Submitted by the Orcas Island Community Foundation.

You have the power to make a meaningful difference in your community. Give Orcas is back for a remarkable 10th anniversary on Orcas Island! The community-driven fundraising campaign raises critical funds for programs and resources serving Orcas Island. GIVE ORCAS is an initiative of the Orcas Island Community Foundation. Reports indicate that in the 10 years that the campaign has been running, nearly $3 million dollars has been raised.

This year’s Spring Give Orcas Campaign features 24 local nonprofit organizations. Each proposal was vetted and approved by the Community Grants Committee. The overall request from all organizations totals a record $383,156. OICF’s goal is to be fully funded, but it will not happen without help from you — the Orcas Island community. OICF welcomes you to contribute to any and all of the proposals, with donations of $10 or more.

The 2023 Give Orcas campaign runs May 4th through May 18th. The Orcas Island Community Foundation allocates a portion of the earnings from its community endowment to the Give Orcas Campaign, however, the total requested far exceeds the funds available. OICF encourages the public to participate as a Partner in Philanthropy. To participate as a partner, simply make a donation ($10 or more) at GIVEORCAS.org. Donations can also be made by cash, check, or stock to The Orcas Island Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1496, Eastsound, WA 98245 or dropped by the OICF office at 33 Urner #4, Eastsound.

Additionally, mark your calendars for the ever-popular Ben Franklin Day on May 9th. On this day, the grantees with the most $100 donations will receive bonuses of $1,000, $500 and $250 from the Orcas Island Community Foundation for first, second and third place. On May 15, the public can participate in Unique Donor Day. On this day, the grantees with the most unique donors will receive $1,000, $500 and $250 from the Orcas Island Community Foundation for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

This spring, OICF is looking forward to yet another record-breaking year, and this is your chance to support causes and organizations that matter to you! Help spread the word about GIVE ORCAS by sharing the catalog with friends, family and neighbors and ask them to consider contributing a gift. Visit giveorcas.org May 4 -18 to participate.

For more information about the campaign and programs/funds featured, visit: www.giveorcas.org or www.oicf.us or contact: Ed Andrews ed@oicf.us or 360-37-6423.

The Orcas Island Community Foundation was founded in 1995 to help build and strengthen our community by encouraging and supporting local philanthropic efforts, connecting people and organizations who want to make a difference to improve the quality of life on Orcas Island.