Esther Stutzman is Coos and Komemma Kalapuya and is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz. She lives in Yoncalla, Oregon. Esther is the chair of Komemma Cultural Protection Association which is dedicated to researching the Kalapuya Peoples. Esther is a traditional storyteller and history keeper. She works as an artist-in-residence with art associations throughout Oregon and is a cultural resource consultant for Title IX Indian Education Programs in many locations within the state. She has been an elementary and secondary teacher, a cultural curriculum developer, university lecturer and is currently working on a Kalapuya curriculum.
Edith first heard about MRG Foundation in 2002 while reading a newspaper article about MRG’s work that made her think, “What a great place!” She joined MRG’s staff soon after and is now the longest-serving member of MRG’s team. Edith manages our database, accounting, and internal operations and enjoys working behind the scenes in support of the great work of MRG grantees across Oregon. When not at MRG, Edith keeps busy as a parent, activist, and artist. Edith lived in Japan from ages 9-18, and likes to return as often as possible to visit family.
Eugene resident Eleanor Townsend wasn’t necessarily wealthy by most standards (she was no Koch billionaire), but she was committed to leaving a legacy for social justice. When she passed away in 2010, Eleanor left behind a sizable gift to MRG, enough to fund grants to several grassroots groups organizing for justice.
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“The state of our society is so deteriorated that we have to create community,” explains Dan. “And the good side is that the community is both a means and an end. As a grantmaker, I got to see that there are communities doing great work.”
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“It’s important that people who are doing the work are making the funding decisions,” says Beth White. “Sometimes the bigger picture can get lost. With MRG, I can see that bigger picture.”
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