>Background & History
Grantmaking Philosophy
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In 1976, two activists convened a gathering on the banks of the McKenzie River in the Cascade foothills east of Eugene, Oregon to decide how to distribute $500,000 of inherited wealth to groups working to address the root causes of social inequity and environmental degradation. The founders recognized that the social change impact of their funds would be increased by having those carrying out the work make the funding decisions. From this first meeting, the McKenzie River Gathering Foundation was created.
Since that time, MRG Foundation's Board of Directors and Grantmaking Committee have been comprised of individuals directly involved in developing genuine solutions to the difficult issues facing their communities. Committee members come from all parts of the state and reflect the diversity of Oregon.
In 1979, MRG Foundation was one of a handful of similar activist-controlled Foundations that banded together to form the Funding Exchange (FEX). Today, "Change, not charity" is the hallmark of the 15 FEX member Foundations who support programs and projects that address fundamental problems, rather than funding band-aid solutions.
To strengthen the social change funding movement nationally, FEX members pool a portion of their resources to address common goals. In addition to funding social change projects at the national and state levels, FEX offers technical assistance and political education opportunities for its membership. Together, member funds explore fundraising and fiscal strategies to maximize the dollars available to grassroots groups while securing the resources necessary to cover Foundation operations.
By the early 1980s, MRG Foundation had evolved into an energized public Foundation supported by hundreds of donors from around the state, along with out-of-state supporters committed to building the progressive movement in Oregon. While much of the broad-based movement fervor of the 1960s and '70s seemed to dissipate, MRG Foundation kept the embers stoked. By actively seeking contributions from individuals and distributing them to organizations throughout the state, MRG Foundation helped to keep activism and organizing alive at the community level.
In 1993, MRG Foundation launched an endowment campaign to ensure our future as a permanent resource for the progressive community. The income generated from the endowment helps cover administrative costs, allowing nearly 100% of annual donations to be distributed to social change groups throughout Oregon.
MRG Foundation has provided technology assistance to groups through Project Connect (1999) and a special Technology Fund (2001-2002). Currently, the organization is exploring ways to continue providing key technology support to help groups improve their ability to organize in an increasingly technology dependent world.
As political events unfold, MRG Foundation is often the first to provide immediate funding to groups. For example, within two weeks after 9/11, MRG was giving grants to groups wanting to organize a progressive response.
And, when the United States was preparing for war in Iraq, MRG Foundation launched the Peace Action Fund. This fund was made possible by a bequest earmarked for disarmament and anti-nuclear work and was disbursed in grants ranging from $500 to $10,000. More than $100,000 was designated for Oregon groups working to prevent war in Iraq as well as other peace related actions. This is just one example of how MRG Foundation is able to respond to events quickly in order to provide critical support to activists throughout Oregon.
MRG Foundation plays a critical role supporting Oregons progressive movement and being a source of funding for emerging issues. Over the years, more than $10 million has been distributed to hundreds of organizations throughout the state. You are invited to join MRG Foundation by making a donation, volunteering or applying for a grant.