Spring brings new programs and partnerships

||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION |||

The trees are full of blossoms, the spring bulbs are popping up, and the days are finally feeling brighter. Spring is here, and along with the new color showing outside, new projects and partnerships are budding.

For the first time, we are excited to invite local businesses to support nonprofits through GiveOrcas this spring as Business Partners in Philanthropy. By supporting GiveOrcas, local businesses can help strengthen the community, which in turn fuels economic vitality crucial to improving the quality of life for all. Businesses can participate in several ways, by helping to promote the campaign, making our kick-off party a success, or by making a meaningful contribution to support grantmaking. Learn more on our website and sign up online. The first business partner to sign up to contribute $250 or more will receive $250 to designate to a GiveOrcas grantee of their choice! 

I’m honored to announce the Foundation’s fiscal sponsorship and support of a new community program, Island Allies of Indigenous Lifeways – a grassroots organization that fosters decolonization, Indigenous sovereignty and adaptive culture through Tribally-led education and participatory practices. Through the lens of Food as Lifeway, Island Allies chooses to step into this work as a responsibility to Place and to move toward reconciliation with the islands’ Original Stewards. If you are moved to support this important work, you can sign up for updates or donate here.

I’d also like to congratulate Leadership, Excellence, Advancement, and Development (LEAD) Grant Program recipients. The recent round of LEAD grants were distributed to seven organizations, for a total of $16,235 awarded. The LEAD Grant Program was created in an effort to support access to professional and leadership development opportunities for Orcas Island-based nonprofit organizations. 

If you’re looking to find new ways to help grow something good with fellow islanders this spring, let me know. We’re always happy to hear from you and help make new connections.