News and Press

Sharing the latest news about OCF, our work and impact. Press inquiries: visit our Press Room or contact press@oregoncf.org.

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A Time of Impact and Transition: 2022 in Review 

By: Lisa Mensah
President and CEO
Announcement
November 30, 2022

OCF's ‘Go Kids’ Initiative Surpasses $2M in Funding for Oregon’s Underserved Children and Families

Announcement
August 09, 2022

OCF Issues $8.7 Million in Community Grants, Prioritizing Historically Underserved Communities

OCF announced today it is awarding over $8.7 million in new community grants including $2.4 million in donor funds to directly support community grant requests from 371 nonprofit organizations throughout the state.

Education,
Health and Well-being,
Arts & Culture,
Economic and Community Vitality,
Homelessness and Housing,
Land and Nature
Announcement
June 28, 2022

OCF Taps Nationally Recognized Community Development Finance Leader as Next CEO

Lisa Mensah returns home and brings a background in rural development and economic justice to OCF as she steps into chief executive role

Announcement
November 15, 2022

OCF Invests in Thriving Entrepreneurs with $600,000 in Funding to Advance Economic Vitality in Oregon

Announcement
May 11, 2022

OCF Reinvests to Help Further Positive Impact of Black Student Success Initiative

Dozens of culturally led organizations foster and lift up Black youth, to promote educational equality and Black Student Success across Oregon.

Education
Announcement
May 06, 2022

OCF Community Reunited at the 2022 Annual Meeting

After a two-year hiatus, OCF friends joined the annual meeting, reconnected and found inspiration in keynotes Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu and Ron Suskind.

Announcement
May 24, 2022

Donor Giving Group at OCF Surpasses $500K in Investment in Oregon and Pacific Northwest Climate Action Work

'Climate Change & Healthy Habitats’ will support 16 Climate Action/Environmental Justice Groups with $216,500 in new funding

Land and Nature

So Long, 2022: Important Charitable Tax Planning Reminders as the Year Winds Down

You may be planning to contribute to your existing OCF fund, or one of OCF’s pooled funds, or you may be considering establishing a new fund. We want you to know that it is a very simple process to create an OCF fund to support causes you care about, whet

Announcement
August 11, 2022

OCF Invests $1 Million in Visionary Arts and Culture Projects Through 2022 Creative Heights Initiative

Arts & Culture
Announcement
December 15, 2021

More than $1 Million in New Arts Funding Supports Nonprofits and Tribal Art Programs

Oregon Community Foundation’s Arts and Culture Recovery Fund grants catalyze a generous arts funding gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

Arts & Culture
Announcement
November 16, 2021

Oregon Community Foundation Launches Thriving Entrepreneurs Fund with $580,000 Investment

OCF grants to 28 Oregon-based nonprofits will provide coaching, mentoring, technical support and training to entrepreneurs who aim to grow companies and contribute to Oregon’s economic vitality.

Economic and Community Vitality
Announcement
October 19, 2021

Oregon’s Project Turnkey: Bold Action and Collaboration

By: Megan Loeb
Senior Program Officer, Economic Vitality and Housing

Community leaders, government agencies, philanthropy invest in innovative housing solutions for long term stability.

Health and Well-being,
Economic and Community Vitality,
Emergency Response
Announcement
October 06, 2021

After a Decade of Leadership, Max Williams Will Depart from Oregon Community Foundation

OCF announced today that Max Williams will transition out of his role as President and CEO of Oregon’s largest community foundation after a decade of leadership.

Announcement
August 19, 2021

OCF Invests Nearly $1 Million in Oregon Arts and Culture Projects Through 2021 Creative Heights Initiative

OCF’s 2021 Creative Heights initiative aims to increase cultural visibility and vitality in the state through unique opportunities for Oregonians to experience innovative arts and culture.

Arts & Culture
Announcement
August 11, 2021

Nearly $4.7 Million Deployed for Long-Term Rebuilding of Communities Impacted by 2020 Fires in Oregon

The 2020 Community Rebuilding Fund is distributing millions of philanthropic dollars to fire affected communities for their rebuilding efforts.

Health and Well-being,
Economic and Community Vitality,
Emergency Response
Announcement
July 08, 2021

Oregon Community Foundation Wraps Up Project Turnkey, Adding Nearly 900 Units of Emergency Housing

Oregon Community Foundation announced today that
Project Turnkey, for which the foundation has served as the administrator and fiduciary, successfully
wrapped up on deadline with 19 total properties throughout 13 Oregon counties, adding nearly 900
beds

Homelessness and Housing
Announcement
June 15, 2021

Oregon Arts Benefit Big from Major Gift from MacKenzie Scott

Artists and arts organizations in Oregon will receive much-needed funding thanks to a $4 million gift from Pacific Northwest philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

Arts & Culture
Announcement
May 06, 2021

Dee Anne Everson Joins OCF Board of Directors

The Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Jackson County, Dee Anne Everson, joins the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Announcement
April 28, 2021

OCF to Grant $41.2 Million of State Funds for Summer Academic and Enrichment Programs

Program designed to address learning inequities with Oregon children and families

Education,
Health and Well-being
Announcement
February 04, 2021

Oregon’s Project Turnkey Reaches Milestone

$4.2 Million grant aids first motel purchase to shelter community members displaced and impacted by COVID-19, wildfires.

Opinion
January 15, 2021

Meeting the Moment, Together

Although I never would have imagined the events at the Capitol happening in my lifetime, I have faith in our democratic institutions, the rule of law and the underlying commitment of the vast majority of Americans who believe, despite its imperfections,

Announcement
February 26, 2021

Oregon’s Project Turnkey Gains Momentum

$11.4 million in additional grants brings three more motel properties online to provide lodging for displaced community members.

Announcement
March 10, 2021

Project Turnkey Gains More Steam, Creating Diverse Geographic Footprint of Safe Shelter for Displaced Oregonians

$5.6 million in latest grant awards in Klamath, Medford and Pendleton brings total motel property count to seven and provides safe lodging for hundreds of people.

Health and Well-being,
Economic and Community Vitality,
Homelessness and Housing
Announcement
December 03, 2020

Project Turnkey to Deliver Immediate Shelter and Permanent Housing for 1,000 Oregonians 

Homelessness and Housing
October 19, 2020

State of the State: Where Do We Stand and Where Are We Headed?

Presented by John Tapogna, president and CEO of ECONorthwest,at the 2020 OCF Leaders Gathering on Oct.19, 2020.

Health and Well-being,
Economic and Community Vitality
October 15, 2020

Nurturing Resilience and Hope in Trying Times: A Conversation with Joe McFerrin II, President & CEO of POIC + RAHS

Education,
Economic and Community Vitality
Announcement
September 28, 2020

Foundations, Businesses, Individuals Commit $5 Million to Oregon Wildfire Recovery

Newly-launched fund has grown to $5 million in just one week, thanks to corporate support; seed funding from Oregon’s three largest foundations and contributions from thousands of individuals.

Economic and Community Vitality,
Community Engagement,
Land and Nature,
Emergency Response
Announcement
September 28, 2020

Oregon Community Foundation Announces Grants and Initiatives with Black-Led Organizations

Grant funding will support Elevate Oregon, Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center and Rosemary Anderson High School (POIC+RAHS) and REAP in efforts to advance racial equity, focusing on children and youth.

Education,
Economic and Community Vitality
Announcement
September 15, 2020

Oregon Arts and Culture Relief Update

By: Jerry Tischleder
Senior Program Officer, Arts and Culture
Arts & Culture,
Emergency Response
OCF in the News
August 14, 2020

A Way to Help Provide Safe, Healthy Housing

Source: Statesman Journal

To truly recover from the pandemic, every Oregonian needs safe, healthy housing. With Project Turnkey, we can turn the tide.

Homelessness and Housing,
Emergency Response
Announcement
July 08, 2020

Stabilizing Oregon’s Vulnerable Arts and Culture Sector

By: Jerry Tischleder
Senior Program Officer, Arts and Culture

In April, OCF and partner funders announced the Oregon Arts & Culture Recovery Program.

Arts & Culture,
Emergency Response
Announcement
June 08, 2020

Mt. Bachelor Strengthens Support of Local Community with Launch of Play it Forward Fund

Play It Forward Expands Resort’s Play Forever Corporate Responsibility Commitment, Immediate Focus is COVID-19 Pandemic Relief

Emergency Response
Announcement
June 05, 2020

Oregon Black Student Success Community Network Addresses Educational Inequity

By: S. Renee Mitchell
• Creative Revolutionist, 2019 Spirit of Portland Award winner

In an era of uncertainty, fear and economic disparity because of COVID-19, the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative focused on raising hope and possibilities for Black students.

Education
Announcement
June 05, 2020

New Grants Work for Equity in Latino Education

By: Mirna Loreli Cibrian
Program Officer, Latino Partnership Program

In 2020, OCF’ identified six organizations across the state to apply for funding through the Latino Student Community Engagement Grants program. Awarded organizations have strong track records in engaging Latino parents and families and they demonstrate t

Education
Announcement
June 01, 2020

Standing Against Racism and Supporting Change

We are grieving with our communities over the senseless death of George Floyd and so many other black and brown people who have experienced similar racially-motivated injustices. 

Community Engagement
Announcement
May 15, 2020

Community Grant Program Responds and Adapts to COVID

By: Niyati Desai
Director of Community Engagement

For fall 2020, resources that had previously supported our long-standing Community Grant Program will be redirected to the Oregon Community Recovery Fund.

Emergency Response

Organizations Working on Racial Justice Issues

Consider supporting these organizations in Oregon working on restorative justice, law enforcement reform and anti-racist initiatives

Announcement
May 05, 2020

Oregon Community Foundation Announces Accelerate Northwest Fund

Accelerate Northwest Fund pledges $1 million to support Pacific Northwest communities.

Economic and Community Vitality
Announcement
April 20, 2020

Grantmakers Announce New Relief Fund for Oregon Arts Organizations

Now, a collaborative group of funders is ramping up an ambitious effort to help organizations and artists in need. To date, $1.3 million in pooled resources is dedicated to the Oregon Arts and Culture Recovery Program

Arts & Culture
Announcement
March 26, 2020

Philanthropy Acts Fast to Support Oregon Nonprofits and Small Businesses

First round of grants from Oregon Community Recovery Fund: $2M statewide to community action organizations on front lines of COVID-19.

Health and Well-being,
Economic and Community Vitality
Announcement
March 18, 2020

Nike Founders, Executives and Nike Foundation Contribute $3 Million to Oregon Community Foundation Recovery Fund

Nike co-founder Phil Knight and wife Penny Knight, Executive Chairman Mark Parker and wife Kathy and CEO John Donahoe and wife Eileen will personally give $2 million to the Oregon Community Foundation Recovery Fund.

Announcement
February 14, 2020

Rallying to Support Communities Impacted by Flooding

While residents assess the damage, Oregon Community Foundation is deploying $100,000 in grants to support the communities most impacted by flooding, and you can help, too.

Announcement
February 03, 2020

OCF Evolves to Serve You

By: Kirsten Kilchenstein
Chief Philanthropy Officer

In the interest in making your giving effective, easy, and enjoyable, OCF recently combined our Development and Donor Relations branches to form the new Philanthropic Services Department.

Announcement
February 01, 2020

Taking Our Dental Health Message to the Capitol

OCF formed a coalition and drafted a bill to make sure oral health is a priority for healthcare and education leaders statewide

Health and Well-being
Announcement
January 30, 2020

New Analysis Highlights Disparities in Oregon Kids’ Access to Preventive Oral Health Services

Healthy Teeth, Bright Futures introduces bipartisan policy solution to address gaps in care, strengthen dental programs in Oregon schools.

Health and Well-being
Announcement
January 16, 2020

Let’s Talk Gender Inclusiveness and Pronouns!

OCF’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion includes fostering a gender inclusive workplace and using language that individuals and communities use to describe themselves, including gender inclusive pronouns.

Announcement
September 30, 2019

Oregon Community Foundation Will Receive $75M from Ann & Bill Swindells Charitable Trust

Assets transferred to the foundation will support work addressing barriers to education, health and economic prosperity faced by Oregon children and families

Education,
Health and Well-being,
Economic and Community Vitality
Announcement
September 12, 2019

Oregon Community Foundation Announces $500,000 Investment to Improve Access to Child Care in Oregon's South Coast

Pointing to a significant shortage of quality, affordable child care in rural Coos and Curry Counties, OCF aims to improve access for families who need it the most.

Health and Well-being,
Economic and Community Vitality
Announcement
July 26, 2019

Donors Join OCF to Quickly Fund Solutions to Warm Springs Water Crisis

Donors joined OCF in awarding funds to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs after a recent water main break rendered water undrinkable.

Health and Well-being
Announcement
May 02, 2019

Announcing the Fields Artist Fellows

Oregon Community Foundation and Oregon Humanities announced recipients of the inaugural Fields Artist Fellowship today, a program designed to support emerging to mid-career Oregon-based artists.

Announcement
January 17, 2019

Report Shows Oregon More Supportive of New Company Formation

Data shows a clear increase in the value of equity investments and the number of transactions throughout Oregon

Economic and Community Vitality
February 01, 2019

How Data Can Lead Toward Long-term Solutions for Oregon’s Housing Crisis

We will identify ways philanthropy can leverage important investments and government policy decisions to increase housing production more quickly and improve housing conditions for children and families.

Health and Well-being,
Homelessness and Housing
OCF in the News
July 07, 2019

Special Olympics of Oregon Survives Financial Crisis

Source: The Oregonian

Special Olympics did not fade away thanks to a new management team that refused to give up -- and the unexpected kindness of deep-pocketed strangers.

Health and Well-being
Announcement
January 27, 2023

Latino Partnership Program Welcomes New Council Members Joshua Romero and Martha Sonato

Community Engagement

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