Sisters-based Round-house Foundation announced the distribution of over $1.2 million to more than 70 rural nonprofits across Oregon during their fall grant cycle. Since 2002 Roundhouse Foundation has worked with local and regional organizations to support creative problem-solving.

Grants during the 2021 Fall Open Cycle were made to organizations across Oregon in four different program focus areas including arts and culture, education, social services, and environmental stewardship. The Foundation recognizes that frequently rural organizations’ work is at the

intersection of these focus areas.

Among the projects funded is the Upstream Stewardship Program of the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council. The program will engage 200 students and community members around watershed stewardship. New programming consists of a six-part watershed education series focused on Whychus Creek as well as hands-on stewardship programming for students along Whychus Creek.

Some other examples of programs funded through this cycle include:

•?Arts Council of Pendleton, to support ongoing operations of the Pendleton Center for the Arts, a provider of arts experiences across rural Oregon. This request also supports the purchase of a new ceramics kiln for the facility in Pendleton.

•?Maryhill Museum of Art, to support the second phase of the Exquisite Gorge Project II to connect national and international fiber artists who will create sculptural interpretations of the Columbia River and engage residents in outreach and participatory programming.

•?Native Arts & Cultures Foundation, to support a show and community engagement event of Native American artists from rural Oregon and develop an exhibition for NACF Fellow Natalie Ball (Black, Modoc, and Klamath Tribes), for her work focused on Climate Change.

•?Talent Maker City to extend the Rise Up + Rebuild program and support Southern Oregon students with hands-on learning and professional development for staff.

•?Kids Club of Jefferson County, to replace two vans to transport kids to programs, camps, and activities.

•?Baker Technical Institute, to support the expansion of career and technical courses offered to Tribes in Oregon through mobile training platforms that deliver programming on Reservations. Courses offered include heavy equipment operation and truck driving.

•?Wallowa Band Nez Perce Interpretive Center, to expand capacity for planning, hosting, and improving new and existing place-based tribal youth educational programming and to establish and renew partnerships with Reservation-based youth programming.

•?Long Tom Watershed Council, to continue to support the Traditional Ecological Inquiry Program, a youth education program that provides pathways for Native youth (sixth grade through college-aged) and their families to engage in an exploration of Traditional Ways of Knowing and the reciprocal relationship between humans and the land.

•?Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, to purchase hardware and components associated with an aerial drone system for use in education and environmental stewardship activities throughout Tillamook County. (North Coast)

•?Ollala Center, to support the Walden Project and offer mental health therapy through nature-based activities for children from 4-17 years old with histories of trauma and abuse.

•?Four Rivers Welcome Center to increase the number of citizenship-preparation classes in Ontario and support travel for community members to travel to Portland for their Naturalization Interviews.(Eastern Oregon)

•?Brookings Harbor Community Helpers, to support purchase of food for family food boxes, youth backpack program, daily food options for individuals without refrigeration

and senior fresh fruits and veggies project. (South Coast)

“It’s been a year filled with opportunities to connect and build relationships across the state,” said Executive Director and Trustee Erin Borla. “As our organization expands its funding footprint we have been pleased to work with many dedicated, strong volunteers and leaders in every community. Roundhouse is pleased to be able to support their programs, share their stories, and elevate the work they do; in hopes it will empower additional folks to engage in efforts that support their own community.”

A full list of recipients and their programming can be found online at http://www.RoundhouseFoundation.org/grants.