Submitted by the Orcas Island Community Foundation

The Orcas Island Community Foundation GiveOrcas campaign distributed $229,100 to 13 programs plus $92,720 to the Community Emergency Response Fund. This year was indeed unusual as we face unknown challenges in the months ahead. For that reason, we selected the organizations that seemed most critical to the health and well-being of our community. The grants are unrestricted to be used for their best purposes.

The following programs were fully funded in this 2020 GiveOrcas grant cycle:

Orcas Island Food Bank: $25,000

OPAL Community Land Trust: $25,000

Orcas Community Resource Center: $25,000

Orcas Island School District: $25,000

Orcas Senior Center: $25,000

SAFE San Juans: $25,000

Kaleidoscope Preschool: $16,000

Orcas Center: $15,000

Orcas Island Education Foundation: $12,500

Orcas Montessori: $11,000

Orcas Animal Protection Society: $10,000

Orcas Island Children’s House: $9,600

Salmonberry School and Learning Center: $5,000

The Community Emergency Response Fund was also listed as a donor option in the Campaign. It’s there for those that do not want to give to a specific organization but would rather entrust the team of community leaders to guide the money to our important needs. This fund continues to take donations.

One of the highlights of the Campaign is always the announcement of the Youth Philanthropy Awards. The senior class at the Orcas Island School District received $10,000 from a local donor and was given the opportunity to give back to the community. They will conduct their own process and navigate selection as a class. This year’s seniors will be announcing those in May… stay tuned to our FaceBook page for the recipients.

To learn more about the Community Foundation, visit www.oicf.us or contact 360-376-6423.