Latino Partnership Program Awards Nearly $900,000 To Latino-Led, Latino-Serving Nonprofits Statewide (Photo) - 07/13/26

July 13, 2026

Contact: Colin Fogarty

Director of Communications

cfogarty@oregoncf.org

Latino Partnership Program Awards Nearly $900,000 to Latino-Led, Latino-Serving Nonprofits Statewide

New partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation expands wealth-building investments for Latino entrepreneurs and families

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Latino Partnership Program of Oregon Community Foundation is supporting Latino-led and Latino-serving nonprofits across Oregon with $897,000 in grants to organizations that advance education, leadership development and wealth building in Latino communities.

The 70 new grants provide general operating support, recognizing nonprofit partners’ need for flexibility and sustainability. This year, LPP received applications from every region of Oregon. Education drew the most applications and recommendations, followed by wealth building.

“This year's grants reflect the resilience and resourcefulness of Latino organizations across Oregon,” said Mirna Loreli Cibrian, Senior Program Officer for the Latino Partnership Program. “As organizations navigate community concerns and funding uncertainty, flexible general operating support enables them to remain strong. We are committed to listening, responding and investing to meet this moment with purpose, compassion and a shared commitment to strengthening communities across Oregon.”

Cibrian added that the grants reflect the fact that Latino-serving organizations play a critical role in advancing educational success and long-term economic mobility. When these organizations must redirect limited resources to respond to immediate crises, their ability to invest in long-term opportunities is diminished.

Organizations that applied in the wealth-building category emphasized culturally responsive, bilingual programming addressing financial literacy, entrepreneurship, homeownership and workforce development, with several citing steep drops in sales and mounting economic pressure on Latino-owned small businesses.

Leadership development applicants focused on mentorship, civic engagement and workforce pathways for young people and adults. Education applicants emphasized bilingual instruction, family engagement and support addressing barriers tied to immigration and mental health.

Grants Reach Every Corner of Oregon

This year's grantees span the state, from the South Coast to Eastern Oregon. The Mexican American Citizens League in Ontario received $15,000. In Central Oregon, Better Together Central Oregon in Redmond received $15,000, and in Southern Oregon, La Clinica in Medford received $15,000. A grant of $15,000 went to Hacienda Community Development Corporation in Portland.

Partnership Built with OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation

A new three-year commitment from OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation allows LPP to provide additional awards for wealth-building work. The partnership supports Prosperidad Oregon, Latino Founders, Latino Community Association and Malheur Education Service District, which provide culturally responsive business coaching, workforce development, entrepreneurship support, early learning career pathways and access to capital.

“This partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation reflects our shared commitment to expanding economic opportunity in Latino communities,” Cibrian said. “As Oregon’s Latino community continues to grow, we welcome new partners who share our commitment to creating lasting impact.”

Grantees supported by OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation:

Prosperidad Oregon empowers Latino Oregonians by providing access to capital and opportunities for personal and economic growth. Its business coaching and lending initiative combines bilingual business coaching, financial education and navigation support with flexible microloans and Individual Development Accounts for minority-owned businesses excluded from traditional systems. (Northern Willamette Valley)

Latino Founders advances economic mobility and generational wealth for Latino entrepreneurs through culturally relevant business education, leadership development and pathways to capital. Its flagship 10-week Accelerator program supports early-stage Latino entrepreneurs in transforming ideas into scalable, market-ready businesses, offering education, mentorship and connections to capital. The program culminates in Pitch Latino, where founders showcase their businesses to the community. (Statewide)

Latino Community Association empowers Latino families to thrive by creating opportunities for advancement and building bridges that unite the community. Its workforce empowerment program strengthens economic stability and growth in Central Oregon, helping participants access employment and advance into sustainable, higher-wage careers or grow their own businesses while confronting barriers such as language, educational attainment and unfamiliarity with systems. (Central Oregon)

Malheur Education Service District, through its Eastern Oregon Child Care Resources program, champions accessible, equitable and sustainable early learning workforce pathways. Its Spanish Cohort Child Care Business Accelerator supports Latino families to become small business owners, stabilize their income and build long-term assets by treating child care as an essential service and a pathway to entrepreneurship and housing stability. (Eastern Oregon)

A full list of Latino Partnership Program grants is available here.

About the Latino Partnership Program

Established in 2002, the Latino Partnership Program is a statewide program of Oregon Community Foundation that addresses the challenges facing Oregon's Latino community. With the support of many volunteers, LPP centers the voices and experiences of Latino Oregonians by leaning into the strengths and collective wisdom of comunidades across Oregon. LPP partners with community leaders and organizations working in its focus areas of education, leadership development and wealth building.

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. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.

About OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation

The OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation is an independent nonprofit established in 2024. Funded by OnPoint Community Credit Union, the OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation carries forward the credit union’s legacy of supporting education and community well-being across Oregon and southwest Washington. The organization seeks to transform the financial vitality of our community by expanding access to financial education and financial literacy, education, and capital. Learn more at onpointcu.com/community-giving.

###

TEN KLAMATH COUNTY STUDENTS AWARDED $1,000 EACH BY THE EARL AND JANE FERGUSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND (Photo) - 07/02/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Colin Fogarty

Director of Communications

cfogarty@oregoncf.org
 

TEN KLAMATH COUNTY STUDENTS AWARDED $1,000 EACH BY THE EARL AND JANE FERGUSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Ten Klamath County students will share $10,000 in scholarships from the Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund of Oregon Community Foundation. The $1,000 awards will support students’ education and career goals.

The scholarship was established by two lifelong educators in Klamath County who strongly believed in the power of educational opportunity. Earl Ferguson served for 24 years as Superintendent of Klamath Falls City Schools and Barbara “Jane” Ferguson taught fifth grade in the Klamath County School District and was an elementary teacher and librarian for the Klamath Falls City Schools. Earl passed earlier this year, and Jane in 2023. Their legacy continues through the Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarhip.

“Both of my parents dedicated their lives to the students and schools of this community, and seeing this scholarship carry on their legacy means everything to our family,” said Mel Ferguson, their son. “These young people heading off to pursue careers in medicine, technology, the arts and beyond are exactly the kind of students my parents had in mind when they created this fund. They are an inspiration, and I know my parents would be so proud.”

Scholarships Awarded Since 1999

Since the Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund gave its first scholarships in 1999, the fund has awarded more than $130,000 to Klamath County students.

“Over 130 students have been directly impacted by the Fergusons support, helping them pursue their educational goals,” said Kaylin Preston, Program Associate for Scholarships at Oregon Community Foundation. “We are so grateful to Earl and Jane for their generosity, to the community volunteers who review applications and select scholarship recipients, and to the educators and community members who have supported these students along the way.”

OCF manages nearly 600 unique scholarship funds that support students from across the state as they pursue postsecondary education. In 2025, OCF awarded more than 3,400 scholarships totaling $15 million. Students from rural communities received 48% of the scholarships awarded.

The 2026 Ferguson scholarship recipients are:

Daisy A. Kupitz, Klamath Falls, graduating from Klamath Union High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Oregon Institute of Technology. She plans to study mathematics and statistics.

Eily R. Hawkins, Malin, graduating from Lost River Jr/Sr High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Klamath Community College. She plans to study registered and clinical nursing.

“This scholarship means a lot to my family and me. We are very thankful for all you do for the community. It will help me get to my goals and keep pushing me to strive to be better,” Hawkins said.

Emma S. DeJong, Bonanza, graduating from Lost River Jr/Sr High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Oregon Institute of Technology. She plans to study cardiovascular technology.

“I feel very blessed and could not be more thankful for the opportunities I have been given. This scholarship has not only supported my ability to pursue an education but a chance to follow my dreams,” DeJong said.

Himani J. Patel, Klamath Falls, graduating from Henley High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the University of Oregon. She plans to study pre-medicine.

“As a student from an immigrant family, this scholarship provides the life-changing opportunity to pursue my dream of entering the business and technology fields without financial burden. Knowing this award was created to give hard-working students a chance inspires me to work my hardest, break into the tech industry and ultimately give back to my community,” Patel said.

Jeremy Raygoza Cortez, Bonanza, graduating from Bonanza High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Lane Community College. He plans to study graphic design. Raygoza Cortez will be the first in his family to attend college.

Maxwell L. Hendricks, Klamath Falls, graduating from Klamath Union High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Nebraska Wesleyan University. He plans to study computer and information Sciences.

Raelynn M. Feinauer, Merrill, graduating from Lost River Jr/Sr High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Klamath Community College. She plans to study health information and medical records.

Ryan Douglas, Klamath Falls, graduating from Henley High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Oregon Institute of Technology. He plans to study pre-veterinary studies.

Valeria Reyes Moreno, Malin, graduating from Lost River Jr/Sr High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Oregon Institute of Technology. She plans to study psychology. Reyes Moreno will be the first in her family to attend college.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement this scholarship provides as I pursue my academic and career goals. The Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship is generous, making higher education more accessible and gives students like me the opportunity to strive toward success,” Reyes Moreno said.

One scholarship recipient opted out of a public announcement.

About OCF

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In 2025, 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. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.

###

Oregon Foundations, Les Schwab Tire Centers Partner To Provide At Least $1 Million In Wildfire Preparedness Support For Rural Communities (Photo) - 06/30/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Colin Fogarty

Director of Communications

Oregon Community Foundation

cfogarty@oregoncf.org

Oregon Foundations, Les Schwab Tire Centers Partner to Provide At Least $1 Million in Wildfire Preparedness Support for Rural Communities

Tires and quick-response grants going to rural fire services and the organizations working to prepare communities for wildfire season

TROUTDALE, Ore. – As Oregon heads into the July 4 holiday weekend and what is forecast to be a severe fire season, a coalition of philanthropic and business partners is helping rural fire services, government agencies and nonprofits to get ready and respond. Oregon Community Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation and Les Schwab Tire Centers today announced a coordinated package of support totaling at least $1 million in grants, alongside a statewide tire donation program to strengthen rural fire agencies before fire season takes hold.

The initial commitment of at least $1 million from partner foundations and additional anonymous funders will provide quick-response grants to support the nonprofits working to prepare communities and responding when needed.

“Philanthropy doesn’t replace first responders — we work right behind them,” said Kim Koenig, OCF’s Director of Community Programs and Disaster Response.

“When a fire breaks out in a rural community, the volunteers who respond deserve equipment that works and a support system that can move quickly. We know from experience that the road to recovery after a disaster is longer than anyone wants — our Disaster Readiness and Response Fund is built to be there for the long haul, from preparation through the long period of rebuilding.”

Les Schwab Tires in-kind tire donation addresses critical need

Les Schwab Tires will donate $100,000 worth of tires from its Tires for Purpose program to Rangeland Fire Protection Associations statewide, addressing a critical and often overlooked need: fire truck tires are subject to extreme wear and heat stress during wildfire response, and replacing them is a significant operational expense for volunteer departments.

“We are excited to use our Tires for Purpose program to help make sure our Rangeland Fire Protection Associations are well equipped for safety on and off the road ahead of fire season,” said Bill Tester, Les Schwab store manager in Sandy, Oregon. “We’ve grown as a company to more than 600 stores across 15 states, but Oregon is our home. A safe and thriving Oregon matters to us. Our first responders deserve our support.”

The partners made the announcement at Gresham Fire Station #75 in Troutdale at the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge, the site of a massive wildfire in 2017.

Preparing first responders before disaster strikes

Oregon’s rural communities rely heavily on volunteer firefighters and local fire districts that operate with limited budgets and equipment. City departments like Gresham’s must be ready to fight wildfires in the places where rural and urban areas meet.

“Wildfires don’t wait until we’re ready,” said Mike Traeger, Assistant Chief of the Gresham Fire Department. “Every tire, every piece of equipment and every hour of training makes a difference when the call comes. Resources like these mean firefighters can respond faster, work more safely and stay on the fire line longer.”

The July 4 holiday weekend historically marks one of the most dangerous periods of fire season, with dry conditions, wind and human activity combining to heighten risk across the state. Add to that this year’s drought, a record-tying warm winter and low snowpack, and officials are deeply concerned about the coming fire season.

“This year is shaping up to be a bad fire year,” said John Bailey, Professor of Silviculture and Wildland Fire at the Oregon State University College of Forestry. “We can act now to prevent destructive wildfires, and that’s why this investment is so important.”

Supporting communities before, during and long after disaster

OCF’s Disaster Readiness and Response Fund brings donations starting at $25 from across the state into a single funding pool, enabling OCF to quickly deploy grants when disaster strikes. The fund supports emergency response as well as preparation — including fire mitigation, specialized equipment, training and emergency supplies — and long-term recovery.

The foundation partners are members of the Oregon Disaster Funders Network, a partnership of mission-driven organizations working to build a stronger and more resilient Oregon.

“The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation is proud to stand alongside members of the Oregon Disaster Funders Network to support Oregon communities ahead of wildfire season,” said Meghan Campbell, Program Officer at the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation. “Coordinated regional philanthropy has an important role to play in meeting urgent needs before and after disasters, and we are deeply grateful to the first responders who bravely care for and protect our communities.”

“Rural communities often face the greatest risks with the fewest resources, and the impacts of wildfire can last long after the flames are out,” said Kara Inae Carlisle, President and CEO of The Ford Family Foundation. “That’s why we’re coordinating with partners from the Oregon Disaster Funders Network to support rural communities as wildfire season approaches, so we can mobilize resources quickly and stand ready to respond.”
 

Apply for quick response funds.

Apply for tires.

Donate to the Disaster Readiness and Response Fund at OCF.

About Oregon Community Foundation

Oregon Community Foundation was founded in 1973 with a mission to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF works to strengthen communities in every county in Oregon through research, grantmaking and scholarships. Each year, OCF distributes more than $200 million in grants and scholarships. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, please visit oregoncf.org.

About Les Schwab Tire Centers

Les Schwab Tire Centers (www.lesschwab.com) started in 1952 with just one small tire shop in Prineville, Oregon. After more than 70 years of building on our founder’s belief in honesty, service and hard work, Les Schwab Tires is one of the leading independent tire dealers in the United States and the nation’s top-ranked tire retailer by Consumer Reports for 2026. Now, more than 9,000 employees in more than 600 locations across 15 states take pride in doing the right thing every day. That shows up in our unique tires–those we crafted specifically for the roads our customers drive on. It’s in the best tire warranty in America. It’s in how we stand behind the promise to do more for customers and communities, every step of the way.

To view the full 2026 ratings and learn more about this recommendation, visit: https://www.lesschwab.com/consumer-reports

About The Ford Family Foundation

The Ford Family Foundation believes in the power of rural communities. It is a private, nonprofit foundation proudly headquartered in Roseburg, Oregon, serving rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Its investments through grants, scholarships and community building create the conditions so that children have the family, educational and community supports they need to succeed in life.

About Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation

The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation honors the life and legacy of Marie Lamfrom by directing strategic philanthropic support — in education, community, arts, creativity, health, and well-being — to those who need it most in Oregon. Guided by values of authenticity, equity, and optimism, the Foundation partners with nonprofits to empower underserved communities, alleviate human suffering, and foster lasting, positive change across the region.

About Oregon Disaster Funders Network
 

Oregon Disaster Funders Network (ODFN) is a network of PNW grantmakers coordinating across and beyond the philanthropic sector to minimize the economic, social, and environmental impacts of disasters, especially on underserved populations and in disinvested communities. ODFN provides a single entry “starting point” platform for community needs, reaches disaster-impacted communities with resource navigation, and elevates funding requests, opportunities and obstacles to the Network’s 40+ grantmakers. ODFN shares resources, strengthens relationships and mobilizes funding. Learn more at OregonDisasterFundersNetwork.org

###

Media Advisory - 06/29/26

Oregon Community Foundation Welcomes Nike Executive And Innovation Leader To Board Of Directors (Photo) - 06/22/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contact:  

Colin Fogarty  

Director of Communications  

cfogarty@oregoncf.org 

Oregon Community Foundation Welcomes Nike Executive and Innovation Leader to Board of Directors

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Community Foundation's Board of Directors has a new member who brings extensive experience in strategic communications, public policy and business innovation. Jorge Casimiro was approved by unanimous vote.

Casimiro is Vice President, Chief Government & Public Affairs and Public Policy Officer at Nike, where he leads a global team at the intersection of public policy, corporate affairs and business strategy focused on the company's growth, innovation and long-term impact. He previously built and led Nike's social responsibility strategy, community affairs and philanthropy. 

“Jorge's career has been defined by his ability to connect business strategy, public policy and community impact at a global scale,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. “As OCF works to deepen our impact across Oregon, his expertise in communications and innovation will be invaluable.”

Prior to Nike, Casimiro held a series of senior leadership roles at The Coca-Cola Company spanning communications, government affairs and general management, including international assignments in Latin America and a role as Chief of Staff to the Chairman and CEO. He began his career in higher education, focusing on international advancement and community and government relations. 

“I am genuinely inspired by Oregon Community Foundation and its vision for our state and its residents,” Casimiro said. “This is the fifth largest community foundation in the country, and yet many Oregonians know little about its impact. OCF has been making a real difference for Oregonians for years and is poised to go even deeper. Oregon is our home. We’re raising our family here. It’s an honor to contribute to OCF’s efforts to help our state fulfill its potential by making progress on the challenges we face together.”

Casimiro is widely recognized for his leadership, including being named to the “40 Under 40 Latinos in Sport” by the Huffington Post, recognized as a Culture Connector by The Alumni Society, and honored as a Master of the Profession by the Association of Corporate Citizenship. 

His board service includes the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry, where he serves as Co-chair, Girl Effect and the Nike Foundation, where he previously served as President. He also serves on the board of the Oregon Health & Science University Foundation, where he chairs the Nominating and Engagement Committee. 

Casimiro holds a degree from Brown University and a master's degree in public policy from Rutgers University. He lives in Oregon with his wife and their three children. 

Read his full bio here. 

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 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.

###