News and Press
Read updates below, help fellow Oregonians by contributing to COVID or wildfire relief, or use our streamlined grant application process to apply for funding.
Press inquiries: visit our Press Room or contact press@oregoncf.org.
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
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
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.
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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
Year-End Giving Opportunities and How OCF Can Help
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Hate and Violence Have No Place with OCF
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.
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
Meeting the Moment, Together
By: Max Williams
President and CEO
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,
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.
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
Project Turnkey to Deliver Immediate Shelter and Permanent Housing for 1,000 Oregonians
Homelessness and Housing
Crises, Response and a Look Forward: 2020 in Review
By: Max Williams
President and CEO
OCF Announces 2021 Priorities Aimed at Building Stronger, More Equitable Communities Throughout Oregon
OCF focuses investments on critical systems and infrastructure needed to support Oregon communities for years to come.
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
Nurturing Resilience and Hope in Trying Times: A Conversation with Joe McFerrin II, President & CEO of POIC + RAHS
Education,
Economic and Community Vitality
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
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
Oregon Arts and Culture Relief Update
By: Jerry Tischleder
Senior Program Officer, Arts and Culture
Arts & Culture,
Emergency Response
August 2020 Board Retreat: Reflection and a Look Ahead
By: Max Williams
President and CEO
During moments of significant change, it’s important to reflect on what we’ve learned and simultaneously assess and prepare for the long term. That’s just what we did at the OCF Board of Directors retreat in August.
Health and Well-being,
Economic and Community Vitality,
Emergency Response
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Oregon’s COVID-19 Community Response: What We’ve Learned and Where We’re Headed
By: Max Williams
President and CEO
During any moment of significant change, it’s important to reflect on what we’ve learned and simultaneously assess and prepare for the long-term.
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
Oregon Community Foundation Announces Accelerate Northwest Fund
Accelerate Northwest Fund pledges $1 million to support Pacific Northwest communities.
Economic and Community Vitality
OCF PSA Begins Airing Statewide
Thanks to a generous donation of air time from Comcast, viewers across Oregon will see this new TV spot narrated by OCF President and CEO Max Williams, celebrating the community spirit of Oregon in this challenging time.
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
OCF Hosts Town Hall to Share COVID Support for Small Businesses
To help businesses weather this storm, Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) established the Small Business Stabilization Fund.
Economic and Community Vitality
See Where COVID Funds Are Already Going to Work
Here’s a look at seven Oregon nonprofit organizations responding to community needs with recent OCF grants – just a sampling of the important work happening around our state.
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
Town Hall With OCF Volunteers Sheds Insights on Local Needs
Leadership council members, board members and committee members—all OCF volunteers—participated in a virtual town hall meeting and provided input about their community needs in responding to the Coronavirus outbreak.
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.
Update from the Community Impact Department
We recognize that Oregon nonprofits face pressing questions about financial sustainability during these uncertain times. We at OCF are activating a plan to direct flexible funding to where it’s needed most. Check this page daily for updates.
Taking Steps to Slow the Spread of COVID-19
As community supporters, we believe our primary role and responsibility is to ensure community members are cared for during this time of uncertainty. We are taking steps to limit the spread of disease in our physical spaces and directing support to nonpro
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
We remain in close collaboration with our regional funding partners, our statewide network of community leaders and nonprofit partners to ensure we’re ready and available to mobilize resources, support and communications where and when they are most neede
Scholarships Bring Dreams to Life
Education
A Look at Oregonians ‘Walking the Tightrope’
Homelessness and Housing
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.
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.
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
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.
A Look Ahead to 2020
By: Sonia Worcel
Chief Community Impact Officer
We’re looking under the surface to learn more about what’s really going on in communities.
Education,
Health and Well-being,
Economic and Community Vitality,
Homelessness and Housing
Reflections and Gratitude: Leaders Depart OCF
This year we say a fond farewell to two extraordinary OCF leaders, Kathleen Cornett and Johanna Theoresz.
Oregon Community Foundation Announces $10 Million in Statewide Grants and $11.5M in Scholarship Awards
The foundation’s Fall grant cycle includes funds directed toward helping Oregonians struggling with housing and homelessness
Education,
Health and Well-being,
Arts & Culture,
Economic and Community Vitality,
Community Engagement,
Homelessness and Housing,
Land and Nature
Oregon Sees Gains in Charitable Giving, With Growing Support for Housing, Environmental Quality
Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) today released its Giving in Oregon 2019 report, showing an 8% increase in charitable giving across all income levels in 2017
Education,
Homelessness and Housing,
Land and Nature
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
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
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
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
Philanthropy’s Unique Approach Amplifies Impact
Source: Oregon Business
Oregon Community Foundation’s expert research and local networks are key ingredients of community-focused giving.
Closing the Graduation Gap for Oregon’s Latinx Students
Oregon educators received some encouraging news about graduation rates, particularly for historically underserved students in Oregon, and most notably for Oregon’s Latinx students.
Education
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.
Report: Homelessness and Affordable Housing is Statewide Crisis
Solutions to inadequate housing supply, rising rents, a lack of public services and shelter space must be approached collaboratively by public, private, non-profit and philanthropic sectors
Homelessness and Housing
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
New Initiative Protects Natural Strongholds That Can Withstand Climate Change
The Land Trust Alliance, a national land conservation organization working to save places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America, joined Oregon Community Foundation, Seattle Foundation and Idaho Community Foundation.
Land and Nature
How Data Can Lead Toward Long-term Solutions for Oregon’s Housing Crisis
e 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
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
When Oregon Businesses Get Involved, No Child is Left Behind and the State Prospers
By: Sonia Worcel
Chief Community Impact Officer
When children lack access to opportunity, these gaps widen over an Oregonian’s lifetime — with serious implications for our economy and well-being.
Education,
Economic and Community Vitality
Trying Times for a Relentless Optimist
By: Max Williams
President and CEO
Too much time is spent on laying blame for societal ills at the feet of so-called "philanthro-capitalists" like Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg. This may give short-term comfort to frustrated activists and book promoters. But the commentary is misguided and
Health and Well-being,
Arts & Culture
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
After a Decade of Leadership, Max Williams Will Depart from Oregon Community Foundation
Oregonians Can Do Hard Things
At the close of 2021, President and CEO Max Williams shares his perspective on the past 12 months and what he wants to achieve before he transitions out of his role in 2022.
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
Volunteers Needed to Help Oregon Families Connect to Life-stabilizing Benefits
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