Oregon Community Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust, The Ford Family Foundation and American Red Cross Recognize Ongoing Community Needs
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.”
Here is the information regarding grants in our region.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
