When the PGE Foundation was formed in 1997 its purpose was simple: improve the quality of life for all Oregonians.
But we know the issues facing Oregonians are not simple or easily solved with money alone. They are multi-faceted and interdependent. That’s why this past year we’ve been exploring, along with our partners, how we can make a greater, more focused impact, particularly in communities where deep-rooted disparities continue to persist.
In the coming years, we’ll continue listening, learning and moving forward together to make Oregon a better place for everyone. We’ll continue to build upon our long-standing commitment to education and engaging youth in creative, career-connected learning opportunities.
We are honored to be part of this community we call home and extend our gratitude to each and every person who finds a way, large or small, to make Oregon a more equitable and kinder place full of hope and promise.
The PGE Foundation strives to invest in the prosperity of Oregonians who have frequently found themselves on the margins. In 2022, we gave more than $1.4 million in grants, focused on empowering rural and low-income communities, as well as communities of color, to build the skills, knowledge and capacity to define their own success.
Project Zero celebrated a third successful year of green job internships, helping young adults from underrepresented communities gain exposure to meaningful environmental careers.
Outdoor School: The Movie is a compelling film project that provides experience and training opportunities for BIPOC individuals, who have been historically excluded from the film industry
For years, the Confluence Project has been working with K-12 schools, linking students from lower-income and rural households with professional Native artists, Tribes and community partners to create meaningful art about the landscapes we share. The PGE Foundation supported Confluence in the Classroom, providing arts programming for more than 1,250 K-12 students and educators in Oregon.
Portland YouthBuilders offers high school completion, counseling and long-term support to youth who have experienced poverty, violence, drugs, hunger and loss. Through support for organizations like Portland YouthBuilders, we’re helping youth access vocational training, leadership development and hands-on learning opportunities.
The PGE Foundation has made significant investments in organizations helping Latino families achieve economic prosperity, including Latino Network’s La Plaza Esperanza. This new 18,000 square-foot facility, located in Gresham’s Rockwood neighborhood, will expand access to a variety of youth programs that promote education, employment, health and more.
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.