The Oregon Community Foundation was established in 1973 and its mission is to improve life in Oregon and promote effective philanthropy. The mission of The Oregon Community Foundation is to improve life in Oregon and promote effective philanthropy.

They work with individuals, families, businesses and organizations to create charitable funds — more than 1,900 of them — that support the community causes they care about. These funds support the critical work that nonprofits are doing across Oregon. Through these funds, OCF awarded more than $80 million in grants and scholarships in 2014.

Grants

OCF grants are varied. Some are awarded through an open grant application process, while others reflect an advised fund donor's recommendation. But they all have a single goal: improving the community.

The following primary grant programs are open for applications:

• -Community Grant Program. Awarded statewide, these grants have a broad focus.
• -Nike Employee Grant Fund Program. Awarded in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill counties in Oregon, and Clark County in Washington.
• -Creative Heights. A four-year initiative to help arts and culture organizations test new ideas and stretch their creative capacity.
• -Small Arts & Culture Grants. A five-year initiative to support small, community-driven arts and culture organizations statewide.
• -Ready to Learn Grants. These statewide grants focus on programs that benefit young children.
• -Reed and Carolee Walker Fund Grants. Awarded in Jackson County, these grants focus on disadvantaged children and families.

The mission of The Oregon Community Foundation is to improve lives for all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy.

History

William Swindells, the founder of Willamette Industries, believed in giving back to the state that had made his fortune. Swindells had built lumber mills Across Oregon, creating thousands of family-wage jobs. His vision of philanthropy, like his wood products empire, encompassed the state.

In 1973, Swindells established The Oregon Community Foundation as a permanent endowment for community improvement efforts throughout the state.

In a community foundation, donors pool their funds under shared management. Donors may tailor their individual gifts to their own giving objectives. By investing together, they make their money count even more.

Thanks to these donors, OCF has evolved to become a reflection of both the cherished history and the changing needs of their state. For promising young students, it can be the support that underwrites a successful future. For rural families, it can mean accessible health care. For aspiring artists, and communities hungry for cultural enrichment, OCF can be their connecting force. For donors, it is the way they can connect their giving to their passion.

From William Swindells' initial $63,000 contribution, OCF now has more than $1.5 billion under management through 1,900 charitable funds.