TEN KLAMATH COUNTY STUDENTS AWARDED $1,000 EACH BY THE EARL AND JANE FERGUSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND (Photo) - 07/02/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Colin Fogarty

Director of Communications

cfogarty@oregoncf.org
 

TEN KLAMATH COUNTY STUDENTS AWARDED $1,000 EACH BY THE EARL AND JANE FERGUSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Ten Klamath County students will share $10,000 in scholarships from the Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund of Oregon Community Foundation. The $1,000 awards will support students’ education and career goals.

The scholarship was established by two lifelong educators in Klamath County who strongly believed in the power of educational opportunity. Earl Ferguson served for 24 years as Superintendent of Klamath Falls City Schools and Barbara “Jane” Ferguson taught fifth grade in the Klamath County School District and was an elementary teacher and librarian for the Klamath Falls City Schools. Earl passed earlier this year, and Jane in 2023. Their legacy continues through the Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarhip.

“Both of my parents dedicated their lives to the students and schools of this community, and seeing this scholarship carry on their legacy means everything to our family,” said Mel Ferguson, their son. “These young people heading off to pursue careers in medicine, technology, the arts and beyond are exactly the kind of students my parents had in mind when they created this fund. They are an inspiration, and I know my parents would be so proud.”

Scholarships Awarded Since 1999

Since the Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund gave its first scholarships in 1999, the fund has awarded more than $130,000 to Klamath County students.

“Over 130 students have been directly impacted by the Fergusons support, helping them pursue their educational goals,” said Kaylin Preston, Program Associate for Scholarships at Oregon Community Foundation. “We are so grateful to Earl and Jane for their generosity, to the community volunteers who review applications and select scholarship recipients, and to the educators and community members who have supported these students along the way.”

OCF manages nearly 600 unique scholarship funds that support students from across the state as they pursue postsecondary education. In 2025, OCF awarded more than 3,400 scholarships totaling $15 million. Students from rural communities received 48% of the scholarships awarded.

The 2026 Ferguson scholarship recipients are:

Daisy A. Kupitz, Klamath Falls, graduating from Klamath Union High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Oregon Institute of Technology. She plans to study mathematics and statistics.

Eily R. Hawkins, Malin, graduating from Lost River Jr/Sr High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Klamath Community College. She plans to study registered and clinical nursing.

“This scholarship means a lot to my family and me. We are very thankful for all you do for the community. It will help me get to my goals and keep pushing me to strive to be better,” Hawkins said.

Emma S. DeJong, Bonanza, graduating from Lost River Jr/Sr High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Oregon Institute of Technology. She plans to study cardiovascular technology.

“I feel very blessed and could not be more thankful for the opportunities I have been given. This scholarship has not only supported my ability to pursue an education but a chance to follow my dreams,” DeJong said.

Himani J. Patel, Klamath Falls, graduating from Henley High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the University of Oregon. She plans to study pre-medicine.

“As a student from an immigrant family, this scholarship provides the life-changing opportunity to pursue my dream of entering the business and technology fields without financial burden. Knowing this award was created to give hard-working students a chance inspires me to work my hardest, break into the tech industry and ultimately give back to my community,” Patel said.

Jeremy Raygoza Cortez, Bonanza, graduating from Bonanza High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Lane Community College. He plans to study graphic design. Raygoza Cortez will be the first in his family to attend college.

Maxwell L. Hendricks, Klamath Falls, graduating from Klamath Union High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Nebraska Wesleyan University. He plans to study computer and information Sciences.

Raelynn M. Feinauer, Merrill, graduating from Lost River Jr/Sr High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Klamath Community College. She plans to study health information and medical records.

Ryan Douglas, Klamath Falls, graduating from Henley High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Oregon Institute of Technology. He plans to study pre-veterinary studies.

Valeria Reyes Moreno, Malin, graduating from Lost River Jr/Sr High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Oregon Institute of Technology. She plans to study psychology. Reyes Moreno will be the first in her family to attend college.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement this scholarship provides as I pursue my academic and career goals. The Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship is generous, making higher education more accessible and gives students like me the opportunity to strive toward success,” Reyes Moreno said.

One scholarship recipient opted out of a public announcement.

About OCF

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In 2025, OCF distributed 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 Foundations, Les Schwab Tire Centers Partner To Provide At Least $1 Million In Wildfire Preparedness Support For Rural Communities (Photo) - 06/30/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Colin Fogarty

Director of Communications

Oregon Community Foundation

cfogarty@oregoncf.org

Oregon Foundations, Les Schwab Tire Centers Partner to Provide At Least $1 Million in Wildfire Preparedness Support for Rural Communities

Tires and quick-response grants going to rural fire services and the organizations working to prepare communities for wildfire season

TROUTDALE, Ore. – As Oregon heads into the July 4 holiday weekend and what is forecast to be a severe fire season, a coalition of philanthropic and business partners is helping rural fire services, government agencies and nonprofits to get ready and respond. Oregon Community Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation and Les Schwab Tire Centers today announced a coordinated package of support totaling at least $1 million in grants, alongside a statewide tire donation program to strengthen rural fire agencies before fire season takes hold.

The initial commitment of at least $1 million from partner foundations and additional anonymous funders will provide quick-response grants to support the nonprofits working to prepare communities and responding when needed.

“Philanthropy doesn’t replace first responders — we work right behind them,” said Kim Koenig, OCF’s Director of Community Programs and Disaster Response.

“When a fire breaks out in a rural community, the volunteers who respond deserve equipment that works and a support system that can move quickly. We know from experience that the road to recovery after a disaster is longer than anyone wants — our Disaster Readiness and Response Fund is built to be there for the long haul, from preparation through the long period of rebuilding.”

Les Schwab Tires in-kind tire donation addresses critical need

Les Schwab Tires will donate $100,000 worth of tires from its Tires for Purpose program to Rangeland Fire Protection Associations statewide, addressing a critical and often overlooked need: fire truck tires are subject to extreme wear and heat stress during wildfire response, and replacing them is a significant operational expense for volunteer departments.

“We are excited to use our Tires for Purpose program to help make sure our Rangeland Fire Protection Associations are well equipped for safety on and off the road ahead of fire season,” said Bill Tester, Les Schwab store manager in Sandy, Oregon. “We’ve grown as a company to more than 600 stores across 15 states, but Oregon is our home. A safe and thriving Oregon matters to us. Our first responders deserve our support.”

The partners made the announcement at Gresham Fire Station #75 in Troutdale at the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge, the site of a massive wildfire in 2017.

Preparing first responders before disaster strikes

Oregon’s rural communities rely heavily on volunteer firefighters and local fire districts that operate with limited budgets and equipment. City departments like Gresham’s must be ready to fight wildfires in the places where rural and urban areas meet.

“Wildfires don’t wait until we’re ready,” said Mike Traeger, Assistant Chief of the Gresham Fire Department. “Every tire, every piece of equipment and every hour of training makes a difference when the call comes. Resources like these mean firefighters can respond faster, work more safely and stay on the fire line longer.”

The July 4 holiday weekend historically marks one of the most dangerous periods of fire season, with dry conditions, wind and human activity combining to heighten risk across the state. Add to that this year’s drought, a record-tying warm winter and low snowpack, and officials are deeply concerned about the coming fire season.

“This year is shaping up to be a bad fire year,” said John Bailey, Professor of Silviculture and Wildland Fire at the Oregon State University College of Forestry. “We can act now to prevent destructive wildfires, and that’s why this investment is so important.”

Supporting communities before, during and long after disaster

OCF’s Disaster Readiness and Response Fund brings donations starting at $25 from across the state into a single funding pool, enabling OCF to quickly deploy grants when disaster strikes. The fund supports emergency response as well as preparation — including fire mitigation, specialized equipment, training and emergency supplies — and long-term recovery.

The foundation partners are members of the Oregon Disaster Funders Network, a partnership of mission-driven organizations working to build a stronger and more resilient Oregon.

“The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation is proud to stand alongside members of the Oregon Disaster Funders Network to support Oregon communities ahead of wildfire season,” said Meghan Campbell, Program Officer at the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation. “Coordinated regional philanthropy has an important role to play in meeting urgent needs before and after disasters, and we are deeply grateful to the first responders who bravely care for and protect our communities.”

“Rural communities often face the greatest risks with the fewest resources, and the impacts of wildfire can last long after the flames are out,” said Kara Inae Carlisle, President and CEO of The Ford Family Foundation. “That’s why we’re coordinating with partners from the Oregon Disaster Funders Network to support rural communities as wildfire season approaches, so we can mobilize resources quickly and stand ready to respond.”
 

Apply for quick response funds.

Apply for tires.

Donate to the Disaster Readiness and Response Fund at OCF.

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 Les Schwab Tire Centers

Les Schwab Tire Centers (www.lesschwab.com) started in 1952 with just one small tire shop in Prineville, Oregon. After more than 70 years of building on our founder’s belief in honesty, service and hard work, Les Schwab Tires is one of the leading independent tire dealers in the United States and the nation’s top-ranked tire retailer by Consumer Reports for 2026. Now, more than 9,000 employees in more than 600 locations across 15 states take pride in doing the right thing every day. That shows up in our unique tires–those we crafted specifically for the roads our customers drive on. It’s in the best tire warranty in America. It’s in how we stand behind the promise to do more for customers and communities, every step of the way.

To view the full 2026 ratings and learn more about this recommendation, visit: https://www.lesschwab.com/consumer-reports

About The Ford Family Foundation

The Ford Family Foundation believes in the power of rural communities. It is a private, nonprofit foundation proudly headquartered in Roseburg, Oregon, serving rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Its investments through grants, scholarships and community building create the conditions so that children have the family, educational and community supports they need to succeed in life.

About Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation

The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation honors the life and legacy of Marie Lamfrom by directing strategic philanthropic support — in education, community, arts, creativity, health, and well-being — to those who need it most in Oregon. Guided by values of authenticity, equity, and optimism, the Foundation partners with nonprofits to empower underserved communities, alleviate human suffering, and foster lasting, positive change across the region.

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 40+ grantmakers. ODFN shares resources, strengthens relationships and mobilizes funding. Learn more at OregonDisasterFundersNetwork.org

###

Media Advisory - 06/29/26

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. 

###