Oregon Community Foundation Awards $5.1 Million In Grants To Support Education, Housing, Economic Opportunity, Arts (Photo) - 12/08/25

December 8, 2025 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Paige Parker, Public Relations Manager

Oregon Community Foundation, pparker@oregoncf.org  

OREGON NONPROFITS STRENGTHEN THEIR COMMUNITIES WITH FALL FUNDING FROM OCF

Oregon Community Foundation Awards $5.1 Million in Grants to Support Education, Housing, Economic Opportunity, Arts and More

PORTLAND, Ore. — From classrooms and concert halls to food banks and housing services, 260 Oregon nonprofits will get a boost this fall. Oregon Community Foundation is awarding $5.1 million through its Community Grants program to organizations working to expand access to education, health services, economic opportunity, arts and culture and more. Grants awarded in rural towns and urban neighborhoods reflect OCF’s commitment to strengthening communities and tackling urgent needs.

“We are so inspired by the hard work our nonprofits are doing to improve the lives of all Oregonians,” said Marcy Bradley, OCF’s Chief Community Engagement and Equity Officer. “Community Grants is our open door for new ideas and the ‘what if’ dreams of our communities. We are proud to stand with the problem solvers in our state.”

For 28 years, OCF’s Community Grants program has supported nonprofits, Tribal organizations and government agencies in all 36 Oregon counties.  The 2025 Fall Cycle prioritized small capital projects (under $500,000), capacity building and new or expanding programs and projects.

Donors to Oregon Community Foundation make OCF’s Community Grants program possible. Grant applications were reviewed by regional OCF staff and volunteers in every region of Oregon.

The next cycle of Community Grants from OCF will prioritize general operating support for small rural organizations, culturally specific organizations and culturally responsive organizations. Program applications opened on December 2, 2025, and will close on January 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. PST.  Grants will be awarded in May 2026. Learn more here.

Find the full list of 2025 Fall grantees here.

Fall 2025 Community Grants Will Support

• 99 first-time OCF nonprofit grantees
• 22 housing-related nonprofits
• 23 food and nutrition service organizations
• 5 library projects
• 14 nonprofits that work with immigrants and refugees
• 14 nonprofits that work in economic development
• 11 environment nonprofits
• 8 mobile programs such as mobile clinics, laundry trucks, libraries and food hubs

Community Grants Breakdown by Region with Representative Nonprofits

Central Oregon | 21 Nonprofits | $366,768

• Columbia River Institute for Indigenous Development Foundation will expand the Kuskuspum program and launch a full-day, year-round early learning center designed by and for the Warm Springs community.
  
  “Language classes helped me mentally in many different ways, such as helping me learn more about my culture, and really made me feel closer to my grandma and helped come out of my bubble and talk to more people and get closer to new people.” — Cassidy Dixon, CRÍID youth participant
   
• Council on Aging of Central Oregon will grow its Caring Connections program that matches a volunteer with a client who has been identified as lonely or isolated.

“If it weren’t for this program, I would feel totally alone.” — Prineville client Kay B.

Bend client Pam T. says she and a volunteer “have been talking for two and a half years. He keeps me going, he listens to me, we laugh together and get along great ... I don't know what to do without him, I've never had a friend for this long.”

Eastern Oregon | 17 Nonprofits | $265,889

• Four Rivers Community Radio will purchase equipment to launch a community radio station in the Western Treasure Valley.
  
  "Four Rivers Community Radio is much more than a radio station providing passive listening opportunities. We are a medium for community members to connect to one another, build a shared identity across the region, and begin to understand and meet the varying needs of one another. Our service area is a region that has been under-resourced and ignored for many years, contributing to the deepening divisions we see spreading across the country. Through the dedication and support of our volunteers and local community members, we believe FRCR can change these trends and are deeply grateful to the Oregon Community Foundation for supporting that critical vision." — Andi M. Walsh, Board Secretary 

• Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness will create a Wellness Park and Community Garden.

Metro Portland | 100 Nonprofits | $2,225,112

• Centro Cultural will increase access to culturally specific wellness services and free meals for low-income seniors through its Edad de Oro program.
   
• New Narrative will modernize its commercial kitchen, which serves 2,000 meals weekly to residents in transitional and permanent housing.
  
  “It’s been a major challenge, but New Narrative has been a huge part of the positive experience through [my son's mental health] journey. Having a clinician involved on-site, talking about his goals and medications with him, it made an incredible difference. For New Narrative’s staff, this is their passion.” — Father of a New Narrative participant
  
  “New Narrative's decades of experience position us as an expert in what works and what doesn't. We are seeing more people in the region with a serious and complex set of mental health needs, and we are determined to meet those needs. No one deserves to be ostracized or stigmatized because of their mental health situation. Everyone deserves dignity, community and a roof over their heads.” — Julie Ibrahim, CEO

• Workforce Investment Council of Clackamas County will expand legal services for criminal and eviction expungement and immigration needs in rural areas.
  
  “Through Clean Slate Clackamas, it is our role to educate the population and help to create a more equitable workforce and true system change. Now a fully expunged ‘graduate’ of Clean Slate Clackamas, Mike has access to doors he thought were closed forever – better employment opportunities, access to housing, even a better credit score. Mike credits Clean Slate Clackamas with helping turn his life around and giving him the tools he needed to overcome this barrier.” – Amanda Wall, Communications Director, Clackamas Workforce Partnership

North Coast | 12 Nonprofits | $211,535

• Lower Columbia Youth Soccer Association will replace lighting for a community soccer field serving more than 600 youth.
  
  “The amount of growth that we have seen our daughter make is remarkable. (Coach) Danielle‘s positive attitude, correct level of competitiveness and love for the game is contagious, and it shows in the joy that her players exhibit on the field. We’ve seen the game of soccer finally click for many of these girls this year, and it’s due to the support and effort Danielle puts in every week.” — Player's parent
   
• Amani Child Abuse Assessment Center will expand outreach across Columbia County.

Northern Willamette Valley | 32 Nonprofits | $583,682

• St. Francis Shelter will become fully powered by solar energy and plan to reinvest savings into programs for houseless individuals.
  
  “Our work makes a difference because it works. Last year, 27 of the 29 families who lived at St. Francis transitioned into permanent housing — and remain housed today. When families have a safe place to live, consistent support, and the chance to rebuild the skills and confidence stolen by trauma and homelessness, they are able to create the stability their children deserve.” — Kim Lemman, Executive Director
   
• Salem for Refugees will expand employment and student support services for refugee families.
  
  “My name is Anina, and I am from Syria. When I arrived, everything was new and overwhelming, but Salem for Refugees welcomed me like family. They didn’t just help me with housing and basic needs, they supported me emotionally, encouraged me, and made me feel safe again. Their help gave me hope for my future.” — Amina, Salem for Refugees client
  
  “Since launching in 2016, Salem for Refugees has walked alongside thousands of newcomers from nearly every region of the world. Today, we serve more than 2,000 refugee and immigrant clients across the Salem and Corvallis areas. We provide initial resettlement, case management, housing, employment and education services. Our mission is far more than providing services — we strive to create a community of belonging, safety and opportunity for families who have endured immense hardship.” — Luke Glaze, Executive Director, Salem for Refugees

South Coast | 8 Nonprofits | $152,500

• Bay Area Enterprises will launch a landscaping program to help rural Oregonians with disabilities access paid employment.
   
• Camp Myrtlewood will complete the Dogwood Cabin, a year-round bunkhouse serving low-income and under-resourced people through outdoor school and retreats.

Southern Oregon | 24 Nonprofits | $419,500

• Klamath Falls City Schools will pair high school students with downtown businesses to provide marketing services and career experience.
  
  “KU Digital Media turns classrooms into creative studios and our city into a campus. Students design real campaigns for local nonprofits and small businesses, learning professional skills while strengthening the community they call home.” ─ Dan Stearns, CTE Digital Media Teacher and Program Lead, Klamath Union High School
  
  “Working with real clients taught me how to listen, design to a brief, and deliver on deadline. I now see a creative career path that feels possible — and local partners cheer us on every step of the way.” ─ Isabella Armijo, KU Digital Media student
   
• A Greater Applegate will support a mobile food hub delivering local produce to rural pantries and neighborhoods in an isolated area.
  
  “A Greater Applegate's mission is to build community by sustaining and enhancing the local connections that promote the environmental, economic and social vitality of the Applegate Valley. We are building networks that expand access to local food and business resources and facilitating all-ages fairs and markets that bring families of the Applegate Valley together and help small businesses thrive.” — Megan Fehrman, Executive Director

Southern Willamette Valley | 46 Nonprofits | $848,700
 

• Calapooia Watershed Council will hire an eco-wellness instructor for its freshwater snorkeling program serving youth involved with the Juvenile Department.
  
  “As an environmental science teacher, I can think of few programs that have been as valuable and impactful on so many levels as the snorkeling program. The evolution of their understanding of the connections between the life below the surface, the surrounding forest and themselves in the city of Albany is exactly what environmental science is about.” ─ Gareth Engler, West Albany HS teacher
  
  “After we got back to school, everyone could not stop talking about how great it was!” ─ Gracie, fifth grade student
   
• PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation will expand its Telestroke Program to connect rural hospitals with neurology experts.
  
  “You never know when or where a medical emergency may occur or who will be there to assist. Time is of the essence.” — Sally Hampton, PeaceHealth Sacred Heart patient and aneurysm survivor

About Oregon Community Foundation

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In 2024, OCF distributed more than $211 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. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.
 

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Oregon Community Foundation And Donors Commit $1.9 Million To Organizations That Feed Hungry Oregonians (Photo) - 11/19/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Colin Fogarty 

Director of Communications 

Cfogarty@oregoncf.org

Oregon Community Foundation and Donors Commit $1.9 Million to Organizations That Feed Hungry Oregonians

Donations and Grants Support Nonprofits Providing Food and Nutrition Services throughout Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. — The recent disruption in federal food assistance has generated a wave of generosity from Oregonians. In just six weeks, Oregon Community Foundation and its donors have committed $1.9 million to organizations that help get food to Oregonians who need it. 

The surge in giving between October 1 and November 17, 2025 happened when generous Oregonians stepped up to help through Donor Advised Funds, Corporate and Community Advised Funds and donations to the Stronger Together Fund of OCF. Separately, the OCF Board of Directors has approved a $250,000 special grant from OCF to combat food insecurity in Oregon and 18 grants totaling $300,000 to food-related organizations through the OCF Community Grants program. 

Donors Motivated by Disruption to Federal Food Benefits 

Financial support for food and nutrition services spiked in mid-October when news broke that a federal government shutdown would disrupt federal food benefits known as SNAP for 757,000 Oregonians. In response, donors began making grants to nonprofits that feed Oregonians as visits to those organizations increased sharply. 

“Oregonians help their neighbors in times of need,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. Mensah also serves on the board of Feeding America, a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and programs.  

“When our food bank system said, ‘We have lines out the door and not enough food on our shelves,’ our donors heard the call and said, ‘Not on our watch,’” she said. “I’m so grateful to our donors, philanthropic partners and the nonprofit partners and volunteers who do the hard work of feeding our communities day after day.” 

The disruption to SNAP benefits began November 1. In response, Oregon Community Foundation called on donors to help stabilize and support the network of food banks, food pantries and other organizations that distribute food. Donors responded with contributions flowing into the Stronger Together Fund of Oregon Community Foundation, which is giving all money raised between November 1 and December 5 to food-related nonprofits.  

Hunger Touches Every Community 

A vast network helps feed Oregonians experiencing food insecurity. The Oregon Food Bank partners with 21 regional food banks and more than 1,200 food assistances sites. In addition, many organizations operate food assistance programs outside of the Oregon Food Bank. 

At an Oregon Community Foundation virtual briefing last week, food bank leaders and foundation partners described a system grappling with the twin challenges of a diminished food supply and unprecedented demand.  

Cuts to the federal funding that helps fill food bank shelves reduced the flow of food into Oregon at the same time rising food, housing and energy costs caused more people to visit food banks to make ends meet. The disruption to SNAP benefits put that dynamic, “on steroids,” said Scott Cooper, Executive Director of NeighborImpact. He said his Central Oregon food banks will see nearly 1 million visits this year in a region with soaring housing costs. 

One regional food bank leader described parents parking blocks away from the food bank and arriving with a child on their hip, towing a wagon to fill with food.  

“They need to be fed,” said Lori Garrard, Executive Director of Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank. 

Marion Polk Food Share President and CEO Rick Gaupo shared about a working mom who lost $500 in food benefits at the start of November. She turned to her local pantry for the first time when she couldn’t get more work.  

Hunger More Common in Rural Areas 

One in eight Oregonians experience hunger, and in rural and remote Oregon, residents face food insecurity rates nearly double those in urban areas. 

Roundhouse Foundation Executive Director Erin Borla shared at the virtual briefing that the private family foundation will give $6 million over the next three years to support rural Oregon food banks. Private foundations including the Ford Family Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust, the Lora & Martin Kelley Family Foundation and others are also giving generously to food and food-related organizations.  

Borla offered stories of hope from rural communities. 

“I have heard specifically of community dinners in small rural places where they feed 160 people a week. We've got libraries that are showing up with meals on a weekly basis,” Borla said. “There was a high school here locally, and instead of trick-or-treating, the high school students planned and picked up bags of donated food from everybody's porch. People are showing up in a way that really does build community.” 

OCF donors have seen the need up close. 

“Food insecurity doesn’t stop at the city limits,” says Betsy Priddy, an OCF donor. “After visiting Eastern Oregon, I witnessed first-hand the deep relationships forged even in our most remote communities. Local organizations are doing transformative work on modest budgets, proving that impact isn’t measured in dollars alone. For me, it’s simple: I support OCF in deploying resources where they will make the greatest difference.” 

About Oregon Community Foundation 

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF strengthens communities in every county in Oregon through grantmaking, scholarships and research. 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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