A coalition of Oregon's leading businesses stepped up to help nonprofits, small businesses and vulnerable Oregonians hit by the COVID-19 crisis. These companies have contributed more than $2.5 million and in-kind equipment and support to community-based nonprofits and small businesses. These donations are intended to offer immediate help to communities across Oregon while federal and state assistance works its way through various delivery channels.
A large share of this giving is going through two statewide funds set up by the Oregon Community Foundation and its partner philanthropies. The Oregon Community Recovery Fund will assist nonprofits serving vulnerable communities. The Oregon Small Business Stabilization Fund will meet the short-term credit needs of small enterprises. Many of the companies contributing through OCF are members of the Oregon Business Council and Oregon Business and Industry.
"Our communities, small businesses and their employees are all facing an unprecedented challenge that merits coordinated public, private and philanthropic resources to address the needs of so many," said Greg Ness, chair of the Oregon Business Council board of directors and chairman, president and CEO of The Standard. "It will take all of us working together to ensure Oregon weathers this storm, and that our small businesses are able to quickly resume operations and bring back employees once the pandemic recedes."
Contributions Through OCF
Initial monetary contributions through OCF have been pledged or committed from the following businesses:
- Nike Foundation: $1,000,000
- The Standard: $250,000
- Intel $200,000
- Portland Trail Blazers $150,000
- Wells Fargo: $125,000
- Cambia Health Foundation: $100,000
- Tillamook County Creamery Association: $100,000
- Umpqua Bank: $100,000
- Portland General Electric $80,000
- Comcast $75,000
- U.S. Bank $50,000
- Chase Bank $50,000
- Bank of America $40,000
- KeyBank $35,000
- Pacific Power Foundation $20,000
- A to Z Wineworks $15,000
- NW Natural $10,000
- Portland Timbers and Thorns FC $10,000
- Columbia Bank $10,000
"I want to thank the businesses for their commitment," said Max Williams, president and CEO of OCF. "This crisis is unprecedented and we're going to need everyone, every business to do what they can to help support Oregonians, particularly our most vulnerable populations."
Together, the pooled community funds will help support hard hit small businesses, provide immediate services and assistance to keep people housed, fed, healthy, and safe; deliver educational and childcare opportunities for children, and address the social isolation of many populations who are sheltering in home.
Direct Assistance
Oregon businesses and business leaders are also making significant gifts directly to other community partners:
- Bank of America has pledged $1.5 million in the months ahead to nonprofits in Oregon addressing community needs.
- Intel is contributing $1 million to various Oregon nonprofits.
- Kaiser Permanente is making a grant to Central City Concern supporting services to those experiencing homelessness.
- Nike leadership is contributing $7 million to Oregon Health & Science University, $2 million to the Oregon Community Foundation Community Recovery Fund and $1 million to Oregon Food Bank.
- Regence BlueCross Blue Shield of Oregon, Portland General Electric, Tillamook County Creamery Association and Pacific Power announced support for Oregon Food Bank.
- Tillamook County Creamery Association has donated food to Meals for Seniors and donated ice cream to hospitals in Tillamook and Hermiston.
- Umpqua Bank pledged $1 million to organizations that provide capital and micro loans to small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as $750,000 in funding for small businesses across Oregon.
- U.S. Bank and KeyBank are supporting United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.
- Wells Fargo has committed to invest $1.74 million in charitable contributions to Oregon nonprofits.
Businesses are also donating critical equipment, services, and supplies that will aid first responders in the pandemic. Intel donated one million items of protective equipment for healthcare workers. Portland General Electric donated 9,000 masks for front-line health workers needing protection. Regence has allocated funds to address urgent and immediate needs such as thermometers, food insecurity and gloves identified by partners, including Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Ride Connection. Comcast is offering free Internet service for low income Oregonians, as well as unlimited data at no additional cost.
Cambia Health Solutions, Columbia Bank, Intel, Nike, PGE, U.S. Bank and Umpqua Bank are among the Oregon companies matching charitable gifts made by their employees or retirees to nonprofits.
Many companies and company foundations are simplifying their grant application processes, lifting or relaxing restrictions on existing grants and charitable contributions and accelerating the payment of committed giving, so nonprofits have more flexibility to meet payroll and serve their client populations.
"Our members are not only making financial donations to help Oregonians weather this difficult time, but they are also offering volunteer hours, food donations, and more. We're humbled by their generosity and we encourage any Oregon business that can help the community to step up," said Duncan Wyse, president of Oregon Business Council and Sandra McDonough, president and CEO of Oregon Business & Industry.
For more information on how to donate to the Oregon Community Recovery Fund, go to oregoncf.org/COVID.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200401005663/en/
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