Priority Funding Areas
Within our six programmatic funding areas, our Board of Trustees has established priority areas that fall within the program areas of Education, Health and Environmental Preservation. Although projects from all of our program areas are funded regularly, projects that fall within our priority areas receive special attention.
Education Priorities
Effective Education for Youth
We are committed to ensuring all children receive the support they need to reach their fullest academic potential. School-based projects that provide additional assistance, particularly for struggling or at-risk students, are essential to helping them succeed. This includes access to high quality early learning and K-12 programing that focuses on reading proficiency, tutoring, after school programs and summer learning programs. Additionally, providing transportation for youth, especially in rural areas where public transit is limited, is vital to ensuring all students can access these important learning opportunities. Together, these supports help reduce barriers, keep youth engaged in school, and ensure students remain on track to graduate.
Environmental Preservation Priorities
River Health
As tribal people, we recognize our dependence on healthy natural systems and our responsibility to protect and restore them for future generations. We support restoration and conservation efforts for long-term sustainability, focusing on our rivers which sustain salmon and lamprey. We prioritize projects that focus on improving water quality, river habitat conservation, fish recovery, pollution reduction, and reducing solid waste in landfills that adversely affect the health of our rivers.
Health Priorities
Elder Support
Elders are vital to tribal communities as the primary keepers of culture, language, and ancestral wisdom. Their knowledge and guidance help preserve traditions and strengthen the bonds within the community. We support programming that provides essential support and services for elders, helping them to combat isolation, maintain independence and remain connected to their communities. These initiatives focus on promoting physical and mental health, safety, transportation needs and social engagement, ensuring older adults have access to resources that enhance their overall well-being.
Food Security and Food Sovereignty
We support food security programs that ensure access to nutritious meals for individuals and families facing hardship. Additionally, we champion food sovereignty programs that empower communities to sustainably produce, manage, and distribute their own food resources. These initiatives help establish long-term solutions for food support, fostering resilience and independence while addressing immediate needs and promoting sustainable practices for future generations.
Housing & Homeless Support Services
Oregon’s homeless population faces significant health and well-being challenges. We prioritize programs designed to assist, empower, and foster independence among individuals experiencing homelessness. Additionally, we support initiatives that provide aid to individuals and families at risk of losing their housing, ensuring they can remain in stable housing during difficult times. We also value efforts that expand access to affordable housing options and offer low-income housing assistance, helping to prevent homelessness and create pathways to secure, long-term accommodations.
Mental Health
Mental health is a critical component of overall health and well-being that affects daily life and productivity. We support prevention and treatment programs that address underlying conditions such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), PTSD and addiction. Initiatives also extend to child abuse and neglect, domestic violence and sexual abuse, which often contribute to significant mental health challenges. Valued programs focus on providing trauma-informed care, access to counseling, and support for healing, growth, and long-term mental wellness. By supporting services such as foster care and child advocacy programs, we further ensure individuals and families receive the safety, stability, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Pre/Post-Natal Care
We believe that all children deserve a healthy start in life. By supporting programs that focus on women’s health, pre & post-natal care, and the general health needs of children, we may have a positive impact on their overall health and wellbeing throughout the course of their lives.