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Opportunities to inform policy
Shape the future of early childhood education in Oregon
Your voice matters in shaping the future of early childhood care and education in Oregon. The Early Childhood Care and Learning System Roundtable is gathering feedback from families, providers, educators and community members to help improve access to affordable, high-quality childcare and preschool across the state. Share your perspective by joining a listening session (Spanish or English) or completing the survey (Spanish or English).
Share your experience with family-focused policies
For All Families Oregon and the Oregon Center for Public Policy recently launched a survey seeking input on the Oregon Kids Credit, Paid Family Leave and Employment Related Day Care. All survey responses will be anonymized and will be used to help inform policymakers. The survey takes about 10 minutes and is available in Spanish and English.
Foundation staff serving at policy tables
Senior Field Coordinator Laura Isiordia was recently named for service on the Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs, which advises Oregon leaders and policy makers on issues affecting Latino communities across the state. Children, Youth and Families Director Robin Hill-Dunbar was appointed to the Governor’s Early Childhood Care and Learning System Roundtable to create a blueprint for universal preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds in every Oregon county. Postsecondary Success Director Denise Callahan was asked to serve on the advisory group guiding the Higher Education Coordinating Committee (HECC) as it conducts a Postsecondary Education System Study and develops recommendations for a sustainable higher education framework in Oregon.
Energizing ideas and tools
Trust Map 2.0: New tools to help communities build social trust
Weave: The Social Fabric Project has updated its Social Trust Map to help residents explore neighborhood-level trust data and turn those insights into action. The tool highlights local trust assets, lets communities compare patterns with other places and generates a printable worksheet neighbors can use to invite others into relationship-building efforts. Explore the Social Trust Map
Your CUE: Local stories from Douglas County
Your CUE is a community-focused radio and podcast program from Roseburg Public Schools that stands for Celebrating, Uplifting, and Educating Douglas County. Hosted by Superintendent Jared Cordon and Community Engagement Specialist Tiffany Fouse, the show highlights local stories, nonprofit efforts and student achievements that are applicable to any rural community that cares about kids and education. Watch or listen to an episode
Learning opportunities
NAO fall conferences now open
Registration is open for the Nonprofit Association of Oregon fall conferences. The High Desert Nonprofit Conference returns to Redmond on September 15, and the Nonprofit Impact Conference will be held October 26-27 in Portland. These gatherings offer Oregon nonprofit leaders, staff, board members, volunteers and community partners opportunities to build skills, connect with peers and explore timely sector challenges. View NAO conferences
Oregon Resilience Summit
Tickets are now available for the 2026 Oregon Resilience Summit, October 21-23, in Sunriver. The summit will bring together survivors, thought partners, community-based organizations, nonprofits, public agencies and private-sector partners for statewide skill-sharing and collective learning around disaster resilience, response and recovery. View Summit details
Funding opportunities
New funding for rural community economic development planning
Big opportunities start with a shared vision. If your community is ready to chart a course for its economic future, The Ford Family Foundation is partnering with rural jurisdictions and organizations to support the creation or update of economic development plans. Through a community-driven process, local leaders and residents can identify priorities, strengthen partnerships, and create a roadmap for future growth and investment. Review funding opportunity details
Roundhouse Foundation fall Open Call grant cycle
Roundhouse Foundation is accepting proposals for its fall Open Call grant cycle. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, special districts and Tribal governments serving rural Oregon may request $2,501-$30,000 for work aligned with Roundhouse focus areas and eligibility guidelines. The fall application window closes August 14, 2026 at 5:00 pm PDT. Review Roundhouse grant details and apply
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