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Local People, Local Solutions: Oregon Community Foundation Awards $5.3 Million To Oregon Nonprofits (Photo) - 11/09/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

November 9, 2026

 

Contact: Paige Parker

Public Relations Manager

[email protected]

 

 

Local People, Local Solutions: Oregon Community Foundation Awards $5.3 Million to Oregon Nonprofits

 

Community Grants support 259 organizations serving communities across Oregon

  

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Community Foundation is investing more than $5.3 million in 259 organizations through its Community Grants program. The funding supports nonprofits serving all 36 counties of Oregon.

 

Behind each grant from the statewide funder are people stepping forward to meet local needs and opportunities. They launch new ideas, strengthen local institutions, care for their neighbors and create possibilities for the future.

 

The Fall 2026 Community Grants support a wide range of causes Oregonians care about: arts and culture, economic vitality, a healthy environment, housing, education and culturally responsive work. Community Grants is Oregon Community Foundation's broadest competitive grant program and often serves as an entry point to philanthropy for nonprofits seeking support from foundations.

 

Community engagement is a cornerstone of the program. This cycle, 67 volunteer community reviewers from across the state worked alongside Oregon Community Foundation staff to evaluate applications and help inform recommendations. 

  

“The Community Grants Program works best when local voices are part of the decision-making process,” said Rachel Alm, Senior Program Officer, Community Grants, based in OCF’s Bend office. “Volunteer reviewers from across Oregon bring local knowledge, lived experience and a deep understanding of their communities. Their insights help ensure these investments reflect the priorities, strengths and opportunities that matter most where people live.”

 

For nearly three decades, Community Grants have supported nonprofit organizations serving communities in all 36 counties of Oregon. The program continues to prioritize organizations serving people and communities that have historically experienced significant bias, discrimination or underinvestment.  

  

“There is so much need in the communities we serve,” said Amy Drake, Senior Program Officer, Community Grants, based in OCF’s Medford office. “These nonprofits are trusted local partners doing important work. We encourage anyone inspired by their efforts to support a nonprofit they care about, whether through Oregon Community Foundation or by giving directly to organizations making a difference close to home.”

  

On top of the funding from this specific program, Oregon Community Foundation donors are helping expand the impact by recommending more than $1 million in additional grants to organizations that applied during this year's Fall Community Grants cycle, helping more local solutions take root in communities across Oregon.

 

Community Grants is also supported by OCF's Stronger Together Fund, a collective giving fund that allows anyone to join with other donors to support community-led solutions across Oregon.

 

The complete list of Fall 2026 Community Grants recipients is available here.  

 

Applications for the 2027 Spring Cycle of OCF's Community Grants Program will be accepted November 17 through December 15, 2026. Additional information about eligibility, funding priorities and application requirements is now available on the Community Grants webpage.

 

 

Fast Facts: Fall 2026 Community Grants  

  • 259 grants awarded  

  • More than $5.3 million invested in Oregon communities  

  • 67 volunteer community reviewers  

  • Organizations serving communities in all 36 counties of Oregon  

  • Funding for arts and culture, economic vitality, healthy environment, housing, education, culturally responsive work and emerging opportunities

 

Community Grants Across Oregon

 

Across Oregon, Community Grants support local organizations responding to the needs and opportunities they see in their communities. This year's grants include support for: 

 

Portland Metro

  • Black Oregon Land Trust in Corbett: Launching an incubator farm program for emerging farmers. 

  • Camp Starlight Commission in Portland: Expanding summer programming for LGBTQ+ youth. 

  • Islamic Social Services of Oregon State in Portland: Expanding driving lessons, skills development and peer support for immigrant and refugee women. 

  • College Housing Northwest in Portland: Expanding support services for low-income students. 

  • DAWN Inc. in Hillsboro: Building community and belonging for Ukrainians affected by war and displacement. 

 

Northern Oregon Coast 

 

  • Providence Seaside Hospital Foundation: Expanding transportation and treatment support for people with substance use disorders. 

  • Conexión Fénix in Otis: Expanding its community support model for Latino families on the North Coast. 

  • LiFEBoat Services in Astoria: Strengthening wraparound services for people navigating addiction, mental health challenges and housing instability. 

 

Southern Oregon Coast

 

  • Southern Oregon Coast Pride in Coos Bay: Supporting educational workshops and creating a community care directory. 

  • Coos Watershed Association: Expanding outdoor education and recreation opportunities for adults with limited mobility and families with young children. 

  • Bandon Food and Flourish: Expanding community support services through its CARE coordinator program. 

 

Northern Willamette Valley

 

  • Shangri-La Corporation in Salem: Providing dental care for low-income residents. 

  • Compass Perinatal Family & Community Support in Keizer: Strengthening the regional doula workforce. 

  • Traveling Light Foundation in McMinnville: Upgrading an outdoor sensory space for students with disabilities. 

 

Southern Willamette Valley

 

  • Community Festival Association in Oakridge: Supporting construction of a community garden. 

  • City of Harrisburg: Creating an outdoor fitness area at Eagle Park. 

  • NextStep Recycling in Eugene: Expanding workforce training, digital skills development and technology access. 

 

Southern Oregon

 

  • Maslow Project in Medford: Increasing food storage capacity to better serve vulnerable youth and families. 

  • Ashland Family YMCA: Launching an early childhood education program at Orchard Hill Elementary School. 

  • Illinois Valley Family Coalition in Cave Junction: Expanding access to community services through a new coordinator position. 

 

Central Oregon

 

  • Upper Deschutes Watershed Council in Bend: Expanding environmental education opportunities for students in Sunriver and La Pine. 

  • Dufur School District: Building a new playground for students and families. 

  • Papalaxsimisha in Warm Springs: Expanding Native American Student Union programming. 

 

Eastern Oregon

 

  • Fishtrap in Enterprise: Expanding theater programming for children and families in Union and Wallowa counties. 

  • High Desert Partnership in Burns: Strengthening community-building efforts across Harney County. 

  • Made to Thrive in Hermiston: Expanding opportunities for play and recreation for children and youth in Morrow and Umatilla counties. 

  

About Oregon Community Foundation

 

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. Each year, OCF distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships in every county in Oregon in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. Learn more at oregoncf.org.

###

Attached Media Files: Local People Local Solutions - Oregon Community Foundation Awards $5.3 Million to Oregon Nonprofits.pdf, Fall 2026 Community Grants List.pdf, Ashland Family YMCA 2 Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpeg, Ashland Family YMCA Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpeg, Bandon Food and Flourish Courtey of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, College Housing Northwest Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, Coos Watershed Association Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation (1).jpg, Coos Watershed Association Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation 2.jpg, DAWN Inc. Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, Fishtrap Sleepy Hollow Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpeg, Harney Oregon Mural High Desert Partnership Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, LiFEBoat meal delivery to Day Shelter Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, LiFEBoat Peer Training Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, OSBHA Conference Southern Oregon Coast Pride Courtey of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, Southern Oregon Coast Pride Wall of Affirmation Bricks Courtey of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, Upper Deschutes Watershed Counil Field Work 2 Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, Upper Deschutes Watershed Counil Field Work Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, Quote Sheet Fall 26 Community Grants.pdf,

Local People, Local Solutions: Oregon Community Foundation Awards $5.3 Million To Oregon Nonprofits (Photo) - 11/09/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

November 9, 2026

 

Contact: Paige Parker

Public Relations Manager

[email protected]

 

 

Local People, Local Solutions: Oregon Community Foundation Awards $5.3 Million to Oregon Nonprofits

 

Community Grants support 259 organizations serving communities across Oregon

  

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Community Foundation is investing more than $5.3 million in 259 organizations through its Community Grants program. The funding supports nonprofits serving all 36 counties of Oregon.

 

Behind each grant from the statewide funder are people stepping forward to meet local needs and opportunities. They launch new ideas, strengthen local institutions, care for their neighbors and create possibilities for the future.

 

The Fall 2026 Community Grants support a wide range of causes Oregonians care about: arts and culture, economic vitality, a healthy environment, housing, education and culturally responsive work. Community Grants is Oregon Community Foundation's broadest competitive grant program and often serves as an entry point to philanthropy for nonprofits seeking support from foundations.

 

Community engagement is a cornerstone of the program. This cycle, 67 volunteer community reviewers from across the state worked alongside Oregon Community Foundation staff to evaluate applications and help inform recommendations. 

  

“The Community Grants Program works best when local voices are part of the decision-making process,” said Rachel Alm, Senior Program Officer, Community Grants, based in OCF’s Bend office. “Volunteer reviewers from across Oregon bring local knowledge, lived experience and a deep understanding of their communities. Their insights help ensure these investments reflect the priorities, strengths and opportunities that matter most where people live.”

 

For nearly three decades, Community Grants have supported nonprofit organizations serving communities in all 36 counties of Oregon. The program continues to prioritize organizations serving people and communities that have historically experienced significant bias, discrimination or underinvestment.  

  

“There is so much need in the communities we serve,” said Amy Drake, Senior Program Officer, Community Grants, based in OCF’s Medford office. “These nonprofits are trusted local partners doing important work. We encourage anyone inspired by their efforts to support a nonprofit they care about, whether through Oregon Community Foundation or by giving directly to organizations making a difference close to home.”

  

On top of the funding from this specific program, Oregon Community Foundation donors are helping expand the impact by recommending more than $1 million in additional grants to organizations that applied during this year's Fall Community Grants cycle, helping more local solutions take root in communities across Oregon.

 

Community Grants is also supported by OCF's Stronger Together Fund, a collective giving fund that allows anyone to join with other donors to support community-led solutions across Oregon.

 

The complete list of Fall 2026 Community Grants recipients is available here.  

 

Applications for the 2027 Spring Cycle of OCF's Community Grants Program will be accepted November 17 through December 15, 2026. Additional information about eligibility, funding priorities and application requirements is now available on the Community Grants webpage.

 

 

Fast Facts: Fall 2026 Community Grants  

  • 259 grants awarded  

  • More than $5.3 million invested in Oregon communities  

  • 67 volunteer community reviewers  

  • Organizations serving communities in all 36 counties of Oregon  

  • Funding for arts and culture, economic vitality, healthy environment, housing, education, culturally responsive work and emerging opportunities

 

Community Grants Across Oregon

 

Across Oregon, Community Grants support local organizations responding to the needs and opportunities they see in their communities. This year's grants include support for: 

 

Portland Metro

  • Black Oregon Land Trust in Corbett: Launching an incubator farm program for emerging farmers. 

  • Camp Starlight Commission in Portland: Expanding summer programming for LGBTQ+ youth. 

  • Islamic Social Services of Oregon State in Portland: Expanding driving lessons, skills development and peer support for immigrant and refugee women. 

  • College Housing Northwest in Portland: Expanding support services for low-income students. 

  • DAWN Inc. in Hillsboro: Building community and belonging for Ukrainians affected by war and displacement. 

 

Northern Oregon Coast 

 

  • Providence Seaside Hospital Foundation: Expanding transportation and treatment support for people with substance use disorders. 

  • Conexión Fénix in Otis: Expanding its community support model for Latino families on the North Coast. 

  • LiFEBoat Services in Astoria: Strengthening wraparound services for people navigating addiction, mental health challenges and housing instability. 

 

Southern Oregon Coast

 

  • Southern Oregon Coast Pride in Coos Bay: Supporting educational workshops and creating a community care directory. 

  • Coos Watershed Association: Expanding outdoor education and recreation opportunities for adults with limited mobility and families with young children. 

  • Bandon Food and Flourish: Expanding community support services through its CARE coordinator program. 

 

Northern Willamette Valley

 

  • Shangri-La Corporation in Salem: Providing dental care for low-income residents. 

  • Compass Perinatal Family & Community Support in Keizer: Strengthening the regional doula workforce. 

  • Traveling Light Foundation in McMinnville: Upgrading an outdoor sensory space for students with disabilities. 

 

Southern Willamette Valley

 

  • Community Festival Association in Oakridge: Supporting construction of a community garden. 

  • City of Harrisburg: Creating an outdoor fitness area at Eagle Park. 

  • NextStep Recycling in Eugene: Expanding workforce training, digital skills development and technology access. 

 

Southern Oregon

 

  • Maslow Project in Medford: Increasing food storage capacity to better serve vulnerable youth and families. 

  • Ashland Family YMCA: Launching an early childhood education program at Orchard Hill Elementary School. 

  • Illinois Valley Family Coalition in Cave Junction: Expanding access to community services through a new coordinator position. 

 

Central Oregon

 

  • Upper Deschutes Watershed Council in Bend: Expanding environmental education opportunities for students in Sunriver and La Pine. 

  • Dufur School District: Building a new playground for students and families. 

  • Papalaxsimisha in Warm Springs: Expanding Native American Student Union programming. 

 

Eastern Oregon

 

  • Fishtrap in Enterprise: Expanding theater programming for children and families in Union and Wallowa counties. 

  • High Desert Partnership in Burns: Strengthening community-building efforts across Harney County. 

  • Made to Thrive in Hermiston: Expanding opportunities for play and recreation for children and youth in Morrow and Umatilla counties. 

  

About Oregon Community Foundation

 

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. Each year, OCF distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships in every county in Oregon in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. Learn more at oregoncf.org.

###

Attached Media Files: Local People Local Solutions - Oregon Community Foundation Awards $5.3 Million to Oregon Nonprofits.pdf, Fall 2026 Community Grants List.pdf, Ashland Family YMCA 2 Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpeg, Ashland Family YMCA Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpeg, Bandon Food and Flourish Courtey of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, College Housing Northwest Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, Coos Watershed Association Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation (1).jpg, Coos Watershed Association Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation 2.jpg, DAWN Inc. Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, Fishtrap Sleepy Hollow Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpeg, Harney Oregon Mural High Desert Partnership Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, LiFEBoat meal delivery to Day Shelter Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, LiFEBoat Peer Training Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, OSBHA Conference Southern Oregon Coast Pride Courtey of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, Southern Oregon Coast Pride Wall of Affirmation Bricks Courtey of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, Upper Deschutes Watershed Counil Field Work 2 Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, Upper Deschutes Watershed Counil Field Work Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, Quote Sheet Fall 26 Community Grants.pdf,

Nonprofits Serving The Bend Community Receive $100,000 In Grants Following Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting (Photo) - 10/29/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

October 29, 2026

 

Contact: Colin Fogarty

Director of Communications

[email protected]

 

 

Nonprofits Serving the Bend Community Receive $100,000 in Grants Following Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting

 

Oregon Community Foundation's Rapid Response Fund supports eight organizations serving students, families and the broader community

 

BEND, Ore. ─ In the two weeks following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, Oregonians have responded with an outpouring of generosity, compassion and a commitment to help the Bend community heal.

 

Oregon Community Foundation has awarded $100,000 in a first round of grants from its Rapid Response Fund to eight organizations supporting students, families and others affected by the tragedy.

 

Grant recipients include:

  • Bend-La Pine Education Foundation — $5,000
  • Better Together Central Oregon — $15,000
  • Central Oregon Disability Support Network — $20,000
  • High Desert Education Service District — $10,000
  • Lines for Life Central Oregon YouthLine — $10,000
  • Silver Rail Elementary PTO — $5,000
  • The BEAM — $20,000
  • The Open Arts Center — $15,000

Total awarded: $100,000

 

The grants are supported by donations from individuals, businesses and foundations from across Oregon and beyond. Contributors included major gifts from the Portland Thorns, the Starbucks Foundation and the Les Schwab Foundation, as well as hundreds of donors who gave as little as $25.

 

Together, those donors demonstrated that every contribution matters. Their generosity reflects a broader commitment to standing with Bend and helping families, students and educators recover from an unimaginable loss.

 

“Oregon Community Foundation serves communities in every corner of our state, but this tragedy hit especially close to home,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. “Our Bend office is just a few miles from Silver Rail Elementary School, and many of our staff, volunteers and partners have personal connections to the families affected. We have seen neighbors helping neighbors, businesses stepping up and people from across Oregon giving what they can to support this community. That's what makes Oregon special. In moments of heartbreak, we come together.”

 

The Rapid Response Fund supports urgent community needs that require a coordinated charitable response. Following the shooting, OCF worked with local leaders and nonprofit partners to identify where funding could have the greatest impact.

 

The trusted nonprofit organizations in this initial round of grants have a proven track record of serving Central Oregon residents and will continue supporting recovery efforts in the months ahead. As many have already, donors can also choose to support them directly through individual donations.

 

“These grants represent more than financial support,” Mensah said. “They are a reminder to families, students and educators that people across Oregon care deeply about this community and want to help. From gifts of $25 to major contributions from businesses and foundations, every donation became part of something larger than itself.”

 

Separately, the family of Megan Lambert established a fund at Oregon Community Foundation to honor the special education teacher's life and legacy. The Megan Lambert Memorial Fund will support causes that reflect Megan's values and interests, including education, mental health, services for children with special needs and Oregon schools.

 

About Oregon Community Foundation

 

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. Working with donors, volunteers and nonprofit partners, OCF invests in communities throughout the state through grants, scholarships and charitable funds. Learn more at oregoncf.org.

Attached Media Files: Oregon Community Foundation Announces Bend Rapid Response Grants.pdf, Mountain View High School -SilverRail Heart Courtesy of Bend Police Department and Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, Our Hearts are with Silver Rail Courtesy of Bend Police Department and Oregon Community Foundation.jpg,

Nonprofits Serving The Bend Community Receive $100,000 In Grants Following Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting (Photo) - 10/29/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

October 29, 2026

 

Contact: Colin Fogarty

Director of Communications

[email protected]

 

 

Nonprofits Serving the Bend Community Receive $100,000 in Grants Following Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting

 

Oregon Community Foundation's Rapid Response Fund supports eight organizations serving students, families and the broader community

 

BEND, Ore. ─ In the two weeks following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, Oregonians have responded with an outpouring of generosity, compassion and a commitment to help the Bend community heal.

 

Oregon Community Foundation has awarded $100,000 in a first round of grants from its Rapid Response Fund to eight organizations supporting students, families and others affected by the tragedy.

 

Grant recipients include:

  • Bend-La Pine Education Foundation — $5,000
  • Better Together Central Oregon — $15,000
  • Central Oregon Disability Support Network — $20,000
  • High Desert Education Service District — $10,000
  • Lines for Life Central Oregon YouthLine — $10,000
  • Silver Rail Elementary PTO — $5,000
  • The BEAM — $20,000
  • The Open Arts Center — $15,000

Total awarded: $100,000

 

The grants are supported by donations from individuals, businesses and foundations from across Oregon and beyond. Contributors included major gifts from the Portland Thorns, the Starbucks Foundation and the Les Schwab Foundation, as well as hundreds of donors who gave as little as $25.

 

Together, those donors demonstrated that every contribution matters. Their generosity reflects a broader commitment to standing with Bend and helping families, students and educators recover from an unimaginable loss.

 

“Oregon Community Foundation serves communities in every corner of our state, but this tragedy hit especially close to home,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. “Our Bend office is just a few miles from Silver Rail Elementary School, and many of our staff, volunteers and partners have personal connections to the families affected. We have seen neighbors helping neighbors, businesses stepping up and people from across Oregon giving what they can to support this community. That's what makes Oregon special. In moments of heartbreak, we come together.”

 

The Rapid Response Fund supports urgent community needs that require a coordinated charitable response. Following the shooting, OCF worked with local leaders and nonprofit partners to identify where funding could have the greatest impact.

 

The trusted nonprofit organizations in this initial round of grants have a proven track record of serving Central Oregon residents and will continue supporting recovery efforts in the months ahead. As many have already, donors can also choose to support them directly through individual donations.

 

“These grants represent more than financial support,” Mensah said. “They are a reminder to families, students and educators that people across Oregon care deeply about this community and want to help. From gifts of $25 to major contributions from businesses and foundations, every donation became part of something larger than itself.”

 

Separately, the family of Megan Lambert established a fund at Oregon Community Foundation to honor the special education teacher's life and legacy. The Megan Lambert Memorial Fund will support causes that reflect Megan's values and interests, including education, mental health, services for children with special needs and Oregon schools.

 

About Oregon Community Foundation

 

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. Working with donors, volunteers and nonprofit partners, OCF invests in communities throughout the state through grants, scholarships and charitable funds. Learn more at oregoncf.org.

Attached Media Files: Oregon Community Foundation Announces Bend Rapid Response Grants.pdf, Mountain View High School -SilverRail Heart Courtesy of Bend Police Department and Oregon Community Foundation.jpg, Our Hearts are with Silver Rail Courtesy of Bend Police Department and Oregon Community Foundation.jpg,

Oregon Community Foundation Shares Ways To Support Bend Community After Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting (Photo) - 10/19/26

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

October 19, 2026

 

Oregon Community Foundation Shares Ways to Support Bend Community After Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting

 

Donors who want to support the Bend community following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School can do so through two charitable funds at Oregon Community Foundation. Both funds are available in response to requests from local families and community members to help direct resources where they are needed most.

 

Rapid Response Fund

 

Oregon Community Foundation's Rapid Response Fund supports communities facing urgent needs that require a coordinated response. Following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, OCF team members in Bend are working with local partners to identify needs and help direct support where it can have the greatest impact, now and in the future.

 

To Donate: Rapid Response Fund of Oregon Community Foundation

 

Megan Lambert Memorial Fund

 

The Lambert Family established the Megan Lambert Memorial Fund to honor her daughter who died in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. The fund will support causes that reflect Megan's values and interests, including education, mental health, services for children with special needs and Oregon schools. The fund may also support youth volleyball programs in Central Oregon.

 

To Donate: Honoring Megan Lambert

 

Donations to both funds are tax-deductible.

 

About Oregon Community Foundation

 

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. Each year, OCF distributes more than $200 million in grants and scholarships statewide in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.

 

Media Contact

 

Colin Fogarty

Director of Communications

Oregon Community Foundation

[email protected]

 

Attached Media Files: Media Advisory Two Funds at OCF to Support Bend.pdf, Rapid Response Fund QR Code.jpg, Megan Lambert Memorial Fund QR Code.jpg, Megan_Lambert_Courtesy_Bend_Police_Department.jpg,

Oregon Community Foundation Shares Ways To Support Bend Community After Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting (Photo) - 10/19/26

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

October 19, 2026

 

Oregon Community Foundation Shares Ways to Support Bend Community After Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting

 

Donors who want to support the Bend community following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School can do so through two charitable funds at Oregon Community Foundation. Both funds are available in response to requests from local families and community members to help direct resources where they are needed most.

 

Rapid Response Fund

 

Oregon Community Foundation's Rapid Response Fund supports communities facing urgent needs that require a coordinated response. Following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, OCF team members in Bend are working with local partners to identify needs and help direct support where it can have the greatest impact, now and in the future.

 

To Donate: Rapid Response Fund of Oregon Community Foundation

 

Megan Lambert Memorial Fund

 

The Lambert Family established the Megan Lambert Memorial Fund to honor her daughter who died in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. The fund will support causes that reflect Megan's values and interests, including education, mental health, services for children with special needs and Oregon schools. The fund may also support youth volleyball programs in Central Oregon.

 

To Donate: Honoring Megan Lambert

 

Donations to both funds are tax-deductible.

 

About Oregon Community Foundation

 

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. Each year, OCF distributes more than $200 million in grants and scholarships statewide in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.

 

Media Contact

 

Colin Fogarty

Director of Communications

Oregon Community Foundation

[email protected]

 

Attached Media Files: Media Advisory Two Funds at OCF to Support Bend.pdf, Rapid Response Fund QR Code.jpg, Megan Lambert Memorial Fund QR Code.jpg, Megan_Lambert_Courtesy_Bend_Police_Department.jpg,

Oregon Community Foundation Names Mairi Burns Chief Growth Officer (Photo) - 10/19/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

October 19, 2026

 

Contact: Colin Fogarty

Director of Communications

[email protected]

 

 

Oregon Community Foundation Names Mairi Burns Chief Growth Officer

 

Experienced Strategic Brand Leader Will Guide Business Growth, Marketing and Communications at One of the Nation's Largest Community Foundations

 

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Community Foundation has named Mairi Burns as its Chief Growth Officer, a new executive leadership role designed to help the foundation grow its capacity and engagement and increase its impact.

 

As Chief Growth Officer, Burns will oversee OCF's marketing and communications efforts, driving strategies that connect more people, businesses and communities to the foundation's mission to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy.

 

“Mairi brings the kind of leadership we need for OCF's next chapter,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. “She combines passion for innovation with respect for the trusted relationships and long-term vision that have guided our work for more than 50 years. Her experience will help us build on that foundation while identifying new opportunities to strengthen our impact across Oregon.”

 

Originally from Scotland, Burns brings more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning financial services, consulting, agency leadership and nonprofit fundraising in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Brand Marketing at First Tech Federal Credit Union, where she led efforts to strengthen brand strategy, sponsorship investments and marketing measurement while positioning the organization for long-term growth.

 

During her time at First Tech, Burns created First Tech Beyond™, a sponsorship and community engagement platform that significantly increased brand awareness. She was recognized as First Tech's 2025 Leader of the Year for her enterprise-wide impact.

 

“What drew me to OCF was the opportunity to apply the skills I've developed throughout my career in service of something bigger than any one organization,” Burns said. “Since I moved from Scotland to Oregon 25 years ago, I have developed a connection to this state, its communities and the people who make it such a special place. The opportunity to contribute to Oregon's future is deeply meaningful to me.”

 

Earlier in her career, Burns served as Chief Strategy Officer at CMD, Vice President of Client Services and Strategy at Dunthorpe Marketing Group and led her own consulting firm, Caledonia Marketing, advising organizations on growth strategy, market positioning, customer engagement and organizational transformation. She began her career in the United Kingdom, working in financial services, agency leadership and nonprofit fundraising.

 

 

About Oregon Community Foundation

 

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. Each year, OCF distributes more than $200 million in grants and scholarships statewide in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.

 

###

 

Attached Media Files: OCF Names Chief Growth Officer Press Release .pdf, Mairi Burns Biography.pdf, Mairi_Burns media release.jpg,

Oregon Community Foundation Names Mairi Burns Chief Growth Officer (Photo) - 10/19/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

October 19, 2026

 

Contact: Colin Fogarty

Director of Communications

[email protected]

 

 

Oregon Community Foundation Names Mairi Burns Chief Growth Officer

 

Experienced Strategic Brand Leader Will Guide Business Growth, Marketing and Communications at One of the Nation's Largest Community Foundations

 

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Community Foundation has named Mairi Burns as its Chief Growth Officer, a new executive leadership role designed to help the foundation grow its capacity and engagement and increase its impact.

 

As Chief Growth Officer, Burns will oversee OCF's marketing and communications efforts, driving strategies that connect more people, businesses and communities to the foundation's mission to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy.

 

“Mairi brings the kind of leadership we need for OCF's next chapter,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. “She combines passion for innovation with respect for the trusted relationships and long-term vision that have guided our work for more than 50 years. Her experience will help us build on that foundation while identifying new opportunities to strengthen our impact across Oregon.”

 

Originally from Scotland, Burns brings more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning financial services, consulting, agency leadership and nonprofit fundraising in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Brand Marketing at First Tech Federal Credit Union, where she led efforts to strengthen brand strategy, sponsorship investments and marketing measurement while positioning the organization for long-term growth.

 

During her time at First Tech, Burns created First Tech Beyond™, a sponsorship and community engagement platform that significantly increased brand awareness. She was recognized as First Tech's 2025 Leader of the Year for her enterprise-wide impact.

 

“What drew me to OCF was the opportunity to apply the skills I've developed throughout my career in service of something bigger than any one organization,” Burns said. “Since I moved from Scotland to Oregon 25 years ago, I have developed a connection to this state, its communities and the people who make it such a special place. The opportunity to contribute to Oregon's future is deeply meaningful to me.”

 

Earlier in her career, Burns served as Chief Strategy Officer at CMD, Vice President of Client Services and Strategy at Dunthorpe Marketing Group and led her own consulting firm, Caledonia Marketing, advising organizations on growth strategy, market positioning, customer engagement and organizational transformation. She began her career in the United Kingdom, working in financial services, agency leadership and nonprofit fundraising.

 

 

About Oregon Community Foundation

 

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. Each year, OCF distributes more than $200 million in grants and scholarships statewide in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.

 

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Attached Media Files: OCF Names Chief Growth Officer Press Release .pdf, Mairi Burns Biography.pdf, Mairi_Burns media release.jpg,