At MRG Foundation, we have a somewhat unique opportunity to see across issues, across communities, and across the state. From Ashland to Scappoose and from Coos Bay to La Grande, MRG’s grantees, donors, and leaders work in nearly every county and come from every movement. Read our analysis of the current issues, strategies, and events that are shaping Oregon's social justice movements.
(Title phrase by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich.) The Lilla Jewel Fund was created in honor of Lilla Jewel, a radical suffragist, artist, mother, and grandmother. By any measure, she was a warrior, an individual ahead of her time, defying expectations and challenging notions of what it meant to be a “woman” at a time when women […]
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Calling all activists! We’re seeking community leaders & activists to join our Board of Directors MRG Foundation is Oregon’s leading funder of social, racial, economic, disability, and environmental justice groups. For 40 years, we have been raising money from the community and awarding grants for community organizing and change, working toward a just and joyful […]
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But first, a recap: At its very core, MRG believes that accountability to our community is absolutely crucial to our mission. So in that spirit—before I launch into grantee announcements—let me give you a quick update of what we’ve been up to. To build our grantmaking program, further the capacity of grassroots organizers, and move toward a […]
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Join MRG Foundation and Attorney David Atkin, Director of the Center for Nonprofit Law in Eugene, for a conversation on the dos and don’ts of providing direct aid to clients and community members. In this webinar, we will answer questions about who you can give direct assistance to, how to comply with the IRS rules […]
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Donate to the MRG Oregon Worker Relief Infrastructure Fund! The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Oregon in ways that have reshaped the economy and social construct of our state. A recent article by the Oregonian revealed that Oregon’s Latinx population is hit the hardest during this pandemic. We are concerned about the needs of immigrant […]
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MRG Foundation has decided to release $300,000—30% of our operating reserves—to start a Community Response Fund. The Fund will rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations at the frontlines of the COVID-19 outbreak in Oregon. We call on leaders in philanthropy, business, and government to join us by making bold gifts that match the urgency of […]
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UPDATE: As of April 27, 2020, MRG’s COVID-19 Community Response funding has pivoted our fundraising to our Since Time Immemorial Fund, which is providing funding and support to our tribal communities across Oregon. Donations made to our COVID-19 Community Response Fund will go to support our Oregon Tribes as they navigate this crisis and this […]
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On March 12, 2020, we held an informational webinar for folks interested in applying for the 2020 Lilla Jewel Award. The recording of the webinar can be seen here, or click below to watch. Below, we’ve also linked: The webinar slides The webinar transcript (link upcoming)
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This award for artists of marginalized genders was created in honor of Lilla Jewel, an artist, mother, grandmother, and radical suffragist active during the turn of the 20th century. The Lilla Jewel Award seeks to amplify the work of Oregon-based artists of marginalized genders, who advance a social change message through their work. Created nearly […]
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In March 2020, we organized three webinars to let people know about our grantmaking opportunity and answer questions. The recording for the March 10 webinar is here or click below to watch. You can also download the transcripts and slides here. The recording for the March 13 webinar is here or click below to watch. […]
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