Meyer Memorial Trust

About a month ago, as I walked my sons to their first day back at Portland Public Schools, I felt the familiar rush of emotions many parents know—hope, excitement, and a little nervousness. But this wasn’t an ordinary first day of school for me either. It was also my first day in a new position at Meyer Memorial Trust. As I saw my children off and made my way to the office, my “why” could not have been clearer: If we wish to prepare young people for a changing world, we must transform the education system that has never fully done right by them. At Meyer, I am stepping in temporarily to support the team working on Our Empowered Youth: a funding portfolio focused on ensuring Oregon’s children have access to a fully-resourced education. Throughout my career in education and public policy, I’ve worked alongside families and communities of color who have been strategically sidelined from opportunity. I’ve witnessed how powerful it can be when we reclaim our roles as decision-makers. I’ve seen firsthand how centering the voices and leadership of families transforms not only education systems but also entire communities. And I’ve seen the ripple effects when children are allowed to be their fullest selves—learning in environments that celebrate their culture, history, and future. I was drawn to Meyer for its unwavering commitment to educational justice, and its corps of proven leaders who collectively envision a just educational system. Under the leadership of Senior Program Officer Michael Reyes Andrillon, our team is prompted to joyfully reimagine what is possible for every young person in Oregon. At the end of that first day, when my children share how their school days went, I am proud to share what I am working on: I am part of a powerhouse team at Meyer Memorial Trust helping to build a world where equity is the standard, not the exception and where every young person’s inherent power is recognized and fully supported. Early next year, Meyer will announce the first set of awards under its new issued-based portfolios. To stay connected with Meyer Memorial Trust and learn more about how the organizations we fund through Our Empowered Youth are making a difference in Oregon, sign up for the newsletter: https://mmt.org/newsletter

Just two weeks left to apply for Meyer's 2024 Funding Opportunity! We've been delighted to see applications come through with big ideas for transforming Oregon. Nonprofits, coalitions and community leaders are welcome to apply by September 23. https://mmt.org/apply

?? suma secured $2.1M grant from the Portland Clean Energy Fund ?? We’re proud to announce that we have received a $2.1M grant to expand our bilingual app, designed to support frontline communities with cost-saving, privacy-protecting services! This grant will help us build more clean mobility solutions with partners like Lime, Lyft, and Portland Bureau of Transportation, and increase our accessibility for adults with disabilities. To read more details you can read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/eVyi7i5f #InclusiveTechnology #ClimateJustice #DigitalJusitce

We are excited to announce our In the Moment Grants open TODAY! Our In the Moment Grants support organizations through urgent and unexpected needs by providing smaller, low-barrier, grants with a fast turnaround. Our goal is that these grants have a big impact by meeting the organizations where they are. Below are key details about the grant: In The Moment Grant Details Organization must be a registered 501c3 or fiscally sponsored by a 501c3 BIPOC led or serving organizations are prioritized Geographical diversity throughout the state is an important consideration and all services/activities must occur within Oregon Organizations with operating budgets under $4 million annually will have an opportunity for a higher ranking We are excited to award four $10,000 grants this year. To apply or for more information, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gVCtAa-Q #Oregon #WomensFoundationofOregon #WFO #TransformativePhilanthropy