OCF announces spring grants awarded to Central Oregon nonprofits
May 25,2007 00:00 by Bend_Weekly_News_Sources
BEND, Ore. - Last week The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) awarded grants to nonprofit organizations in Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson and Wasco counties totaling $436,119. These grants were part of OCF's recent distribution of $10.1 million to 627 nonprofits across the state.

 
OCF is a permanent endowment built from funds created by donors who are dedicated to improving the quality of life in their communities.  Since its establishment in 1973, OCF and its donors have distributed more than $422 million in grants and scholarships throughout Oregon.

In addition to announcing its grants, the foundation reported that in 2006, donors contributed $76 million to grow OCF's endowment to $900 million in permanent funds. Earnings from the endowment provide grants and scholarships around the state.

"OCF and its donors are proud to have a hand in providing support for nonprofit organizations in Central Oregon," said Linda Moore, OCF board member from Bend. "We are making a positive difference, locally and statewide."

Highlights of OCF's Spring 2007 grants made in Central Oregon are:

.         Deschutes Children's Foundation (Bend) - $26,000 for the Better Together Capital Campaign to expand facilities to better serve the increasing needs of the    community.

.         Meth Action Coalition (Bend) - $20,000 for expansion of the scope, content and sustainability of collaborative prevention programs related to meth use.

.         Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon (Bend) - $15,100 to match at-risk youth with adult mentors.

.         Children's Vision Foundation (Bend) - $11,000 for comprehensive vision screenings and operation of the Oregon National Guard Youth Challenge program in central and eastern Oregon elementary schools.

.         Latino Community Association (Bend) - $10,000 to hire a bilingual executive director to manage and develop the program.

OCF also acknowledges outgoing board members Gretchen Pierce of Eugene and Jon Englund of Astoria. Without them, OCF - and nonprofits such as those listed above - would not be where they are today.

Founded 34 years ago, The Oregon Community Foundation works in partnership with individual, family, business and organizational donors to improve the lives of Oregonians through philanthropy and by building an endowment - now more than $900 million - for Oregon's future. OCF provides more than $48 million annually in grants and scholarships statewide. For more information, visit www.ocf1.org or 
call 503-227-6846.