GiveOrcas Grant Campaign

The Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) invites eligible organizations serving Orcas Island residents to apply for the 2026 Spring GiveOrcas grant campaign. This biannual initiative mobilizes community generosity to strengthen local nonprofit efforts through collective giving and curated visibility. The GiveOrcas campaign has become a community-wide philanthropic event, administered by OICF in collaboration with vetted local organizations and engaged community members. For Spring 2026, the application window opens February 4 and closes February 26 at 5:00 p.m., with the public campaign running from May 12 to May 21. A launch event on May 12 will kick off the campaign, offering grantees a platform to connect with the public. OICF’s funding model supplements community donations with disbursements from its endowed Community Endowment Fund and the Partners in Philanthropy initiative. Grant applications are capped at $25,000 for this Spring cycle, and acceptance into the catalog does not guarantee full funding. Rather, selected projects are featured in the GiveOrcas catalog where community members contribute directly. OICF emphasizes the importance of each organization’s outreach strategy to maximize community engagement and financial support during the campaign period. Organizations with strong local engagement and clear marketing plans are better positioned to achieve their funding goals. Applicants must submit a complete online application and provide supporting documents including a board approval letter, IRS Form 990, and—if applicable—collaboration letters or fiscal sponsorship agreements. Organizations must also provide a representative image (300x300 PPI) to accompany their listing. All materials must be submitted by the deadline. Participation in GiveOrcas requires attendance at a grantee workshop on April 22 and potential coordination with OICF’s Community Grants Committee for a proposal review during March. Final notifications will be made by April 8. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits, government agencies, school districts, libraries, and other public service entities that are fiscally sound and serve Orcas Island residents. For organizations using fiscal sponsorship, a signed fiscal agent agreement and EIN must be provided. Organizations must demonstrate board governance in alignment with IRS best practices. OICF does not fund individuals, private foundations, for-profit entities, or conduit organizations that redirect funds. Exceptions are made only for the Orcas Island School District’s distinct educational levels and certain fiscal sponsorship cases. Projects are evaluated on several criteria including community benefit, uniqueness, non-duplication of services, and organizational capacity to fulfill the proposal. The application review process spans from late February through early April and involves both internal and community reviewers. The performance period and reporting requirements will be outlined in the award letters, with final reports required upon project completion. OICF retains the right to request interim reporting and to revoke funds if discriminatory practices are identified or if funds are not used as proposed. Following the grant campaign, checks and donor lists will be distributed to grantees by May 27. This timing ensures prompt deployment of funds and transparency for donor relations. GiveOrcas continues to foster a philanthropic culture rooted in local investment, equity, and sustainability. By highlighting initiatives that directly serve the Orcas Island community and leveraging the power of local engagement, OICF’s GiveOrcas grant program empowers both donors and doers to shape the island’s collective future.

Organizations that market effectively and involve the community in their campaign see stronger fundraising outcomes.