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) 

Sign up for emergency alerts 

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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Latino Partnership Program Awards Nearly $900,000 To Latino-Led, Latino-Serving Nonprofits Statewide (Photo) - 07/13/26

July 13, 2026

Contact: Colin Fogarty

Director of Communications

cfogarty@oregoncf.org

Latino Partnership Program Awards Nearly $900,000 to Latino-Led, Latino-Serving Nonprofits Statewide

New partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation expands wealth-building investments for Latino entrepreneurs and families

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Latino Partnership Program of Oregon Community Foundation is supporting Latino-led and Latino-serving nonprofits across Oregon with $897,000 in grants to organizations that advance education, leadership development and wealth building in Latino communities.

The 70 new grants provide general operating support, recognizing nonprofit partners’ need for flexibility and sustainability. This year, LPP received applications from every region of Oregon. Education drew the most applications and recommendations, followed by wealth building.

“This year's grants reflect the resilience and resourcefulness of Latino organizations across Oregon,” said Mirna Loreli Cibrian, Senior Program Officer for the Latino Partnership Program. “As organizations navigate community concerns and funding uncertainty, flexible general operating support enables them to remain strong. We are committed to listening, responding and investing to meet this moment with purpose, compassion and a shared commitment to strengthening communities across Oregon.”

Cibrian added that the grants reflect the fact that Latino-serving organizations play a critical role in advancing educational success and long-term economic mobility. When these organizations must redirect limited resources to respond to immediate crises, their ability to invest in long-term opportunities is diminished.

Organizations that applied in the wealth-building category emphasized culturally responsive, bilingual programming addressing financial literacy, entrepreneurship, homeownership and workforce development, with several citing steep drops in sales and mounting economic pressure on Latino-owned small businesses.

Leadership development applicants focused on mentorship, civic engagement and workforce pathways for young people and adults. Education applicants emphasized bilingual instruction, family engagement and support addressing barriers tied to immigration and mental health.

Grants Reach Every Corner of Oregon

This year's grantees span the state, from the South Coast to Eastern Oregon. The Mexican American Citizens League in Ontario received $15,000. In Central Oregon, Better Together Central Oregon in Redmond received $15,000, and in Southern Oregon, La Clinica in Medford received $15,000. A grant of $15,000 went to Hacienda Community Development Corporation in Portland.

Partnership Built with OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation

A new three-year commitment from OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation allows LPP to provide additional awards for wealth-building work. The partnership supports Prosperidad Oregon, Latino Founders, Latino Community Association and Malheur Education Service District, which provide culturally responsive business coaching, workforce development, entrepreneurship support, early learning career pathways and access to capital.

“This partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation reflects our shared commitment to expanding economic opportunity in Latino communities,” Cibrian said. “As Oregon’s Latino community continues to grow, we welcome new partners who share our commitment to creating lasting impact.”

Grantees supported by OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation:

Prosperidad Oregon empowers Latino Oregonians by providing access to capital and opportunities for personal and economic growth. Its business coaching and lending initiative combines bilingual business coaching, financial education and navigation support with flexible microloans and Individual Development Accounts for minority-owned businesses excluded from traditional systems. (Northern Willamette Valley)

Latino Founders advances economic mobility and generational wealth for Latino entrepreneurs through culturally relevant business education, leadership development and pathways to capital. Its flagship 10-week Accelerator program supports early-stage Latino entrepreneurs in transforming ideas into scalable, market-ready businesses, offering education, mentorship and connections to capital. The program culminates in Pitch Latino, where founders showcase their businesses to the community. (Statewide)

Latino Community Association empowers Latino families to thrive by creating opportunities for advancement and building bridges that unite the community. Its workforce empowerment program strengthens economic stability and growth in Central Oregon, helping participants access employment and advance into sustainable, higher-wage careers or grow their own businesses while confronting barriers such as language, educational attainment and unfamiliarity with systems. (Central Oregon)

Malheur Education Service District, through its Eastern Oregon Child Care Resources program, champions accessible, equitable and sustainable early learning workforce pathways. Its Spanish Cohort Child Care Business Accelerator supports Latino families to become small business owners, stabilize their income and build long-term assets by treating child care as an essential service and a pathway to entrepreneurship and housing stability. (Eastern Oregon)

A full list of Latino Partnership Program grants is available here.

About the Latino Partnership Program

Established in 2002, the Latino Partnership Program is a statewide program of Oregon Community Foundation that addresses the challenges facing Oregon's Latino community. With the support of many volunteers, LPP centers the voices and experiences of Latino Oregonians by leaning into the strengths and collective wisdom of comunidades across Oregon. LPP partners with community leaders and organizations working in its focus areas of education, leadership development and wealth building.

About Oregon Community Foundation

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF strengthens communities in every county in Oregon through grantmaking, scholarships and research. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.

About OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation

The OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation is an independent nonprofit established in 2024. Funded by OnPoint Community Credit Union, the OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation carries forward the credit union’s legacy of supporting education and community well-being across Oregon and southwest Washington. The organization seeks to transform the financial vitality of our community by expanding access to financial education and financial literacy, education, and capital. Learn more at onpointcu.com/community-giving.

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