Portland, Ore. – September 15, 2021 – The 2020 Community Rebuilding Fund, a joint effort led by Oregon Community Foundation in partnership with Meyer Memorial Trust, The Ford Family Foundation and American Red Cross, today announced an additional $1,489,431 in grants to support 15 more community-based organizations throughout Oregon counties ravaged by the 2020 fires. This is the second round of funding, bringing a total of $6,163,687 to 60 organizations to date.
“A year ago, devastating fires ripped through our forests and towns, and Oregonians responded quickly and generously. In one year, the 2020 Community Rebuilding Fund has raised and deployed millions of dollars to support fire-impacted communities throughout Oregon,” said Max Williams, CEO, Oregon Community Foundation. “Another fire season, compounded by a new wave of the pandemic, continues to stretch already hard-hit communities across the state.”
Contributions to the 2020 Community Rebuilding Fund can be made online at: www.oregoncf.org/rebuilding. Oregon Community Foundation expects to award the remaining funds monthly from September-November, 2021.
Following is a snapshot of some of the community organizations delivering critical services to Oregonians in need:
Lane County
McKenzie Fire and Rescue, http://www.mckenziefire.com/| $125,000.00
To support the Disaster Relief Logistics Center, an emergency operation center, to be prepared for a natural disaster, including emergency communication equipment to serve the McKenzie Corridor.
“The 2020 Community Rebuilding Fund grant will allow McKenzie Fire and Rescue to house critical supplies for any large-scale disaster, including communications equipment, firefighting equipment, sand and sandbagging equipment, and non-perishable items,” said Chief Darren Bucich, McKenzie Fire and Rescue. “In addition, the Disaster Relief Logistics Center will have a dedicated conference room that can be utilized by overhead teams in the event of a disaster.”
Jackson County
NOWIA Unete, Center for Farm Worker Advocacy, http://uneteoregon.org/ | $40,000.00
To support Proyecto Bienestar (The Wellness Project), a program promoting trauma-informed fire recovery and resiliency for farmworkers and immigrant communities in Jackson County.
“Unete has served over 600 unique families that were directly impacted by the Almeda fire. With Community Rebuilding Fund support, Unete will continue to develop programs to build a resilient and healthy community,” said Kathy Keesee-Morales, program director for NOWIA Unete Center for Farm Worker Advocacy. “This has been instrumental in the entire community rebuilding process and we are so grateful for Community Rebuilding Fund support as well as other Rogue Valley programs.”
Linn and Marion Counties
Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund, https://santiamcanyonwildfirerelieffund.org/ | $101,250.00
To support survivors’ recovery and rebuilding efforts in the Santiam Canyon.
“Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund of Santiam Hospital will continue providing essential funding directly to survivors as they work to rebuild their homes,” said Deana Freres, SCWRF Advisor. “When survivors encounter a rebuilding hurdle that would otherwise halt their recovery process, these dollars will be used to get them to the next step. Ultimately, this momentum boost provides a renewed sense of hope as they labor toward their goal of returning home to the Santiam Canyon.”
Last month, the 2020 Community Rebuilding Fund deployed $4,439,256 in grants to support 40 organizations throughout the eight fire-ravaged counties in Oregon. OCF donors contributed an additional $235,000 this summer to support rebuilding efforts as well.
See a complete list of grantees (as of September 15, 2021) online in OCF Press Room: https://oregoncf.org/press-room/
Oregon Community Foundation expects to deploy most of the recovery, rebuilding and resiliency grants by the end of November, 2021.
About the 2020 Community Rebuilding Fund
The 2020 Community Rebuilding Fund launched in response to Oregon’s devastating 2020 wildfire season which forever changed many of Oregon’s vibrant rural communities. Recognizing equitable, inclusive and resiliency-based rebuilding is essential, the 2020 Community Rebuilding Fund centers the needs of Oregon’s vulnerable residents most impacted – including Latino/a/x, Tribal and rural community members. The Fund supports community-led rebuilding that engages residents in shaping the future of the diverse and dynamic places they call home. The 2020 Community Rebuilding Fund is led by Oregon Community Foundation, in partnership with Meyer Memorial Trust, The Ford Family Foundation and American Red Cross and in addition to each partner, is primarily funded through individual, corporate and foundation support. To learn more, please visit: Community Rebuilding Fundhttps://oregoncf.org/grants-and-scholarships/grants/community-rebuilding-fund-grants/community-rebuilding-fund-values/.
About Oregon Community Foundation
Oregon Community Foundation puts donated money to work in Oregon – more than $100 million in grants and scholarships annually. Since 1973, OCF grantmaking, research, advocacy and community-advised solutions have helped individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create charitable funds to improve lives for all Oregonians. Impactful giving–time, talent, and resources from many generous Oregonians–creates measurable change. Throughout 2020, OCF responded quickly and urgently – distributing a record-setting $220 million in charitable dollars to more than 3,000 nonprofits throughout Oregon working to address urgent needs, stabilize communities and prepare for long-term recovery in Oregon. OCF donors responded to the magnitude of need, as reflected in a 44% increase in donor advised fund grantmaking from the previous year. For more information, please visit: oregoncf.org.
About Meyer Memorial Trust
Meyer Memorial Trust, established in 1982, is among the largest private foundations in Oregon, with current assets of roughly $1.1 billion. Today, Meyer focuses on work in Oregon, in four areas Oregonians have identified as crucial to making the state better for all of its residents: housing, education, the environment and building community. Learn more at www.mmt.org.
About The Ford Family Foundation
The Ford Family Foundation was established in 1957 by Kenneth W. and Hallie E. Ford. Its mission is “successful citizens and vital rural communities” in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. The Foundation is located in Roseburg, Oregon, with a Scholarship office in Eugene. To learn more, please visit: www.tfff.org.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org.
The 2020 Community Rebuilding Fund, a collaborative effort led by Oregon Community Foundation in partnership with Meyer Memorial Trust, The Ford Family Foundation and American Red Cross to support Oregon counties ravaged by 2020 Labor Day fires.