February 2025

Stronger Staff, Stronger Students: Unique Investment in Out-of-School Programs Pays Off

Students get quality out-of-school learning time at Centro Cultural in Cornelius.

Oregon has done something few other states have: figured out how to train, support and professionalize educators working in out-of-school time programs. It turns out, high-quality learning initiatives that happen after school hours or during the summer can help students succeed in school and in life. With sustained support from Oregon Community Foundation, these educators have learned that what’s good for the adults — consistent professional development, a peer network, in-the-moment expert support — also pays off for the students they serve. Read more here.

Tenacity, Investment Key Ingredients for Arts and Culture to Thrive 

Members of the Oregon Legislature's Arts and Culture Caucus celebrate with Grammy winning jazz bassist esperanza spalding.

Arts and culture leaders used terms like “vibrant,” “thriving” and “strong” to describe a vision of the future for arts and culture in Oregon. Key ingredients to achieve that vision include tenacity, sustained investment and long-term political will. As advocates for arts and culture gathered with Oregon lawmakers in Salem, OCF President and CEO Lisa Mensah announced the Oregon Arts and Culture Recovery Fund has distributed $7.6 million to 60 nonprofits in every corner of Oregon. Another $6.4 million will go out by June. Read more here.

Remembering ‘Community Hero’ Bill Thorndike 

Tributes continue to pour in to honor former Oregon Community Foundation Board Chair Bill Thorndike, after his sudden death on Oregon's birthday, Feb. 14, 2025. Friends and colleagues describe the Southern Oregon business leader as “a community hero” and “the gold standard of caring.”

OCF President and CEO Lisa Mensah put it this way: “Bill embodied the generosity and community spirit that defines what it means to be an Oregonian. His service to OCF and so many causes in our state leaves a lasting legacy. Right up until the end, he was always ready to give abundantly of his time and deep insights. We’ll miss his warmth, humor and wisdom.”

Read more tributes here. 

OCF in the News

See the latest news updates in the OCF Press Room. 

One Dime at a Time Makes a Difference

Cleaner rivers, healthier public lands, fresh produce for families, and more outdoor experiences for students—all made possible through Oregon’s landmark Bottle Bill. This year, 12 incredible nonprofits will share more than $230,000 in BottleDrop Fund grants, a partnership between Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative and Oregon Community Foundation. These grants support projects that reduce waste and litter, protect the environment and provide environmental education. Just like the Marine Debris Orca Mural pictured above by CoastWatch Art and Ecology in Coos Bay!

KGW: Project Provides Showers for Homeless People

A new grant will help the Sunnyside Shower Project in Portland provide hot showers and hygiene supplies to homeless individuals, operating three days a week.

Job Openings at OCF

OCF is a great place to work! Come help us improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy! Find our current job openings here.

Feel free to get in touch!

OCF Offices 

OCF serves the state through five regional offices. Whether you want to donate, seek grants or volunteer, your needs are important to us. Our staff is skilled at collaboration and communication and will facilitate working with you.