How We Measured Up to Our Grantmaking Priorities in 2021

As a foundation, we’re committed to supporting groups led by and serving people who are closest to the problems – groups led by and serving people who face racism, ableism and geographic barriers on a daily basis. Every year we assess our grantmaking to ensure our funding reflects our commitment to equity. In 2021, we awarded 147 grants to 121 unique groups, totalling $1,534,330 in awarded funds. Here are some of the highlights:

Equity Priorities

Groups that serve our priority communities (BIPOC communities, immigrants and refugees, and/or disability communities) received 75% of total grants and 95% of awarded grant dollars.

• BIPOC Communities: $1,119,010; 91% of grant dollars

• Disability Communities: $137,460; 11% of grant dollars

Geography

We awarded 83 grants to groups based outside the Portland Metro region, totaling $713,032, approximately 32% of our total grant dollars. 

Groups in SW Washington received 21 grants, totaling $268,625, which was 16% of total grant dollars.

Tax Status

In 2021, we gave $934,570 to 33 501(c)(4) organizations. We gave $294,750 to 501(c)(3)s, down from $602,264 in 2020.

Grant Size

We consider a small grant to be $5,000 or less. The majority of our small grants are made via sponsorships, campaign contributions and the President’s Fund. 

In 2021, we awarded 102 small grants for a grand total of $143,316. Small grants made up less than one out of ten grant dollars spent. 

Our largest grant in 2021 was $250,000 to Seeding Justice to their capital campaign to help them acquire a new building.