OICF Sets New Record in Community Grant Awards

High school seniors Jessi Gudgell and Cameron Schuh announce their class’s grants.

By Margie Doyle

At the annual Community Grants Awards on May 30, it was obvious that community philanthropists believe in the future and in “paying it forward.

Over $130,700was distributed among 30 proposals submitted to the Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) to fund efforts such as installing emergency defribrillators at Moran State Park to ponying up more than $18,000 to help the public school district employ elementary counselor Nancy O’Brien.

The OICF dedicated $31,000 from its community endowment fund towards the grant funding, and through extensions of its community outreach efforts, was able to raise nearly $100,000.

Steve Jung, President of the OICF Board, noted especially the online presence for community grant contributions this year, due to the efforts of OICF Director Hilary Canty and Communications Manager Kate Long. This new outreach enabled the community to contribute from $10 upwards towards funding the grant awards.

Hilary acknowledged the work of the OICF Board; the Grants Committee, chaired by Coleen O’Brien; the community of non-profits and those who serve on their boards; the staff and volunteers of those organizations; as well as the donors to the OICF grants — virtually everyone in the room.

As each award was given, a spokesperson for the organization so honored described their work and how they intend to use the grant funds.

Kyle Freeman, Elementary and Middle School Principal, noted that $85,000 in the awards had been to projects benefiting Orcas children. Also noteworthy at the awards ceremony were the collaborative efforts, such as the Preschool collaboration, Island Park and Rec District and the Wrestling Club, the Literacy Collaborative Alliance, and the Animal Protection Society’s partnership with the Orcas Island Fire and Rescue.