Hilary Canty passes the torch to new executive director

During her 18 years of leadership, Hilary Canty has grown the Orcas Island Community Foundation into a multi-million dollar organization that helps hundreds of local nonprofits.

She was honored during a retirement party on Aug. 18 at Odd Fellows Hall with more than 150 community members and leaders. Her last day is Sept. 30.

“As I prepare to step away from my role as the Executive Director of the Community Foundation, I am deeply appreciative of what we, as a community, have built,” Canty said. “OICF has grown into one of the most active and generous foundations in the nation. Since 2012, we have distributed over $41 million dollars in grants, we’ve trained hundreds of neighbors to become skilled board members and we’ve invested in strengthening the nonprofit sector to meet the ever changing needs of the island. Together, we met the challenge of the pandemic and came out stronger and more united as a community. We helped launch the Early Childhood Education Initiative, the Island Reproductive Health Initiative, the Community Dental Clinic and the Pea Patch Community Campus.”

Founded in 1995, OICF’s mission is to foster philanthropy to enhance and preserve the quality of life on Orcas Island. Its efforts are focused on supporting the needs of the Orcas Island Community, strengthening the social safety net, expanding arts and education opportunities and supporting environmental stewardship. This is accomplished through grant funding, board leadership education, organizational development, network building and community engagement. This work is made possible with the support of community members who contribute financially and volunteer for local nonprofits.

“Community is a team effort,” Canty told the Sounder. “Thank you for being part of the team and for making the work of OICF possible. Together, we have turned amazing dreams into reality. The future holds immense possibilities for the Foundation and for the community. I am looking forward to seeing what comes next.”

Under Canty’s leadership, annual grant-making facilitated by OICF has grown from $70,000 in 2012 to over $6 million in 2023. In 2013 OICF launched GiveOrcas, a twice-a-year, community-wide, participatory granting effort that provides significant support to programs serving the Orcas community. The foundation currently stewards over $24 million in 185 funds for the community. These include donor advised funds, permanently and temporarily restricted designated funds for organizations, scholarships and a wide variety of field of interest funds.

Orcas resident Lindsay Jennings has been selected as the next Executive Director. She has lived on the island for six years with her husband and seven-year-old daughter. Jennings first fell in love with Orcas growing up as a camper and volunteer at Camp Orkila.

According to the OICF board, Jennings brings extensive experience in nonprofit management, business leadership and organizational development to the foundation. Most recently, she has overseen nonprofit client growth initiatives and directed the operations of an international professional association as an executive leader with SBI Association Management. Locally, she served on the Board of Directors for Kaleidoscope Preschool and Childcare.

“It’s an honor to have been passed the torch by Hilary, who has made an incredible positive impact in our community over the years. I look forward to actively participating in the continued evolution of our community, addressing emerging challenges, pursuing new strategic initiatives, and expanding opportunities for all members to thrive together. We will undoubtedly continue to celebrate our successes and work toward ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come,” Jennings said.

At the event, Canty was honored with the presentation of The Hilary Canty Leadership Fund. The Board of Trustees of OICF developed the fund as a way to honor her legacy. Community members can contribute to the fund through OICF at: www.oicf.us / 360-376-6423 / in office: 33 Urner St #4, Eastsound, WA 98245 / checks by mail: PO Box 1496 Eastsound, WA 98245.

“To mark Hilary’s retirement the OICF board suggested to her that we start a designated fund in her name where she could continue to support her beloved island nonprofits that support us all,” said board member Angela Foster. “Under Hilary’s guidance, OICF created a fund to support the development of leadership skills for the staff of our hardworking nonprofit groups. This will give our NPO community members a chance to take seminars, classes and fund support to build on and develop leadership skills to help our community, as Hilary had the chance to do.”

Added Board Chair Susan Gudgell, “As Hilary retires to her home garden, we think of the garden of community she’s nurtured for 18 years at OICF. She’s identified needs and been bold and creative in addressing them. She’s advocated for island neighbors, been a mentor for non profits and helped make Orcas stronger and more resilient. Now, as Lindsay Jennings takes up the torch, we look forward to a new chapter under the guidance of such an experienced and capable leader.”