The Orcas Island Community Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2013 competitive grants program. Trustee Coleen O’Brien will chair the grants committee, whose members include both OICF Trustees and community members. In the 2012 grants cycle, OICF, together with its Partners in Philanthropy, awarded $100,652 to 25 different Orcas Island organizations.

OICF spent 18 months assessing community needs (see the Community Needs Assessment, http://oicf.us/oicf-in-the-community/need-assess/). The three primary concerns that ran across all sectors were:

• Increasing coordination and cooperation of programs and services

• Providing education and training for staff and community to increase capacity

• Developing pathways of communication to enhance outreach and support

While all grant applications will be considered, to meet these needs and build community capacity, priority will be given to grant applications that meet one or more of these areas of concern.  The committee will also consider the identified need the application addresses, number of islanders served, impact on those served, if other funding has been sought, and whether it is a collaborative effort.

Organizations are encouraged to contact OICF to discuss grant ideas and submit proposals for review by March 1. Applications are available at www.oicf.us.

The committee reviews all grant applications and a conducts a site visit. The committee then prioritizes vetted and approved proposals to make recommendations to the board. Funds will be given to successful applicants at the Grants Award Celebration in May 2013. Call 376-6423 or e-mail grants@oicf.us for more information.