Charity Organizations in Portland

Charity Organizations in Portland

Portland is home to several impactful charity organizations dedicated to improving the lives of those in need. From supporting underprivileged children with education and healthcare to addressing food insecurity and economic hardship, these nonprofits make a significant difference. Notable organizations like Child Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation, Equitable Giving Circle, Birch Community Services, and Friends of the Children are at the forefront of creating positive change, fostering equity, and providing long-term support to communities in need. Each of these organizations works tirelessly to build a better, more inclusive future.

Child Foundation

Child Foundation, established in 1994 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children worldwide. The foundation focuses on providing access to education, healthcare, and essential support services. It carefully selects children based on their socio-economic background and level of need, collaborating with local partners to identify those who would benefit most from its programs. 

The foundation’s mission is to build a better world for children by offering sponsorships and donations to support education and provide aid to underprivileged children.

Oregon Community Foundation

The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) is a non-profit organization that aims to improve lives in Oregon through charitable giving. Established in 1973, it connects donors with impactful initiatives across the state.

OCF supports various causes by offering grants, scholarships, and donor services, addressing issues such as economic vitality, educational equity, and community development. It also helps individuals and families establish charitable funds to make lasting, tax-effective contributions, fostering positive change in communities throughout Oregon. 

Equitable Giving Circle

Equitable Giving Circle is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, that focuses on empowering BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities through community-driven giving. They work to promote economic equity by leveraging donations from privileged communities to support marginalized groups.

The organization values transparency, diverse voices, and immediate impact without bureaucratic obstacles. Their initiatives include providing housing assistance, wellness programs, and access to healthy food, aiming to create lasting change through collaboration and inclusivity. 

Birch Community Services

Birch Community Services (BCS) is a nonprofit in Portland, Oregon, focused on addressing food insecurity and economic hardship. BCS helps families by providing groceries, household items, and financial education. Through their Sustainable Families Program, participants receive one-on-one financial counseling, allowing them to set and achieve financial goals.

BCS fosters a sense of community and accountability by encouraging volunteerism. They partner with local farmers, nonprofits, and businesses to redistribute food and reduce waste. In 2024, BCS served hundreds of families weekly, creating a significant impact on financial stability in the community.

Friends of the Children

Friends of the Children is a nonprofit organization in Portland that empowers youth facing significant challenges by providing long-term mentorship. The program pairs children with paid professional mentors, known as Friends, who support them for over 12 years.

This approach fosters resilience and helps youth overcome systemic obstacles. Key outcomes include high high school graduation rates, post-secondary education enrollment, and avoiding juvenile justice involvement. Friends of the Children aims to break generational cycles of poverty and promote positive life outcomes for vulnerable children.

This list of charities in Portland isn’t the only one, and AAM Nation Care is yet another amazing organization that cares about people and their future.