Orcas Island Community Foundation Report: "Now More Than Ever"

The Discovery Room at Rosario Resort was packed on Sept. 15 with community philanthropists who give of their time, talent and treasure to the Orcas community. They were in attendance at the Orcas Island Community Foundation’s annual report, “Collaboration in Community — Now More Than Ever.”

Community Foundation President, Moana Kutsche and Executive Director Hilary Canty thanked the gathering and reported to the group on the Foundation’s recent history and current status.

Kutsche said, ” We help you make Orcas Island a great place to live… All gifts have great impact.” Last year, from September ’08 to August ’09, 181 individuals donated $171,262 to the Community Foundation. The current value of all OICF funds is $4,089,210.

She summarized the $72,000 in grants to 21 local non-profits through OICF’s Annual Community Grants program. With the aid of OICF Partners in Philanthropy (whose donations to the grants program increased this year) 2009 funding nearly matched the 2008 grant awards, even with the past year’s economic recession.

She also pointed out that about $50,000 of that funding is immediately invested back in the community, in terms of salaries, services and supplies.

The OICF also granted $170,371 to the Orcas Island community through donor-advised funds, and $10,000 from the Board Designated Fund to the Education Initiative, a collaborative effort with the Orcas Island Education Foundation. The Education Initiative, now in its fourth year, has provided supplementary funding of $143,563 to the public schools.

Through the  “Youth Grants” program, the Foundation enables high school seniors to  participate in the Community Grants funding cycle to award grants to local agencies  after a process of research and discussion.

In addition to financial contributions, the OICF has provided philanthropic Best Practices training to non-profts. Bookkeeping, fundraising, tax preparation and planned giving seminars have also been a part of OICF’s commitment to professional growth.

Executive Director Hilary Canty likened the work of the OICF to gardening — a “hopeful hobby.” She cited OICF’s beginnings with the 105-year old Madrona club’s civic-mindedness in launching the Medical Center’s building fund with the sale of their clubhouse.

Such “civic mindedness” continues, Canty said, with OICF participation in increased access to community services through the Food Bank, Community Church and Orcas Family Connections, establishing a shared charity care fund with medical providers and establishing a public art fund with the Orcas Island Historical Museum and community members.

OICF Board Trustee Helen Bee spoke of the “Endow Orcas” program, begun two years ago in recognition that “Endowment is an essential ingredient for non-profit organizations.” She noted the non-profits that have achieved “Endow Orcas” status within the OICF, and acknowledged fellow Board Trustees Joe Cohen and Martha Farish for their efforts to help community members to increase their philanthropic contributions while decreasing their tax burden.

OICF Treasurer Lance Evans noted that the majority of the $4 million plus funds held by the Community Foundation are held and managed by the Seattle Foundation, and while it too has “felt the impact of the recent difficult financial environment, they continue to outperform comparative indices,” such as the Standard and Poor 500, by substantial margins.

For more information on the Community Foundation, go to www.oicf.us or call 376-6423.