Overview
The Oregon Parks Foundation Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation was created in 2009 by the Oregon Parks Foundation. The Fund's purpose is to support the acquisition, preservation, and restoration of Oregon's native landscape and also support of environmental, recreational, and educational improvements to public parks throughout the state of Oregon.
The Oregon Parks Foundation (OPF) Fund invites proposals for support from nonprofit organizations and public agencies at the community, district, county or regional level. Grant recommendations are made to the OCF board of directors by an advisory committee created by the Oregon Parks Foundation. Grants disbursed by the OPF Fund generally range from $1,500 to $5,000.
Priorities and Eligibility
The Oregon Parks Foundation Fund will support the following types of expenses within the context of providing for natural park settings and outdoor recreation and educational opportunities:
- Land protection and habitat restoration
- Community outdoor recreation enhancement
- Environmental education programs
- Administrative expenses
- Publications
- Internships
The OPF Fund does not make grants for recreational support facilities such as fencing, swimming pool construction, ball field lighting, sewer and water systems, landscaping or maintenance. Grants are not provided for deficit financing, debt retirement or for projects likely to be long delayed. Also not favored are grants for annual operating budgets. In the case of substantial projects, the OPF Fund prefers to participate with other donors. Applicants are encouraged to seek support from other sources.
Private, tax-exempt non-profit organizations and public agencies within the State of Oregon are eligible for funding.
How to Apply
Requests for grant information should be presented to the OPF Fund advisory committee in writing, telephone, or email. In some cases, a personal interview with the applicant may be helpful and desirable. Applications to the OPF Fund should be as brief and concise as possible to present information about the applicant and the project for which the grant is being sought.
All Applications Should Include:
- A one-paragraph abstract succinctly describing the project being proposed.
- A narrative describing the project and the applicant organization.
- A description of the people or groups potentially benefiting from the project.
- A proposed budget for the entire project and the amount of funds sought from the Fund.
- If appropriate, an explanation on plans for future financing of the proposed project.
- A list of other project contributors or sources being approached for financial assistance.
- A copy of the applicant’s 501(c)(3) tax determination letter.
- A copy of the applicant’s most recent full fiscal year’s final financial statement
- The name that should appear on the check, if the grant is awarded, and the address the check should be mailed to.
Deadline
Please mail application postmarked no later than April 15, 2012 to the address below.
Replies to Applications
The applicant will be notified in writing when the application has been acted upon by the board of directors of The Oregon Community Foundation.
Reports
Applicants receiving a grant from the OPF Fund will be expected to report on the use of the funds nine months following the award date. Reports should be sent to the contact person for the Oregon Parks Foundation Fund as noted below.
Mail Applications to:
The Oregon Parks Foundation Fund of OCF
c/o Marcy Houle
16600 N.W. Gillihan Road
Portland OR 97231
Email newmoonfarms@gmail.com
For further information, please call Marcy Houle, 503.621.1018 or Melissa Hansen at The Oregon Community Foundation, 503.227.6846.