Small but MIGHTY!

||| FROM HILARY CANTY |||

I had the good fortune to spend Thursday with Manda and Sadhu Aufochs Gillespie of Cortez Island, a remote island of 1000 people in the strait of Georgia in Canada. Manda is the director of their Community Foundation and Sadhu works with their Affordable Housing group. We spent the day exploring OPAL Community Land Trust neighborhoods, the Food Bank, the Community Resource Center, and diving deep into how OICF developed.

Like Orcas, Cortes Island relies on nonprofits to provide much needed services, as the state run social services do not extend to rural areas in Canada. The Canadian government has begun providing funding to Community Foundations to distribute in the region they serve, recognizing that community foundations have a deep connection and understanding of the community. This pass through has jump started the Cortez Community Foundation. Manda is now focused on setting up a program that will scale as their community grows and needs shift.

Sharing OICF’s development story was a gift for me as I near the end of my career. We have been able to build a unique Foundation, with a focus on building community. Where we shine is in amplifying opportunities and needs facing the island, then helping to make the connections needed to make a difference. Sometimes what is needed is funding, sometimes it is a skilled Board member (or 5!), or help with organizational development. We have stayed curious and nimble, being flexible and available as needed.

I am grateful to have been able to help OICF grow with the support of so many great Board members, coworkers, community partners and engaged neighbors. As Manda noted, we punch above our weight. Small, but mighty! Thank you for making it all possible. Community is a team effort, and we are fortunate to have a stellar team!

We are midway through the 1000 days of August. I hope your weekend holds some time to rejoice in the beauty of the island. We are so lucky to call Orcas home.