OVERVIEW: The Autzen Foundation broadly supports education, youth, human services, and arts and culture causes in Oregon.
IP TAKE: The Autzen Foundation is a low-profile funder that does a great deal to support small, local nonprofits and service organizations in the state of Oregon. It flies under the radar, but has a straightforward, no-fuss grantmaking process. While it has some broadly stated focus areas, it does not have any strict guidelines and funds everything from the arts to education, the environment, and social services efforts. Youth-focused organizations seem to have an edge, as this is where a significant portion of recent grants have been directed. Autzen’s grants are modest in size, but it likes to spread its funding around as broadly as possible, making it an excellent resource for small organizations serving underserved communities in Oregon.
As it prefers to keep a low profile, Autzen is not the most transparent or accessible funder. It does not provide any information about its grantmaking strategy or past grantees on its website, forcing grantseekers to track down its tax filings if you want more information on the types of work it supports. Not only does it lack a database or list of of past grantees, it does not even have a news or blog page to highlight select initiatives. Its application website provides information on deadlines and application components, but little in the way of guidelines, priorities, or expectations.
PROFILE: Based in Portland, Oregon, the Autzen Foundation was founded in 1951 by Thomas John Autzen, who made his fortune in the plywood manufacturing business. He has been credited with revolutionizing modern wood-laminate milling methods and the plywood production industry. Local groups might recognize the name from the football stadium in Eugene, Oregon, where the Oregon Ducks play: the foundation gave the largest construction donation to the stadium several decades ago. The foundation’s mission is to support “small non-profit organizations focusing on social services, arts and culture, education, environmental initiatives, and youth-centered missions.” Grants typically come in the form of unrestricted operating support.
Grants for Education and Youth
Autzen’s grants related to education and youth make up the greatest percentage of its grantmaking.
- At the higher education level, it makes its largest donations to Portland State University, University of Oregon, and Oregon State University.
- For younger students, the foundation tends to prioritize non-profits that work to improve educational outcomes and well-being for Oregon youth. It supports children’s centers, youth sports, out-of-school activities, arts education, environmental and outdoor education, and adult education.
- Past grantees include Pendleton Children’s Center, Family Development Center, Schoolhouse Supplies, Snow Days Foundation, Portland Youthbuilders, and Ace Mentor Program of Oregon.
Grants for Arts and Culture
Autzen’s supports the arts and culture in Oregon by donating to performing arts, art museums, history museums, arts education, arts outreach, and other cultural activities.
- Past grantees include Youth Music Project, Four Rivers Cultural Center, West Linn Wilsonville Music and Arts Partners, SCRAP Creative Reuse, Astoria Arts and Movement Center, and Oregon Potters Association.
Grants for Environment
Autzen’s grants for the environment prioritize land and watershed conservation, responsible land use, sustainable agriculture, climate change initiatives, outdoor recreation, and environmental education for area youth and adults.
- Past grantees include Klamath Lake Land Trust, Pathfinders of Oregon, Urban Gleaners, Think Wild, Western Rivers Conservancy, Forests Today and Forever, Friends of Buford Park and Mt. Pisgah, and Rogue Farm Corps.
Grants for Community Development and Public Health
The Autzen Foundation supports human services by funding organizations providing basic needs and direct services in the state of Oregon.
- It supports food banks, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, health care access, and other services.
- Past grantees include Burrito Brigade, Women at the Well Grace House, Mt. Emily Safe Center, Oregon Food Bank, Mapleton Food Share, and Salem Free Clinics.
IMPORTANT GRANT DETAILS:
Grants generally range from $1,000 to $15,000, but its yearly donations to Oregon universities may be up to $30,000. In a recent year, this funder gave $1.67 million in total grants.
The Autzen Foundation’s grantmaking is restricted to the state of Oregon, with a strong emphasis on Portland. The foundation prioritizes small to mid-sized local and regional organizations over large, national nonprofits with branches in the region.
Applications are accepted online for one grantmaking cycle per year. The foundation accepts applications within a one-month window, typically between July 1 and July 31. The application begins with a letter of inquiry to confirm eligibility, which may be submitted prior to application window.
Grants are not awarded to individuals, political causes, or to any groups without 501(c)3 status. The foundation will not accept applications from organizations using a fiscal sponsor.
Only one application may be submitted per cycle, and grantees must submit a final report on the use of the grant before applying for a new one.
- Grantseekers may reach out to foundation manager Gretchen Kent at grants@autzenfoundation.org for further inquiries.
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