It's my favorite time of year at the Women's Foundation. Earlier this month, hundreds of Foundation members voted on our 2017 grantees. And earlier this week, we were deeply honored to award $75,000 in grants to four extraordinary organizations at our Annual Reception.
In addition to voting and grantmaking, this is also the time of year where we look ahead to what's next. Over the next 12 months, we're going to double down on the the three things that we believe propel gender equity in Oregon:
1. Membership that empowers women and girls as change-makers 2. Grantmaking that centers and celebrates extraordinary service providers 3. Thought-leadership that drives accountability and change
Because like you, we believe that no matter how great the challenges faced by women and girls in Oregon, the tenacity of Oregonians who are committed to gender equity is greater still.
Forward together, Emily
Stat of the Month
Oregon women vote at a higher rate than the national average and at a higher rate than Oregon men. Thanks to all our members who voted for our 2017 grantees!
Foundation Updates
Investment Update
On Wednesday evening, we celebrated our third Annual Reception -- many thanks to the nearly 200 members and guests who attended. (And if you aren't a member yet, please join us!) We said farewell to outgoing Board Chair Sue Hildick, welcomed incoming Board Chair Amy Sample Ward, and shared what the next year has in store for the Foundation.
Most importantly, we announced our 2017 member-determined grantmaking! For the first time ever, we had a statistical tie, resulting in two of our grantees receiving grants of the same size. Please join us in celebrating the extraordinary work of all four 2017 grantees!
If you missed the video where we introduced each grantee, you can check it out here.
Member Spotlight
Name: Grace Henricks Age: 56 Occupation: Humanist and Founder of Artemis Foods Member of the Women's Foundation since: March 2015
What’s your favorite spot in Oregon? My mind sweeps from the top of Mt. Hood and the Palmer snowfield to the edge of the state at the rugged, wild sandstone cliffs of Cape Kiwanda. I guess that is my favorite spot, the top of the mountain to the crashing shores of the coast and everything in between.
What quality do you most admire in others? Compassion.
Which talent would you most like to have? To dance hip hop!
What was your first volunteer experience? Cook and serve meals at the St. Francis Shelter for the Homeless.
What’s the best place to eat in our great state? My house.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Parenting my two beautiful children that grew into amazing human beings.
Which woman (living or dead) do you most admire? Rachel Carson, writer, scientist, ecologist and ahead of her time. She initiated the contemporary environmental movement and started a revolution that we need to complete. What’s your most treasured possession? The jade ring my mother gave to me.
What is your personal motto? “Always do your best.”
What’s your idea of perfect happiness? If I am able to accept what is and when I am able to be in the moment, I am perfectly happy.
What makes you laugh uncontrollably? I don’t know if I have ever done that.
Why are you a member of the Women’s Foundation? I have been a long time humanist, feminist, and self-made woman. I am thrilled to belong to such a passionate and impactful group that I know is making a difference. I have just sold my business, Artemis Foods, that I started, grew, and managed for 17 years. The goddess Artemis stands for my personal ethos. After my sabbatical, I will be back on a professional basis to continue my support for the empowerment and equitable treatment of women.
Thank you so much, Grace!
Make a Difference
Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest is looking for women to host field trips or serve as guest speakers for girls throughout Oregon. It's a one-time commitment of 30-90 minutes, and Girls Inc. provides a lesson planning tool. Learn more here.
Have a volunteer opportunity you'd like us to share? Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Community Events
Now through May 31: REI Force of Nature Grants, Nationwide REI will be giving $500,000 to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that connect women and girls to the outdoors. The deadline to apply is May 31!
June 9-11:Dress for Success Reduction Sale, Portland Dress for Success needs to clear out old inventory, which means great deals on new and gently used women's designer clothing, shoes and accessories starting at $5!
June 18: Annual Pride Parade, Portland & Statewide March in this year's Pride Parade, starting at 11 a.m. in downtown Portland and in cities across Oregon.
June 22:Bites for Rights, Restaurants Statewide When you eat at participating restaurants on 6/22, they pledge to support LGBTQ equality by donating a portion of the day's gross proceeds to Basic Rights Oregon.
If you would like your event added to our calendar, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Oregon News to Know
OPB: Oregon Senate Approves Equal Pay Legislation "The Oregon Senate unanimously passed a bill that strives to ensure that women, people of color, LGBTQ Oregonians, and other protected classes, are paid the same rate as men for the same work."
Yes! Magazine: In Photos: A Mother Adjusts to Parenting After Prison "A unique initiative in Oregon helps incarcerated mothers stay connected with their children through special visitations and virtual parent-teacher conferences."
Our members support us in so many ways: from your membership donations to your time volunteering in the office and at our events.
Now there are even more ways you can support us! As you make your will and estate plans, please consider adding the Women's Foundation of Oregon. For more information on Planned Giving, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Also, your employer may match your gift to the Women's Foundation! Check with your human resources department to see if your company will match your charitable donations. If you have any questions regarding your membership please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll be happy to help.
If you're not yet a member, join us by clicking here!
Become a member of the Women's Foundation of Oregon and join us as we work towards solving some of the most challenging issues facing the womxn, girls, and femmes of our state.
