Contributions Help Make Housing Happen

1. Annual Support: Each year more than 30% of OPAL’s financial support, or an average of $350,000, comes from individuals. In recent years about 15% of the island’s 3,100 households have contributed to help OPAL implement its programs. Most contributors are members, but some people prefer to support us without joining.

2. In-kind Contributions: In addition to financial support, OPAL welcomes in-kind contributions, such as office supplies and equipment, event materials, building supplies and services, and landscaping materials. Please contact us about our current needs or let us know if you have something specific you would like to contribute.

3. Legacy Giving: OPAL’s mission is perpetual. In recognition of this, the trustees are active in the island-wide effort to “Endow Orcas” and have established two restricted funds:

1. Stewardship Endowment (goal for 2020: $3,000,000). Income from this endowment will help pay for costs to provide technical advice for residents who maintain the houses that they own; administrative support for the neighborhood associations; facilitating the re-sale, purchase and financing of homes; advocating for policies and practices that assure these homes remain permanently affordable; and managing rental properties.
2. Development Seed Fund (goal for 2020: $1,000,000). As land prices on the island have continued to rise, it has become harder and harder for OPAL to purchase land suitable to support OPAL’s development mission: building new affordable housing. In particular, it is hard to respond quickly to land-purchase options. A development fund will allow more nimble response.

Another way to make a gift to OPAL sooner rather than later is through something that we call a “Living Legacy”. OPAL receives gifts of land or houses that are either directly suitable for OPAL housing, or can be sold to generate cash for future development. The donor receives a tax benefit–sometimes even an income stream–from the gift, and OPAL receives property that can be converted to perpetual affordable housing on the island. A win for everyone!

To learn more, view our Legacy Giving brochure.

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To contribute, please Contact Us, or click the button to link to Network for Good: