List of Salem area recipients is below
SALEM, Ore. — Nonprofits across the Mid-Willamette Valley are getting a significant boost this fall as the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) awards $5.1 million in Community Grants to 260 organizations statewide. Several key programs in Salem, Stayton, Woodburn, and Dallas are among the beneficiaries, focusing on housing stability, refugee services, education, and community well-being.
For nearly 30 years, OCF’s Community Grants program has invested in nonprofits, Tribal organizations, and local agencies across all 36 Oregon counties. The 2025 Fall cycle prioritized smaller capital projects, capacity building, and new or expanded services — with many of those efforts now reaching into Marion and Polk counties.
Strong Impact in Salem
One of the most significant local awards goes to Salem for Refugees, which will expand employment assistance, student support programs, and ongoing case management for families rebuilding their lives in the region.
“When I arrived, everything was new and overwhelming, but Salem for Refugees welcomed me like family,” said Amina, a recent client.
“Their help gave me hope for my future.”
Executive Director Luke Glaze emphasized the organization’s broader mission:
“We don’t just provide services — we work to build a true community of belonging and opportunity.”
Other Salem-area investments include support for organizations addressing hunger, housing access, and immigrant and refugee services, reflecting OCF’s focus on community stability and economic mobility.
Support for Stayton & the Santiam Region
In nearby Stayton, St. Francis Shelter received funding to help the facility transition to full solar power — a major upgrade that will reduce operational costs and allow the nonprofit to reinvest savings directly into programs serving houseless families.
“Last year, 27 of 29 families moved into permanent housing and remain housed today,” said Executive Director Kim Lemman.
“Savings from solar power will go right back into family support and stability.”
The Stayton-area award highlights OCF’s commitment to strengthening services in smaller communities still recovering from economic stress and wildfire impacts.
Woodburn Community Benefits
Woodburn continues to be a regional hub for immigrant, agricultural, and bilingual families — and OCF funding aims to support that diversity. Grants in the Northern Willamette Valley region (which includes Woodburn) are focused on food security, education programs, and culturally specific community organizations.
Local nonprofits will be able to expand outreach, improve facilities, and enhance programs that support youth, seniors, and working families.
Dallas & Polk County Programs Grow
In Dallas and the greater Polk County area, several nonprofits in the Northern Willamette Valley grant region will benefit from funding tied to housing support, economic development, and family services. These grants help small rural organizations build capacity, modernize operations, and create programs tailored to the needs of Polk County residents.
As the region continues to grow, these investments will strengthen local partnerships and expand access to essential services.
What the Grants Mean Statewide
While Salem, Stayton, Woodburn, and Dallas all receive targeted benefits, the Fall 2025 grants also support:
- 99 first-time grantees
- 22 housing organizations
- 23 food and nutrition nonprofits
- 14 organizations serving immigrants and refugees
- 8 mobile clinics and community service programs
These awards reflect OCF’s mission to address both immediate needs and long-term community resilience.
Next Grant Cycle
OCF’s next Community Grants cycle will focus on general operating support, especially for:
- Small rural organizations
- Culturally specific nonprofits
- Culturally responsive community groups
Applications are open now through January 13, 2026, with awards announced in May 2026.
Here is a list of area recipients:
Family Promise of the Mid-Willamette Valley – $10,000
To expand case management for families experiencing homelessness
Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health – $16,905
To develop and execute learning opportunities for Mental Health Peer Support
Specialists and other community partners
Salem Art Association – $20,000
For ADA upgrades and renovations
Micronesian Islander Community in Salem – $20,000
To expand diabetes prevention and education within the Micronesian and Pacific
Islander population
Santiam Hospital and Clinics Foundation in Stayton – $20,000
For doula training and a new community health worker
La Clinica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe in Salem – $20,000
To expand medical, dental and mental health services as well as housing stability
support services
Strategic Economic Development Foundation in Salem – $20,000
To develop a host training program and guide for startup support
Soaring Heights Recovery Homes in Keizer – $10,000
For building improvements at the men’s transition house
Recovery Outreach Community Center in Salem – $20,000
To hire additional peer support staff to expand outreach into Polk and Linn Counties
Center for Hope and Safety in Salem – $20,000
For security upgrades at the emergency shelter
Salem For Refugees – $20,000
To expand employment and student support services for refugee families
Mano a Mano in Salem – $40,000
To expand Radio Poder broadcasting capabilities
St. Francis Shelter in Salem – $20,000
To convert the shelter’s electrical source to solar
Prevent Child Abuse Oregon in Salem – $15,000
To fund focus groups with culturally specific and LGBTQ+ populations
Northwest Human Services in Salem – $20,000
To renovate the homeless outreach day center
Oregon CASA Network in Salem – $9,480
To update training for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs)
CAPACES Leadership Institute in Woodburn – $20,000
To hire a fund development director
Stayton Public Library Foundation – $15,000
To paint the inside of the library
Make Music Day Salem – $20,000
For Make Music Day Salem to contract part-time staff support
Salem Y Veterans Housing – $12,175
To establish a pantry for residents and community Veterans
Dallas Area Seniors – $26,122
To hire part-time staff to expand operating hours
League of Women Voters of Oregon in Salem – $15,000
To hire an employee to manage VOTE411 webpage
