Oregon Community Foundation gives grants
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – The Oregon Community Foundation has granted a total of $907,500 to nonprofits that support economic development. The awards go to nonprofit organizations that support innovative economic development throughout the state, some of them benefiting programs in this area.
Nixyaawii Community Financial Services has received $25,000 for its series of economic summits and fashion shows. NCFS provides loans, coaching, training, and technical assistance to artists and other entrepreneurs on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
“Our approach to hosting three regional economic summits and fashion shows has tripled our small-business client list and small-business director,” Nixyaawii stated in its application. “Our artists and creatives on the Umatilla Indian Reservation didn’t necessarily see themselves as entrepreneurs because it is just part of their heritage.”
Umatilla County will benefit from a $25,000 grant received by Micro Enterprise Resources, as will Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties. That funding will support a loan officer position for offering interest-free loans to help increase credit scores. A $24,900 grant to the Rural Engagement and Vitality Center will benefit Umatilla, Morrow, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Lake, Baker, Union, Wallowa, and Wheeler counties. It will be used for the Frontier Oregon Innovation Hub to support entrepreneurs.
