PORTLAND, Ore. -- The PGE Foundation -- Portland General Electric's corporate foundation -- is celebrating 20 years of community leadership and more than $20 million awarded in grants since its inception.
The PGE Foundation was established in 1997 with a $25 million endowment designed to last in perpetuity to improve the quality of life for Oregonians. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded 1,883 grants to 1,316 organizations across the state of Oregon.
"As a philanthropic organization with ties to one of Oregon's most enduring companies, I truly believe we've made a positive impact contributing to the success of Oregon," said Gwyneth Gamble Booth, founding member and chair of the PGE Foundation board of directors.
The PGE Foundation awards more than $1 million annually to help improve educational outcomes, inspire critical thinking through arts experiences and strengthen family stability.
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, and its commitment to helping make Oregon a better place, the PGE Foundation awarded $235,000 to organizations helping address the homeless crisis in our region. These grants will help fund new housing, a new health clinic, provide social services and support families' housing needs. The following organizations will receive funding in the fall of 2017:
- Central City Concern, $100,000: To support its Housing is Health initiative, which will help families in east Portland in need of new housing and healthcare services.
- Human Solutions, $25,000: To support efforts to re-house families experiencing homelessness.
- JOIN, $15,000: To support the remodel of facilities at JOIN's Service Center.
- New Avenues for Youth, $25,000: To expand services in East Multnomah County to reach youth experiencing homelessness.
- Northwest Housing Alternatives, $25,000: To rebuild its campus in central Milwaukie, adding needed housing, shelter and office space.
- Portland Homeless Family Solutions, $10,000: To support activities to help 150 homeless families secure and retain their housing.
- The Salvation Army, $10,000: To support veterans and their families experiencing homelessness.
- Transition Projects, $25,000: To support veterans and their families with stable housing.
Central City Concern received the largest grant of $100,000. The funds will be used to support the new Stark Street Apartments -- 155 units of workforce housing; the new Interstate Apartments -- 51 apartments designated for families displaced due to gentrification; and the new Eastside Health and Housing Center -- a two-story clinic and housing for 176 people.
"It's so heartening the PGE Foundation recognizes the importance housing plays in a healthy community," said Ed Blackburn, Central City Concern president and CEO emeritus. "Our Eastside Health Center will be a tremendous asset to the neighborhood, and we are so grateful the PGE Foundation has joined other businesses and philanthropic organizations to support the effort."
As the PGE Foundation looks forward to the next 20 years, it is committed to helping provide equitable opportunities for all, so all Oregonians realize their full potential.
"We've been honored to support various organizations dedicated to enriching the lives of our community members, and we'll continue to listen, learn and lead with the intention of strengthening communities for the benefit of Oregonians today and for generations to come," said Kregg Arntson, executive director of the PGE Foundation.
Visit PGEFoundation.org to see the complete list of 2017 Safe & Stable Families grants.
About the PGE Foundation
The PGE Foundation, the corporate foundation of Portland General Electric, was established in 1997 as a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization with a permanent endowment. The Foundation's giving is separate from the corporate giving of PGE. Grants are awarded to local nonprofits located in areas where PGE has customers or power generating plants. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed more than $20 million to help improve the quality of life for Oregonians by supporting programs and services that encourage safe and healthy families, provide educational opportunities, and encourage arts and cultural diversity. Gwyneth Gamble Booth is chair, Dave Robertson is president and Kregg Arntson is executive director. To learn more about the PGE Foundation, visit PGEFoundation.org.
