From giving thanks to giving local

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

As I prepare to gather with family for Thanksgiving, I have profound gratitude for the simple, powerful act of neighbors helping neighbors. On our small island, I’ve witnessed countless moments of quiet generosity—a ride to a medical appointment, a warm meal delivered, a listening ear when it’s needed most, and many generous gifts that make the work of our local nonprofits possible. 

These acts of kindness weave a safety net that holds us all, when the world beyond feels overwhelming. Thank you for your partnership and for sharing our commitment to making Orcas Island a better, healthier, more vibrant place to call home. 

Next week, I hope you are inspired to move from giving thanks to giving local. Our collective giving campaign, Holiday GiveOrcas kicks off on December 2, which coincides with Giving Tuesday. Together, we have the opportunity to fuel innovative solutions, amplify community-driven efforts, and ensure fundamental needs are met across our island. All gifts of $10 or more make a big impact.

We hope you join us and bring big community energy to our GiveOrcas Holiday Party at Odd Fellows Hall on Tuesday, December 2 from 4-6pm. All are welcome to mix, mingle, and meet the 33 nonprofits taking part in Holiday GiveOrcas. Light bites, beverages, kids’ art activities, music, and lots of holiday cheer will be provided. We even have fun games planned that will give you a chance to win additional gifts for your favorite grantees!

As we enter this season of giving, we’re here to help you meet your charitable giving goals during GiveOrcas and beyond. I’ve included our year-end giving guide below for inspiration. 

Ever thankful,

Lindsay

Orcas Island Year-End Giving Guide

Please initiate year-end gifts as early as possible to ensure time for distributing grants prior to year-end.

Satisfy Your IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).
If you are 70.5 or older and you haven’t taken your 2025 RMD, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly to charity and avoid paying taxes on the distribution. QCDs must be received and deposited by December 31. Please complete and return our QCD Form which will alert us to expect your gift and designation(s).

Consider a Gift of Stock
Stock gifts may reduce your capital gains taxes and allow for a deduction of the stock’s fair market value. To ensure timely processing, please initiate stock transfers by Friday, December 19. Please complete our stock donation form so we may expect your gift.

For OICF Donor Advisors: Submit DAF Grants Early
Please log in to the Fund Advisor Portal or contact us for assistance with year-end grant recommendations. You can also contribute to GiveOrcas directly from your DAF. View instructions on our website.

Simplify Year-End Giving with Pass-Through Gifts and Grants
You can make a single gift to OICF, and work with us to divide your support amongst the organizations you seek to support. For some donors, this service simplifies their tax reporting and/or allows donors to remain anonymous (if desired). Please complete and return our Pass-Through Donation Form.

Make Cash Gifts Before the New Year
OICF hosts dozens of funds benefiting a variety of causes. Online gifts can be accepted through December 31 at 11:59 pm, and checks must be postmarked by December 31 to count towards this year’s taxes. Make an online donation today.

We’re Here to Help!
Year-end giving can raise a lot of questions—please feel free to reach out. Email us at info@oicf.us, call 360-376-6423 or drop by our office at 33 Urner Street #4.