The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust preserves the legacy of historic Portlander, Melvin Jack Murdock, but it also represents opportunity for today’s Pacific Northwesterners. Since 1975, the Vancouver-based foundation has given back more than $1.3 billion to “strengthen the region’s educational, social, spiritual and cultural base.”
In its most recent round of grants announced this week, the Murdock Trust awarded $6.5 million to 15 nonprofits in and around Portland. Here’s what this support will mean for these organizations.
Latino Network | $1.5 million received
As the largest private contribution in Latino Network’s history, this funding will go toward the construction of La Plaza Esperanza, a cultural hub and educational programming center planned for 312 SE 165th Ave. in Gresham. The Soñando Juntos Capital Campaign aims to raise an additional $4.5 million by 2024.
Oregon Food Bank | $1.2 million received
These funds will benefit infrastructure renovations, allowing OFB to store additional produce to fight rising food insecurity in our communities.
Rose Haven | $450,000 received
This donation goes to the “Home for the Haven” campaign, centered around a new facility at 1740 NW Glisan St. Portland’s only day shelter + community center that specifically serves women, children, and gender-diverse people will use the 10,000-sqft space to bring guests back indoors, reestablish programs, and increase capacity.
Northwest Outward Bound School | $431,000 received
Financial backing will bolster NWOBS’ Youth Well-Being Initiative: a deliberate shift to center its programming in science of learning and refocus efforts on access and equity.
Hand2Mouth | $125,000 received
The money will enable the hire of a cultural exchange program director to assist implementation of the ensemble’s Local-Global Theatre Initiative, a community-based story-sharing workshop.
Additional grantees included Bridge Meadows, In Mulieribus, Community Cycling Center, Friends of Hopewell House, and others.