Foundations Deploy Disaster Grants For Wildfire Readiness And Response (Photo) - 07/30/26
July 30, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Colin Fogarty
Director of Communications
Oregon Community Foundation
cfogarty@oregoncf.org
Foundations Deploy Disaster Grants for Wildfire Readiness and Response
Oregon Community Foundation and partners in the Oregon Disaster Funders Network approve more than $500,000 in grants as fire season enters most dangerous months
As Oregon's 2026 wildfire season intensifies toward near-record levels — with more than 60 fires burning across the state and the season's most dangerous months still ahead — a coalition of philanthropic organizations is giving rapid response grants to nonprofits and local fire agencies.
Oregon Community Foundation has now approved 18 grants for a total of $250,000. The Oregon Disaster Funders Network estimates other foundation partners have also approved more than $300,000 in grants since June 30, for a total of more than $550,000 and growing. Corporate partner Les Schwab Tire Centers continues to process applications from fire agencies for $100,000 in tires donated from its Tires for Purpose program. The grants are the first wave of funding from a coordinated package of at least $1 million announced by the coalition on June 30.
Fire season accelerates as funding reaches communities
Oregon wildfires have burned more than 1.2 million acres. The National Interagency Fire Center forecasts significant wildfire potential across all of Oregon in August and September. Governor Tina Kotek declared a statewide emergency in June, warning that drought conditions, record-low snowpack and a severe lightning season have created a dangerous combination.
“The scale and pace of this fire season is a call to action, and Oregon funders have answered,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. “Every dollar donated to our Disaster Readiness and Response Fund goes directly to the communities, agencies and organizations working on the ground — and they need more.”
Coordinated model speeds disaster giving
The Oregon Disaster Funders Network is a statewide collaborative that connects funding to communities facing fire, flood and other disasters. Local nonprofits and agencies can submit one grant request for more than 30 funders to consider.
“What most Oregonians don't see is how much coordination is happening behind the scenes,” said Kristin Kelley Monahan, who coordinates the Oregon Disaster Funders Network. “Foundations across the state are reviewing applications, cutting checks, collaborating with one another and getting resources to communities as fast as they can.”
Oregon Community Foundation plays a unique role in this coalition because it accepts donations through the Disaster Readiness and Response Fund, where anyone can give starting at $25 to get funding quickly to where it's needed most.
Grants Approved Since June 30, 2026
The following grants have been approved from OCF's Disaster Readiness and Response Fund and Oregon Fund since the coalition's announcement:
Baker Resources Coalition (Baker City) — Support for Summer Work Program: $12,000
City of Gresham (Gresham) — Gresham Fire Department wildfire readiness: $25,000
Coos County Area Transportation District (Coos Bay) — Office emergency kits for employees: $2,300
Lake Chinook Fire and Rescue (Culver) — Emergency response radios and equipment: $15,000
South Gilliam County RFPD (Condon) — Emergency response radios and equipment: $15,000
Upstream Access (Beaverton) — Supplies for cooling and heat-related emergency kits: $15,000
Vale Rangeland Fire Protection Agency (Vale) — Road grader for fire breaks: $25,000
Wheeler Soil and Water Conservation District (Fossil) — Emergency response radios and equipment: $15,000
Canyonville South Umpqua Fire District (Canyonville) — New wildland packs: $6,000
Jackson County Community Long Term Recovery Group (Talent) — Jackson County LTRG – Rogue Valley COAD staffing and operations: $20,000
North Powder Rural Fire Protection District (North Powder) — Purchase of bulldozer: $15,000
Walker Range Forest Protection Association (Crescent) — Upgrades to organization headquarters: $15,000
Warner Valley Rangeland Fire Protection Association (Adel) — Purchase of bulldozer: $15,000
Gilliam County Soil and Water Conservation District (Condon) — Transportation costs to deliver donated hay: $10,000
Oregon State University Extension and Engagement (Corvallis) — Box fan filter kits for smoke safety: $11,000
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (Warm Springs) — Water protection system repair and development: $10,000
Jefferson Rural Fire Protection District (Jefferson) — Thermal cameras: $13,700
Crane Rangeland Fire Protection Association (Crane) — Emergency response radios and water tank: $10,000
Total: $250,000 (18 grants)
How to help
Oregon's philanthropic and government partners are urging Oregonians to support wildfire response and recovery. State officials note that financial contributions are the most effective way to help — monetary donations allow disaster response organizations to buy exactly what is needed, where and when it is needed. If you are an OCF donor, contact your Donor Relations Officer to learn more about how your giving can support disaster preparedness and response across Oregon.
Donate to wildfire response and recovery:
Oregon Community Foundation – Disaster Readiness and Response Fund
Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
United Ways Pacific Northwest Disaster Recovery Fund
Wildland Firefighter Foundation
Stay informed and be prepared:
Oregon Wildfire Response and Recovery – State of Oregon
OEM Wildfire Dashboard (real-time maps and fire information)
Find volunteer opportunities through Oregon Volunteers in Disasters
People seeking trusted organizations currently involved in wildfire response can also dial 211 or visit 211info.org.
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 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 nearly 40 grantmakers. Learn more at OregonDisasterFundersNetwork.org.
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