The Collins Foundation

Paul Tabron, Jr., Program Officer. 2 years at The Collins Foundation. My passion for equity and uplifting marginalized communities drives my work at The Collins Foundation. I'm honored to contribute to meaningful change by supporting organizations that address systemic inequalities and amplify marginalized voices. I value working alongside a diverse, knowledgeable team whose perspectives fuel our equity-focused work. I'm excited to deepen relationships with our partners and learn from them as we advance equity. A quote that inspires me: 'Always remain humble, treat everyone with respect, and never forget where you come from.' These values keep me grounded and guide my work.

Our Black Equity Movement (BEM) grant opportunity closes this Tuesday, September 10! Check out our website to learn more about eligibility and information on applying. https://lnkd.in/gKuQvJyM

We're Hiring!! Come work with The Collins Foundation! We're hiring an Accounting Associate to support our Finance and Investment Team! ?? We are looking for a special individual who not only meets the technical requirements, but who also is equally dedicated to our equity commitment. Salary is $70-80K annually, commensurate with experience. The Collins Foundation has a generous benefits package. The position will stay open until filled. Please follow the instructions at the bottom of the job description to apply. https://lnkd.in/gKQnnuiF

So much gratitude to our local, state and national partner agencies and foundations, who came together to learn and envision a more coordinated way to fund services for newly arrived residents of Oregon!

Engaging with our grantees brings immense joy to our team! We were on the road again this week at the coast, continuing to work on refining our internal processes. A big thank you to LIFEBOAT SERVICES for providing us with a space to plan and collaborate. We also had a wonderful time visiting our friends at Centro Cultural de Washington County the Oregon TRIO Association and NORTH COAST FOOD WEB !

Our Programs Team had a productive week in Southern Oregon, focusing on reconstructing our grantmaking processes and visiting our grantee's sites to show our support. We want to extend a big thank you to TALENT MAKER CITY for graciously allowing us to use their new building for our work sessions. During our visit, we were able to connect with Kids Unlimited After School and Summer Programs, Compass House Inc, Rogue Climate, Project Youth+, and artist Gabriel Barrera (Scenic G). It was a rewarding experience to see the impact of our grants firsthand and interact with the amazing individuals and organizations making a difference in the community.

In our strategic planning process, The Collins Foundation staff and trustees recognized that a deep commitment to equity and racial justice is both foundational and aspirational for us. Through nuanced conversations, we recommitted to equity and developed a new statement—in essence, a guide to our community partners about who we are, what we believe, and how we work. Read Our Equity Commitment Statement. https://lnkd.in/gMNMfirk

So excited to share our 2023 Annual Report, which highlights some of the many incredible organizations we funded last year! Our Program Team lifted up these organizations as ones who are working towards equity and justice from the inside out! Check it out! https://lnkd.in/gckCAPzF

Collins is pausing our responsive grants program until January 2025 to better align our operations with our mission and vision. We're reimagining the ways we work internally and externally to make our grantmaking more accessible and equitable. Collins will continue grantmaking for the Black Equity Movement and the Oregon Immigrant & Refugee Funders Collaborative during this time. We recognize the impact this may have on some grantees, and we're taking the time to get things right. It's our belief that making a long-term, sustainable commitment to equity has to be matched by action. https://lnkd.in/gRXptqby

Thanks to Tony, Anthony and Trent for a great get-together to catch up on all the great work happening at SEI!