to preserve and enhance the quality of life on Orcas. Their mission is carried out in a variety of ways:
• Donor Advised Funds: There are 21 families and groups that have Donor Advised Funds with the Foundation. Donors contribute funds to OICF, receive a tax receipt, and then advise the Foundation Board on how to distribute the funds. Donor Advised Funds have contributed over $1,219,000 in grants to nonprofits over the past 15 years. What a remarkable gift to our community!
• Community Endowment and Partners in Philanthropy: The Foundation also hosts an annual Community Grant cycle, inviting nonprofits to apply for funds to support projects and programs that benefit Orcas. Grant funds are provided through distributions from the Community Endowment and from generous Partners in Philanthropy, neighbors who contribute directly to the program. $658,500 has been contributed to the community through this process.
• Board Initiative Grants: When special needs and opportunities arise in the community, the OICF Board has responded with grants from their Board Discretionary fund. Over the years grants of $161,500 have been made to support public education, building the Medical Center, and securing the purchase of Turtleback Mountain, bringing the grand total to $2,039,000.
The Report to Community luncheon is open to the public but seating is limited; call for a reservation. A suggested donation to defray costs is $30. For more information or to reserve a seat, call OICF executive director Hilary Canty at 376-6423 or email her at hilary@oicf.us.
