Nonprofits tackling Central Oregon’s most pressing challenges are receiving a boost. Oregon Community Foundation has distributed new grants to organizations making progress on housing, child care, hunger, substance abuse, arts and culture, and those serving immigrants, refugees and others. In all, OCF’s Community Grants program is investing $382,360 in the work of 24 Central Oregon organizations.
Local Voices, Local Impact
One of those nonprofits is Sisters Transportation and Rideshare, which received a $15,000 Community Grant.
“Over the last five years, we’ve helped the people in our community age in place by helping them stay healthy and get to their doctor’s appointments,” said Rennie Morrell, the volunteer Executive Director.
“Sometimes we’re the only people in the community that these people talk to, maybe this week, maybe this month,” Morrell said. “It’s been an honor to provide this worthwhile service to our community.”
Funding from OCF’s 2025 Spring Cycle of Community Grants is flexible, allowing organizations to invest the money where it is needed most. Statewide the program has awarded $5,629,398 to 241 nonprofits serving urban and rural communities.
“All over our state, Oregonians are working to make their communities better, and we rely on them to point the way to solutions and innovative ideas,” said Marcy Bradley, OCF’s Chief Community Engagement and Equity Officer.
“Flexible operating funds through our Community Grants show the trust and respect we have for our local communities,” Bradley said. “We’re grateful to our donors for making this possible and to our nonprofit partners for their deep knowledge and desire to improve the lives of all Oregonians.”
For 28 years, OCF’s Community Grants program has supported nonprofits, Tribal organizations and government agencies in all 36 counties of Oregon. The 2025 Spring Cycle prioritized nonprofits that are culturally specific, culturally responsive or small rural.
Breaking down the grants statewide:
- Nearly 3 in 4 of the nonprofits receiving grants serve low-income communities.
- Nearly half serve communities that are Black, Indigenous or people of color.
- Grants went to 26 nonprofits that support Oregonians who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless or in need of affordable housing. Another 30 of the nonprofits receiving grants support immigrant or refugee communities. Twelve more fight hunger.
- For 127 of the nonprofits receiving funding, this is their first Community Grant from OCF.
Community-Reviewed, Donor-Supported
The funding is possible because of donors to Oregon Community Foundation. Grant applications from nonprofits were reviewed by OCF volunteers in every region of Oregon. The list below of representative grants from each region of Oregon demonstrates the impact these grants have on nearly every aspect of life for Oregonians.
A full list of grantees can be found on the OCF website.
Next Opportunity: Fall 2025 Grants
The next cycle of Community Grants from OCF, in the fall of 2025, will focus on capacity building, small capital and new or expanding projects. Program applications will open June 12, 2025. Grants will be awarded in November.
Representative Grants for the Region:
Juntos Aprendemos
Redmond
$15,000
Contact: Kesia Larson, Interim Manager, kesia.larson@hdesd.org
https://juntosaprendemosco.org/
Nch’i Wana Housing
The Dalles
$15,000
Contact: Debra Whitefoot, Executive Director, debraw@nchiwana.org
Sisters Transportation and Rideshare
Sisters
$15,000
Contact: Rennie Morrell, Executive Director, executivedirector@starsride.org
Youth Empowerment Shelter
The Dalles
$25,000
Contact: Livia Christensen, Executive Director, liviac@yeshelter.org
Community Grants by Region:
- Central Oregon: 24 grants totaling $382,360
- Eastern Oregon: 17 grants totaling $264,715
- Metro Portland: 90 grants totaling $2,480,978
- North Coast: 14 grants totaling $242,112
- Northern Willamette Valley: 24 grants totaling $643,000
- Southern Oregon: 26 grants totaling $516,000
- South Coast: 11 grants totaling $178,524
- Southern Willamette Valley: 35 grants totaling $921,700
About Oregon Community Foundation
Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In 2024, OCF distributed more than $211 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.
