Always Learning

||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION |||

As I’ve started to learn more about the various funds held at OICF and the amazing number of generous donors in our community, it occurred to me that many other community members might not know much about OICF or about opportunities for philanthropy on Orcas. I’d like to begin sharing what I’m learning with you, in case you’re new to the community or a new subscriber to my emails.

There are many ways to give and make an impact here on Orcas – we have more than 100 nonprofit organizations here! You can give through OICF to one of the many funds we have set up. There are a variety of funds that support our island’s most critical needs in addition to funds set up by the community and nonprofits, and you can give to multiple funds all in one place. One area of philanthropy I’m especially interested in learning more about is Donor Advised Funds, which allow individuals and families to simplify their charitable giving and take advantage of maximum tax savings. 

Is any of this new to you, and you want to learn more? If so, drop me a line with your questions. On the other hand, this may be old news to many readers who are longtime islanders and supporters of OICF. Let me know if you want to get involved by sharing your knowledge with others. 

But wait, there’s more! 

You can also give directly to nonprofit organizations that you care most about. In case you haven’t already heard:

• Double your impact in September by giving to Orcas Island Community Resource Center. Every dollar you give will be matched up to $15,000 by Island Market and Ray’s Pharmacy!
• Orcasopoly is back with proceeds benefiting Kaleidoscope Preschool and Childcare. Swing by Kaleidoscope to purchase or find the games at Darvill’s and Rays. I can’t wait for a rainy day playing board games!

At OICF, we are gearing up for our annual GiveOrcas Holiday Campaign. Applications for nonprofit organizations to be included in the campaign will be open from September 23 – October 15. Be on the lookout for more information. 

You can see one of the GiveOrcas grantees in action this weekend: Orcas Island Lit Fest’s Lit Walks are happening this Saturday in Eastsound. Next weekend, another grantee Long Live the Kings celebrates The Return of the Kings at Glenwood Springs.

Have fun learning!