Non-stop nonprofits

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

We’re in the midst of reviewing Spring GiveOrcas applications, and I’m again astounded by the innovation, care, and grit demonstrated by dozens of nonprofits that are seeking support to make good things happen around the island.

We can count on nonprofits to get things done because they are collaborative at their core. Healthy, effective nonprofits are not reliant on the whims of a few, or to benefit just a few, but are collective, community-driven efforts that create a sense of belonging, and benefit many.

As a parent, I attended the Belong Partners workshop that the School District presented on Parenting with Courage and Connection which only happened with the support of the community during the last GiveOrcas campaign. It was wonderful to connect and learn alongside other parents who have similar experiences and challenges on the wild journey that is parenting. 

We can witness (and participate in!) countless community-driven efforts at work each and every day. Many of them supported by recent GiveOrcas grants – here are just a few examples:

• Since last spring, the Food Bank has distributed 9,558 pounds of food through Backpacks for Youth (Weekend Packs), Teen Tent, Special Diet Accommodations, and Cultural Food Access, benefiting 1,700 individuals.

• The Peach Pit made on-island Driver’s Ed classes accessible to high school students this year.

• The Orcas Senior Center expanded meaningful programming with a variety of classes, activities, and services available to seniors and community members.

• Funding for A*OK allowed every public elementary student to access free, consistent, skill-based art education.

• The West Sound Community Club has access to potable water again!

• 4-H youth recently attended leadership activities and the Know Your Government conference in Olympia.

• The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild Farmers-to-Farmland (F2F) program was able to continue to support affordable, equitable entry into farming for beginning farmers on Orcas Island.

• The Orcas Dance Collective installed new studio barres for dozens of community members to practice the joy of dance!

As if you didn’t have enough reasons to support nonprofit organizations, there’s an important 2026 federal income tax change for charitable donations that is designed to give everyday donors a meaningful incentive to give. People who take the standard deduction can deduct up to $1000 for individuals (or $2000 if filing jointly) for charitable contributions in cash (or by credit card) in addition to taking the standard deduction. It doesn’t apply to contributions to donor advised funds or to private foundations, or to donations of property or other non-cash assets, and requires (as contributions to charity always do) documentation for donations of $250 or more.

With gratitude for making good things happen!