OICF Kicks Off Annual Grants Program

— from Hilary Canty —

The Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) is now accepting applications for the 2015 competitive grants program. Trustee Coleen O’Brien will chair the committee, whose members include both OICF Trustees and community members. In the last year’s grants cycle, OICF, together with its Partners in Philanthropy, awarded over $133,000 to 28 different Orcas Island organizations including requests to help Islanders with health insurance and housing assistance through Orcas Family Connections, support the new Youth Conservation Corps, and sponsor the Orcas High School leadership training program.

While all grant applications will be considered, OICF will prioritize proposals that increase our capacity as a community to address specific ongoing and emerging needs. To this end, we encourage grant applicants to submit requests that:

• Increase coordination and cooperation of programs and services
• Develop pathways of communication to enhance outreach and support
• Serve a large number of islanders
• Have measured impact on those served
• Address how funding will add to the sustainability of your project/program

Organizations are encouraged to contact OICF to discuss grant ideas; applications are available at www.oicf.us starting January 30.

The Committee reviews all grant applications and a conducts a site visit to learn more about each proposal. The committee then convenes and prioritizes vetted and approved proposals to make funding recommendations to the OICF Board. Funds will be given to successful applicants at the Grants Award Celebration in May 2015.

Please contact Kate Long or Hilary Canty at OICF (376-6423) or e-mail info@oicf.us with questions.