Thursday, May 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Orcas Center
The Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) annual Community Grant awards will surpass $100,000 for a second year in a row. Grant funds will be distributed to 24 local nonprofits and agencies in support of programs that provide critical services and cultural experiences to the Orcas community. Included is $14,000 to OICF’s new Focus Area Initiatives in the area of medical, dental, and mental health, including returning visits by Medical Team International’s Dental Van to Orcas Island.
Funding for this annual grant cycle comes in part from the interest and dividend earnings income on the OICF Community Endowment Fund, which has grown to $1 million. Additional funds are contributed by individuals through the Partners in Philanthropy program. Thanks to their generous contributions, OICF has sustained distributions this year, a tribute to the Orcas tradition of taking care of one another, particularly during these difficult economic times.
The Grant Awards Celebration will be held on Thursday, May 24th from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Orcas Center. The community is welcome to attend the celebration of the work of local nonprofits and volunteers, whose ongoing efforts make Orcas a vital and vibrant community for all.
A highlight of the Grants Celebration will be the presentation of the Youth Grants. The Orcas High senior civics and economics classes identified issues and programs of significance to their lives on Orcas and granted to organizations that support them. Their selection is kept under wraps until the awards. In 2011, the class chose the Orcas Island Food Bank, Island Reproductive Health Initiative, and Heart & Hands.
Who will they pick this year? Come to the Awards Celebration to find out.
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
Don’t forget the class also awarded Friends of Moran $2,500 for the playstructure! We’ll not forget the class that reminisced about their youth and roots at Moran State Park! Thank you again!