To promote a sustainable future for Oregon, the OCF board of directors recently expanded the Foundation’s priorities to include a focus on jobs and the economy. This new focus complements OCF’s longstanding commitment to education and the needs of children and families.
The Foundation is focusing on the following areas:
- Developing a skilled workforce
OCF is asking organizations that connect youth with hands-on workplace experience to apply to our Community Grant Program by August 1, 2012. Funding decisions will be announced in November 2012.
- Investing in quality job creation
OCF is funding a series of trainings for entrepreneurs through a $75,000 grant to the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network. The first boot camp will be offered in Central Oregon through the Bend-based accelerator VentureBox. This 12-week "Venture Launch" program will help regional entrepreneurs structure, develop and launch new businesses. Over the following year, similar programs will aid entrepreneurs in Southern Oregon and in communities along the Columbia Gorge. VentureBox's Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting took place on January 24, 2012, followed by the Venture Launch kickoff on February 15.
The Foundation is also partnering with Meyer Memorial Trust, the Oregon State Treasury, Business Oregon and CTC Consulting to conduct a statewide Capital Gap Analysis, the results of which will be available in winter 2012.
For more information, contact Melissa Durham, Director of Strategic Projects, at 503.227.6846 or mdurham@oregoncf.org; or Sonia Worcel, Research Director, at 503.227.6846 or sworcel@oregoncf.org.