Oregon Community Foundation to Open New Office in Eastern Oregon

Expansion to Baker City Reflects Commitment to Rural Communities

BAKER CITY, Ore. — Oregon Community Foundation is expanding its presence in Eastern Oregon with a new regional office in Baker City, deepening its long-term commitment to Oregon’s rural communities. 

The new office reflects OCF’s belief that regional partnerships matter — especially in communities where distance, geography and lack of resources can be barriers to opportunity. By opening a hub in Eastern Oregon, the foundation aims to better connect with partners, respond more directly to community needs and amplify the region’s strengths. 

“We know that thriving communities begin with local voices and shared vision,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. “Opening a regional office in Baker City brings us closer to the people and places we serve in this region so that we can deepen our partnerships together.”

Local Partners Welcome Announcement

OCF leaders and staff on a guided tour in Baker City

The Baker City office is the latest example of OCF’s regional approach. It builds on decades of rural partnerships and collaborative initiatives with fellow funders such as The Ford Family Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust, The Roundhouse Foundation and The Collins Foundation. In Baker City, OCF has partnered closely with the Leo Adler Foundation. 

“The Leo Adler Foundation board is thrilled Baker City was selected as a hub for their Eastern Oregon outreach,” said Carrie Folkman, Chairperson of the Leo Adler Foundation, which is based in Baker City and supports nonprofits in the region. “We look forward to the partnerships, collaboration and awareness this will bring to our rural communities.” 

Baker County farmland

For more than 50 years, OCF has helped donors make meaningful contributions to communities across Oregon. The foundation has prioritized funding in rural areas through its Community Grants program and partnered to address shared challenges such as housing, education and economic opportunity. 

“OCF is a remarkable partner for the Oregon nonprofit sector and is one of the largest community foundations in the country,” said Ginger Savage, Executive Director of Crossroads Carnegie Art Center and Board Member of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon. “I can think of no better place to have this regional office than Baker County. Welcome to Baker City!” 

Hiring and Community Events Coming Soon

As OCF works to finalize a location for the new office in Baker City, the foundation plans to hire staff locally later this year to support outreach and engagement across eight counties in Eastern Oregon. The goal is to create a shared space for community partners and other funders that will continue reflecting the foundation’s statewide mission.  

“This is more than an office,” said Maurizio Valerio, Senior Field Coordinator for The Ford Family Foundation. “It is a philanthropy hub — that we have been building towards for many years — with OCF as its anchor, bringing multiple funders under one roof to encourage a deeper level of connection and a more efficient way of serving our community.”

More details, including job opportunities and future community events, will be announced in the coming months.