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.

###

OREGON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INVESTS MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION TO ADVANCE EDUCATION ACROSS OREGON (Photo) - 06/03/26

June 3, 2026 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 
Contact: Paige Parker, Public Relations Manager 
Oregon Community Foundation, pparker@oregoncf.org

OREGON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INVESTS MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION TO ADVANCE EDUCATION ACROSS OREGON 

Grants boost Black Student Success, rural communities, child care and STEM education

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Community Foundation is investing more than $1.5 million in education initiatives designed to strengthen student success, expand STEM learning opportunities and support the child care workforce.
 

The investments include grants supporting Black Student Success programs across Oregon; funding for Oregon’s regional STEM Hubs and support for statewide scholarships that help child care providers access training and professional development.

Black Student Success Network Organization Share $480,000  

Oregon Community Foundation awarded $480,000 in grants across the Black Student Success Network, a statewide coalition of more than two dozen Black-led organizations.

The network — slated to expand this year — brings together organizations that are advancing equitable educational opportunities for Black students through collaboration, shared learning and community-rooted strategies. Leaders from participating organizations meet regularly to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and develop statewide solutions that support Black students from early learning through postsecondary education and career pathways. 

The Black Student Success Network was formed six years ago and has expanded its reach into rural communities in Eastern and Southern Oregon while continuing to strengthen partnerships statewide. 

“We’re pleased to continue to support organizations in the Network as they elevate best practices that eliminate disparities affecting Black students and forge statewide partnerships on behalf of improving educational outcomes,” said John Chang, Director of Culturally Responsive Programs.

Chang noted that the grants come as the Black Student Success Program welcomes a new leader, with Dorian Smith joining OCF as the Senior Program Officer.  

“Dorian brings 15 years of experience advancing Black student success and statewide education equity initiatives at Oregon State University,” Chang said. “He is widely respected by education leaders across the state for his ability to build strong partnerships spanning K–12 and post-secondary education to meaningfully serve urban and rural students.”  

Smith said: “It is an honor to serve in this role and work with the state’s most innovative programs as they improve educational equity and academic performance in their communities.”  

Black Student Success Network organizations include:

BASE Oregon 

Beaverton Black Peoples Union 

Black Educational Achievement Movement 

Black Parent Initiative 

Black Southern Oregon Alliance 

Black United Fund of Oregon 

Center for Black Student Excellence 

Hermiston Cultural Awareness Coalition 

HOLLA Mentors 

Oregon State University Foundation 

KairosPDX 

KinCultivate 

Self Enhancement, Inc. 

African Youth & Community Organization 

Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators 

Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center 

Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization 

The Father's Group 

Youth Organized and United to Help (Y.O.U.T.H.) 

Elevate Oregon 

Bridge-Pamoja 

REAP Inc. 

Alumni Association of the University of Oregon 

A Composer’s Heart 

Albina Head Start 

OCF Invests Nearly $1 Million in Oregon STEM Hubs

The Oracle STEM Education Grants Fund of Oregon Community Foundation awarded $975,000 in grants to Oregon’s regional STEM Hubs, with each Hub receiving a $75,000 grant and targeted technical assistance support.  

As a statewide network of regional partnerships, Oregon’s STEM Hubs connect schools, industry and community organizations to provide hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and math learning opportunities. The Hubs focus on expanding access for students who have historically been underserved, including rural students, students from low-income families, students of color and girls.

“The grants prioritize long-term sustainability and ecosystem strengthening across the Hub network,” said Belle Cantor, Senior Program Officer for Education and Youth Development. “Funding will help regional STEM Hubs build organizational capacity, strengthen community partnerships and expand donor support to ensure students across Oregon continue to have access to career-connected STEM learning opportunities.” 

OCF Supports Child Care Workforce Through Betty Gray Scholarship Program 

The Betty Gray Endowment Fund at Oregon Community Foundation also awarded $100,000 to the Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education in support of the Betty Gray Statewide Scholarship for Child Care Provider Training and Certification.

For nearly 25 years, OCF’s Early Childhood Program has prioritized professional development for Oregon’s early care and education workforce. Since 2002, the scholarship program has helped thousands of child care providers access training, coursework, credentials and professional development opportunities that strengthen Oregon’s early childhood education system. 

The scholarship program has served more than 13,500 participants statewide. Nearly half of scholarship applicants identify as Latine, and the program also prioritizes outreach to Black, Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander educators, rural providers, immigrant and refugee educators and family child care providers. 

The program supports early-career educators and helps providers working in licensed or regulated settings access conferences, coursework, credentialing opportunities and other professional development resources that improve the quality of care available to Oregon children and families. 

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. 

### 

GRANTS FUEL COMMUNITY RESILIENCY AND SOLUTIONS IN SOUTHERN OREGON (Photo) - 06/02/26

June 2, 2026 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 
Contact: Paige Parker, Public Relations Manager 
Oregon Community Foundation

pparker@oregoncf.org 

GRANTS FUEL COMMUNITY RESILIENCY AND SOLUTIONS IN SOUTHERN OREGON 

Organizations Share $2.25 Million to Support Children and Families Living on Low Incomes 

MEDFORD, Ore. – Seventy-three nonprofits serving some of Southern Oregon’s most vulnerable residents will share $2.25 million in grants through the Reed and Carolee Walker Fund of Oregon Community Foundation, continuing a longstanding commitment to improving the lives of people — particularly children — living on low incomes in Jackson County. 

Established in 2003 through the generosity of Reed and Carolee Walker, the Walker Fund supports organizations addressing critical community needs across Jackson County. The 2026 grants invest in programs and services that strengthen educational opportunities, family stability, health and wellness, youth development and access to essential resources. 

“These grants reflect the deep commitment Southern Oregon organizations have to children and families facing economic hardship,” said Amy Drake, Senior Program Officer for Oregon Community Foundation. “The Walker Fund supports the people and partnerships helping communities build resilience and create brighter futures.” 

Grants were recommended by the Walker Fund Advisory Committee comprising Jackson County community members.  

Grants support programs for teens

Southern Oregon University Foundation received a grant to support culturally specific youth summer camps.  

Russell Zook, Director of Outreach and Engagement for SOU, said the funding will enable the university to continue to offer overnight camps that demystify the college experience, cultivate leadership and foster belonging. 

"We are deeply grateful for the Walker Fund’s ongoing support of these vital programs,” said Russell Zook, Director of Outreach and Engagement for SOU. “We appreciate Oregon Community Foundation’s continued partnership in creating opportunities where youth can truly flourish.”  

SOU will receive $135,000 in the first year of the three-year grant. 

“The Walker Fund has backed Southern Oregon University’s youth programs for many years, and as SOU undergoes a financial transformation, we’re proud to offer a stable source of support for the next three years,” Drake said. “Academia Latina, Konaway Nika Tillicum and the Black Youth Summer Institute are critical for the youth they serve, creating cultural experiences and providing access to the university and to programming that the students may not otherwise experience.” 

Since its founding, the Walker Fund has invested more than $43 million in Jackson County organizations working to create greater opportunity and stability for local children and families.  

Here is a full list of 2026 grants. 

Representative Grants 

Douglas Education Service District 

Roseburg 

$10,000

For evening and weekend Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education family events.  

“Many of our families are juggling work schedules, transportation barriers, caregiving responsibilities and other demands. Offering family events outside of the traditional workday will make a meaningful difference.”

 – Stacy Inman, Director of Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education

Opportunities for Housing, Resources, and Assistance 

Ashland 

$80,000 

For general operating support to help low-income people build better lives. 

“We work with low-income people to move them from crisis to stability. We do that by offering resources and support, to make sure they have the tools and skills to be on a path of recovery and sustainability. We meet their needs, which are anywhere from resource navigation to having a 6-month shelter program and even having a health clinic in house.”

– OHRA Executive Director Dan Cano 

Upper Rogue Rotary Community Foundation 

Eagle Point 

$15,000 

To fund a summer snack program, shoes and clothing through schools and holiday food baskets. 

“Hope looks like a hallway of schools where kids no longer have to wonder what they'll eat on Saturday, worry about holes in their shoes, or wonder if there will be any cheer at the holiday season — and that's exactly the difference we work to make every day.” 

 – Thomas Lee, President, Rotary Club of the Upper Rogue 

"Kids shouldn't have to worry about food. Not here. Not anywhere." 

— Georgi Cook, Member & Summer Snack Program Lead 

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. 

###