Community Grants: Responding to Community Needs
For 25 years, and with strong support from donors, the OCF Community Grants program has invested in community livability and vitality by listening and responding to the people closest to the problems we’re working to address.
As the state has evolved and grown, so too has the complexity of issues facing so many Oregonians. Compounding these challenges is a history of systems that have not benefited everyone equitably. OCF recognizes this reality, and the 2023 Community Grants program will continue to provide flexible funding for nonprofits addressing the pressing needs of communities across Oregon, informed by the voices of people who know their communities best.
The relationships we're building across the state will only help our grantmaking improve.
Throughout the last couple of years, we’ve spent time with so many nonprofits – understanding how flexibility, clear priorities, and adaptable funding sources can better support the need of Oregon's most diverse communities. Oregon’s nonprofits exemplify the hope, strength and opportunity that is making our state better, from supporting music and art programs for Native youth to promoting STEM education for young women; offering entrepreneurial internships for rural high school students and providing culturally responsive instruction and mentoring support for Black youth.
These are just a few of the thousands of ways Oregonians are helping Oregonians. Our needs are great, but so is a willingness to work together to advance opportunities for our neighbors to thrive.