The Gorge Community Foundation (GCF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Hood River, Oregon, has provided local philanthropic support for nearly two decades through donor-advised funds and dedicated grantmaking programs. The GCF Community Grants Program is designed to strengthen the social fabric of communities within the Columbia River Gorge by supporting a diverse range of nonprofit activities. Unlike programs limited to a specific issue or constituency, this grant operates without a single-focus agenda, allowing the Foundation to address the most pressing and broadly impactful needs.
In 2024, the program distributed ten grants totaling $17,000 to local nonprofits. The 2025 cycle opened in April and the submission deadline has been extended to May 16, 2025. Applicants must be in compliance with previous reporting obligations to be considered for current funding. The program is supported through a set of named funds, including the Joan Burchell Fund, Riddell and Athalie Lage Fund, Florence E. and Nobi Akiyama Fund, the Gorge Trust Fund, and the Kate Leadbetter Mills Fund, each of which reflects a legacy of community investment and service.
Grant recipients in 2024 represented a wide spectrum of causes, including literacy, food access, environmental education, youth engagement through music and theater, mental health, and cultural festivals. Funding is typically modest, enabling tangible, local impacts, and supporting under-resourced community programs.
All submissions should be directed to the Gorge Community Foundation, and applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation at gcf@gorgecf.org or call 509.637.7997 for assistance.
