Orcas Community Foundation tops national ranking

||| FROM HILARY CANTY for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION |||

The Council on Foundations has released the results of their 2022 national survey of over 200 Community Foundations of all sizes.  The Orcas Island Community Foundation is ranked #1 for Gifts per Capita. OICF was also recognized as #7 for our distribution rate of 20%. The full results can be seen here.

These results are a reflection of the incredible generosity of this community. The Orcas Island Community Foundation is honored to be a trusted partner for the many donors who contribute through OICF and to the nonprofits who serve the community so well. This recognition shows just how unique our island is. 

It is also a sign of how deep the needs are in this community. To the outside world, Orcas is often seen as a wealthy enclave. The reality is that approximately 25% of our neighbors need a subsidy of some kind to make ends meet due to the increasing affordability gap, with wages unable to keep up with rising housing costs.

Nonprofits like OPAL, the Food Bank, the Community Resource Center and the Senior Center provide help with basic needs including rent and mortgage support, food subsidies, medical and dental support, childcare scholarships, and more. We rely on these nonprofits to meet rising needs and they rely on the generosity of the community to keep the doors open. 

Thank you to all who contribute to ensuring all of our neighbors are able to receive the support they need.

Bloodworks NorthWest is returning to Orcas this week, setting up at the Orcas Center on Wednesday, June 5th. Every pint helps and thank you to every blood donor. Appointments can be scheduled here.

Hope you have a great weekend.