Meaningful community change requires more than funding. It requires partners who believe in local leadership, invest in long-term capacity, and encourage communities to pursue ambitious goals.
Our partnership with Oregon Community Foundation began with a surprise gift of $10,000 award, followed by a $20,000 capacity-building grant that helped strengthen the foundation of our organization. While these investments provided important resources, the value of the partnership has extended far beyond financial support.
Throughout our conversations and collaboration, Oregon Community Foundation has offered thoughtful guidance, shared valuable recommendations, and consistently encouraged our organization as we navigated new opportunities and challenges. Their willingness to listen, ask insightful questions, and connect us with ideas and resources has helped us think more strategically about our future and the role we can play in strengthening the Row River Valley.
Although 2026 marks the first year Oregon Community Foundation has formally supported our work through grant funding, the relationship has been developing over time through ongoing conversations, shared learning, and a mutual commitment to building stronger rural communities.
As our organization continues to grow, we remain grateful for partners who recognize the potential of small rural communities and are willing to invest in their success. Oregon Community Foundation’s support has helped us build capacity, expand our vision, and continue advancing community-led solutions that improve quality of life throughout the Row River Valley.
We look forward to continuing this partnership and the opportunities it creates for our community in the years ahead.
