Our Impact
2024: Creating impact across Oregon
At the PGE Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of education and career opportunities. As the philanthropic arm of Portland General Electric, we're dedicated to strengthening urban and rural communities across Oregon through our focus on education and career pathways.
Established in 1997, the PGE Foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for all Oregon residents. In 2024, we reaffirmed our commitment to make strategic investments in the communities we serve, whether in the urban core or in rural communities throughout Oregon.
Our Impact in 2024
We invite you to join us in creating lasting, meaningful impact for Oregonians. Together, we can empower Oregon's workforce, foster innovation, and create resilient communities.
Career Pathways Program: We saw a 30% increase in grant requests, and nearly half of grantees were new partners. We’re pleased to collaborate with organizations like Street Roots, Voz Workers' Rights Education Project, The Contingent, Latino Business Alliance, and Xcelerate Women to empower economic mobility for Oregonians.
Green Career Opportunities: By transitioning our successful Project Zero® internship program to Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center (POIC), we are expanding opportunities for young adults in the green economy.
Career-Connected Learning: By supporting organizations that offer hands-on applied learning opportunities in career technical education, STEM, and creative experiences we help open doors, engage, and inspire under-resourced young people to dream and thrive.
Community Resilience: PGE’s Responsive Philanthropy Fund provides support for community organizations that provide vital services during emergencies.
2024 Impact Report
The PGE Foundation remains committed to enhancing prosperity for Oregonians throughout the state. In 2024, through grants totaling more than $1.6 million, we focused on organizations that empower under-resourced communities within and beyond the Portland metro area. We've deepened partnerships with organizations dedicated to enhancing economic mobility through education, supported the transition of Project Zero® to POIC, and invested in career-connected learning opportunities. Through these initiatives, we're making a lasting impact on Oregon's urban and rural communities, helping to build a brighter future for all.
Career pathways: Latino Community Association
Empowering rural communities
Latino Community Association is empowering Latino families in Central Oregon to thrive by breaking down language and technology barriers to employment.
Career Pathways: Project Zero®
Project Zero® internship moves to Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center (POIC)
After five years of equipping youth with hands-on experience in green careers, Portland General Electric’s Project Zero® internship program will transition ownership to its trusted community partner, Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center (POIC). To meet growing youth demand, PGE and POIC strategically transferred program ownership to POIC, a leader in workforce development with a proven track record of empowering underserved communities in the Portland area. Together, they ensure Project Zero’s® mission continues to thrive.
Creative Expression: Portland Opera
Connecting communities across time through the arts
At the PGE foundation, we believe in the transformative power of the arts to open doors and inspire young minds. We are committed to supporting organizations that help youth overcome barriers to accessing arts experiences, wherever they live. This year, we are proud to support Portland Opera’s Portland Opera to Go (POGO) program, which delivers the magic of opera to students across Oregon and beyond.
Education: Warm Springs Boys & Girls Club
Bridging education and opportunity for native youth
Warm Springs Boys & Girls Club empowers students through hands-on STEM exploration. Support from the PGE Foundation is helping the club build innovative programs that bridge cultural identity and career preparedness.
Responsive Philanthropy
Answering the call in 2024
PGE Foundation’s Responsive Philanthropy Fund is a dedicated fund designed to swiftly address community needs following crises. This flexible fund operates outside the Foundation’s typical grant cycle, ensuring nonprofits can promptly respond to natural disasters, public health emergencies, and social challenges. 2024 awards supported recovery and resiliency efforts by several local partners following the January 2024 ice storm and supported the efforts of the Portland Central City Task Force in working to improve livability and economic recovery in Downtown Portland and Central City.
Do you have a project that needs funding?
Our grants are separate from the corporate contributions of Portland General Electric. In addition to awarding project and program grants, we also award grants for operating expenses and new and existing capital construction projects for organizations whose mission, vision and values align with our funding opportunities.