I was barely thirty when I first became acquainted with the McKenzie River Gathering Foundation (MRG). Now, in my early 70’s, I find myself thinking about all that has transpired in the world over those years-plenty to be upset about for sure; but also plenty of meaningful activism and grassroots work in Oregon, much of […]
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MRG Foundation is looking for intersectional activists and organizers to help redistribute resources in Oregon! As a member of the MRG community we know you have the insight, skills, and passion to support this work, so we invite you to join our Grant Making Committee and allocate dollars to grassroots organizing across the state. We […]
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MRG Foundation was named “2016 Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation” by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Oregon & SW Washington Chapter. MRG was selected for this award based on the following criteria: This award recognizes a private or community foundation or community grantmaking organization that supports not only nonprofit organizational goals but also offers encouragement and motivation […]
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“Life for me ain’t been no crystal stairs” these words from Langston Hughes poem “Mother to Son” always resonate with me when the question is asked for me to share myself. As a native Portlander and as a Black man the convergence of these two realities are constantly in conflict with each other, but I […]
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As I come to the end of my 26th year as a fund raiser and my 45th year as a person of color and a black woman, I am forced to assess my worth in light of what I have given back and in terms of how I want my future and the future of […]
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To celebrate MRG Foundation’s 40th Anniversary we will be featuring the stories and experiences of different members of our staff, board, grantees, and past supporters. Their voices will explore the many different ways this milestone year is important to our community. To launch the year we would like to share the voice of Sirius Bonner, […]
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Standing up for the little guy, even against great odds, has always been a value of mine instilled through my parents. Beyond Toxics has never been afraid to stand up for our communities and our mission. In 2004, we stood up and won against an out-of-state multinational corporation, trying to build a power plant in […]
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