The Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) is accepting applications for the 2009 competitive grants program.

Nonprofit organizations with projects that will benefit Orcas Island are invited to apply. The grant guidelines and application are available on the OICF website at www.oicf.us or at the Foundation’s office at 33 Urner Street in Eastound. Applications must be received by OICF by Monday, March 30, 2009. Funds will be given to successful applicants at the Grants Award Celebration on May 22, 2009.

New for this year, Grants Committee members are available to pre-review draft applications. Drafts must be e-mailed to the committee chair be March 16, 2009.

Last year’s emphasis on collaborative efforts resulted in six successful funded projects. OICF encourages applicants to work with other nonprofit organizations. OICF will again consider grant applications for projects of two or three years’ requirements to make sure long-term projects remain on track. Two multi-year endeavors received funding last year.

In 2008, OICF, together with its Partners in Philanthropy, awarded $72,000 to 24 different Orcas Island nonprofits. Since its inception in 1995, OICF has awarded more than $528,000 from the Community Endowment Fund and distributed more than $1,500,000 from other funds held by the foundation.

For more information about OICF annual grants, contact the Grants Committee Chair Moana Kutsche at 376-7087, OICF Executive Director Hilary Canty at 376-6423, or e-mail grantapplications@oicf.us.