If you’ve been following Meyer Memorial Trust for a while, you know our look has been steady for nearly a decade. Our last rebrand began in 2015 and carried us through years of growth, change and challenge. That brand served us well, but Meyer — and the world around us — has evolved in significant ways since then.

Over the past few years, we’ve adopted a justice-centered mission, launched new funding portfolios and initiatives, and continued to push ourselves to be bolder, clearer and more accountable. We recognized it was time for our visual identity to reflect who we are today and how we aspire to show up for Oregon: vibrant, optimistic, forthright and unapologetically focused on justice.

A Collaborative Effort

Working with our longtime design partners at Smith & Connors (without whom this project would not have been possible), we engaged in months of listening and refinement. The process included strategy sessions with representatives from our staff and board, external interviews with grantees and peers, and multiple rounds of feedback with teams across the organization. We are grateful to all who shared their valuable time and perspectives, helping us to shape a brand that feels authentically "us" both inside and out.

From all that input, we distilled a set of goals for the new brand: to be clear and authentic, grounded and flexible, inclusive and unapologetic, and trustworthy and inspiring. These foundations informed all the creative work that followed.

The New Look

Our new brand mark takes inspiration from a banner or flag — a symbol of welcome, belonging and collective purpose. Doubled and paired with a circle (or a “period”), the design forms a stylized “M” for Meyer. To some, the new mark suggests water or momentum. To others, it looks like an eye toward the future. (If you don’t see any of these things, that’s ok!.) We pair the brandmark with a straightforward new wordmark that vertically stacks our name. We hope that the combined effect provides a sense of Meyer's stability and our enduring commitment to justice, as well as an inspiring invitation to join us in this work.

Our supporting brand system builds on that foundation. New typefaces add flexibility and freshness. A bold new color palette takes inspiration from Oregon's landscape and reflects the energy of the communities we serve. Photography, emphasizing real people, places and organizations in action, helps us tell a truer, more vibrant story of justice in Oregon. An evolving "collage" style gives us the room to visually communicate complex stories with the depth they deserve.

Coming Soon: A New Website

Throughout this process, we’ve reminded ourselves (and each other) that a brand is more than just logos and colors. It’s an expression of who we are and what we value. We think this new look better reflects who Meyer Memorial Trust is today, and we hope you’ll agree.

You’ll see the new brand roll out across our materials and a fully redesigned website this fall. Our new logo and accompanying guidelines for use are now available at www.mmt.org/using-our-logo. Should you have questions or feedback about our new look, please reach out to communications [at] mmt.org.

— Tyler

 

It goes on one at a time,

it starts when you care

to act, it starts when you do

it again and they said no,

it starts when you say We

and know who you mean, and each

day you mean one more.

— Marge Piercy

 

We are living in a moment of great uncertainty, where societal rules and norms are being thrown out the window for a politic of chaos and cruelty. It is a time when many of our grantees are feeling uncertain about how they can keep their organizations afloat, how they can keep their communities safe. It is a time when I have literally been asked, “Will philanthropy save us?”

The answer, of course, is no, it’s not actually possible to fill all the deficits that a potential lack of federal funding would leave. Beyond that, philanthropy is just one small piece of the puzzle. Because it’s not just money that will help us move forward in this work. We need each other. We need strong communities, we need movements, we need the ability to build a vision for the world we want to live in and to continue fighting for that vision.

When I was the executive director of Basic Rights Oregon, I often talked about the Oregon Equality Act, which bars discrimination against LGTBQ+ Oregonians. It passed in 2007, yet the majority of other states in the U.S. still do not have this very basic protection.

But the story of the equality act didn’t start in 2007 or even 2005. It was first introduced in Oregon in 1973. It took over 30 years to make it a reality and what changed wasn’t that the wording of the legislation was finally perfected. What changed was that a movement was built to shift people’s opinions on the rights of LGBTQ+ people to live lives free from discrimination.

When people say, “the world changed,” that change doesn’t just happen. Often that change looks like a lot of meetings, phone calls, door knocks, text banks and trainings. At the heart of all of those things are people connecting to other people — to educate, to inform, to move, to help each other feel less isolated in a world that can seem hellbent on making us feel alone and powerless.

So it is with that organizing ethos in mind that we announce Meyer's Summer Funding Opportunity. This opportunity is grounded in the belief that we can build the power to create the world we want to see. Because we spent the majority of our funding last year to make multi-year commitments, this summer’s opportunities are more focused on a few key goals and strategies.

For Our Collective Prosperity, that means working towards our mission of racial justice by focusing on Closing the Racial Wealth Gap and working to ensure our children’s futures through Multi-generational Asset Building. For Our Empowered Youth, the focus is on community organizing, with the goal of Building Power for A Thriving Education. For Our Resilient Places, the opportunity is centered on those most impacted by climate change, with a focus on Building Power for Frontline Communities. For Together, We Rise, the focus is on building those fundamentals of organizing, base building and leadership development, for Oregon’s coastal and rural communities.

Together, these opportunities represent a little more than $7 million of Meyer’s $48 million in grantmaking investments this year. Broadly, the other funding is situated in our multi-year investments, invited opportunities, collaborative grants and strategic work with other funders. At this moment, with all of our funding, it is so important for us to really lean into our mission of accelerating racial, social and economic justice for Oregon’s lands and peoples. And with this funding opportunity, our hope is that we are seeding the hard work of organizing and building the movement for a stronger Oregon, for all of us.

— Nancy

In April 2017, just two blocks from Meyer’s office, I joined thousands of people gathered at Dawson Park for the Portland People’s Climate Movement. At the time, I was Executive Director of OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon and part of a handful of organizers supporting the launch of the Oregon Just Transition Alliance (OJTA)—a network of frontline communities coming together to organize across issues and build collective power.

We marched not just to demand climate action, but to tell a broader story: that climate change is one symptom of deeper crises — ecological, economic and the crisis of empire (a shorthand term for the numerous moral and spiritual crises born from an imperialist and extractive economic model). We marched to show how housing justice, transportation access, immigrant rights and workers' rights are fundamentally tied to climate justice. And we invited everyone to imagine something bolder: an economic system rooted in cooperation, community and regeneration.

That day was powerful. It was beautiful. And it was needed.

Nearly a decade later, the urgency is no less real. But today, amid political uncertainty, social fragmentation and escalating climate impacts, it can feel harder to hold onto that collective vision. That’s why at Meyer, through the Our Resilient Places portfolio, we’ve committed to supporting the kind of organizing and movement-building that keeps those deeper connections and long-term solutions at the center.

Why Organizing?

Organizing gets the goods. That’s not just a mantra. It’s something I’ve witnessed over decades of movement work. When frontline communities organize — regardless of the issue — they build power. And when they build power, they win.

That’s why one of the goals of Meyer's Our Resilient Places portfolio is building power with frontline communities. We have limited funds and know that dollars spent sharpening frontline groups’ advocacy and leadership skills and expanding their movement-building capacity are a wise investment.

Community organizing is about more than issue advocacy: It’s about long-term relationships, collective analysis, skills development and deep community accountability. It’s what helps us prepare for crises and it roots our vision for a more just world.  When shifting political forces threaten hard-fought rights, these durable networks of trust and resistance become essential.

Organizing in Action

We’re already seeing this approach in motion across Oregon:

• Oregon Just Transition Alliance (OJTA) continues to unite frontline groups under a shared vision of a healthier and more just Oregon. Through collaborations, they are fighting for real, tangible benefits like reducing the cost to heat and cool our homes and advocating for millions in investments to strengthen community resiliency. 
• Beyond Toxics has been holding local polluters accountable for over two decades in Eugene, through using community organizing to develop leaders and advocates. 
• Rogue Climate is supporting young climate leaders through hands-on campaign development and execution. That is leading to real victories like passing the youth-led policy to incentivize all-electric new homes that will cut pollution and lower energy costs.

These organizations, which I'm proud that Meyer has continued to support, have been leading the way. But there are opportunities for more environmental justice and climate-focused groups to step into the organizing space.

Planting Seeds for the Future

We know that good organizing takes time, trust and training. We also know that many groups are doing all they can to sustain operations amid today’s challenges. That’s why we’re thinking long-term — about what Oregon’s organizing ecosystem could look like in ten years, and what we need to invest in now to get there.

Later this year, Our Resilient Places will have a funding opportunity specifically focused on power building with frontline communities. We’re looking to support organizing trainings, base-building models and other programs that build community power rooted in environmental and climate justice.

A Movement Moment

As I pass  Dawson Park on my way to Meyer’s office, I don’t recall the speeches or all the chants that day, but I remember how the day made me feel. I felt hope, connection and possibilities. I still feel all of it as I work to bring resources to visionary efforts and sound strategy. The intersecting crises we face — ecological collapse, economic inequality and rising authoritarianism — require systemic solutions. Organizing is our best bet.

That means supporting the people and organizations building those solutions from the ground up. Climate and environmental justice cannot be separated from racial justice, economic justice or workers' rights. It is one of many intersecting movements.  And the people most affected by environmental harm are also the ones with the clearest vision for how to repair and transform our systems.

Now is the time to follow their lead.

If you or your organization is building power in frontline communities, we want to hear from you. Let’s organize. Let’s build. Let’s grow something resilient, together.

 

Huy speaking at the 2017 Portland People's Climate March. Photo courtesy of 350pdx.

A recent news story has raised fresh concerns in the philanthropic community about how public data can be used — and potentially misused — in today’s polarized political environment. In particular, information drawn from publicly available grant databases has been cited in efforts to spotlight funders or grantees whose support for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives may be targeted by political actors.

This moment offers an important opportunity for us to reflect on how Meyer approaches data transparency, privacy and the values that guide our decisions.

We believe that transparency is a key part of building trust and accountability in philanthropy. For years, we have shared data about our awarded grants with Candid, a widely respected organization that helps improve the flow of information in the nonprofit sector. The data we share includes the names of grantee organizations, the purposes of grants, and the amount awarded — information that supports research, collaboration and public understanding of our work. Candid has also responded to share more on its own practices and policies.

That said, we are also mindful of the risks that can emerge when even well-intentioned transparency intersects with shifting political agendas. Not all Meyer grants are publicly disclosed through Candid. Our internal process includes the option for staff to mark a grant so it will not appear in our public-facing reports or promotional materials. However, all grants, whether publicized or not, are ultimately reported in our IRS Form 990-PF filings and become part of the public record once our tax returns are submitted.

Beyond grants data, Meyer also handles a wide range of information from our grantees and applicants — financial statements, narrative responses, organizational documents — that is treated with the highest level of care and confidentiality. This data is considered private and proprietary unless it is already part of the public record. We do not share it unless doing so is fully aligned with our privacy policy and, where necessary, with the explicit consent of the applicant.

In practical terms, that means Meyer employees, trustees and contractors may not transmit constituent data outside the organization unless authorized, nor may they store such data on personal devices or non-Meyer-managed cloud services. These protections aren’t just about compliance — they are about respect. Respect for the organizations we partner with, and for the often sensitive work they undertake in service to communities.

As this conversation continues to evolve within the philanthropic sector, we remain committed to transparency rooted in ethics, caution and care. We will continue to evaluate our practices, listen to our partners and stay responsive to the broader landscape. If you have questions about Meyer’s data policy, we encourage you to reach out to our Grants Management team at grantops [at] mmt.org.

In challenging times, the decisions we make about how we share and protect data are a reflection of our values. We are committed to making those decisions thoughtfully and in partnership with the communities we serve.

— Corey

Source: istock

I am thrilled to announce that Kathleen Kee and Andrew Colas are joining Meyer Memorial Trust’s Board of Trustees. As we continue our mission to accelerate racial, social, and economic justice, their experience and leadership will be invaluable to our work.

Kathleen Kee has been a force for financial empowerment and inclusive leadership for more than 40 years. As Senior Wealth Advisor at Focus Partners Wealth and while CEO of Confluence Wealth Management, she has built a legacy of mentorship and success in a traditionally male-dominated field. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kathleen has dedicated her time to numerous organizations focused on economic equity and cultural preservation. Her belief in the power of community resonates deeply with Meyer’s mission. As she so aptly put it,

“We are all connected as a community and we have to share in the responsibility to work together with respect and optimism to improve and solve the many injustices around us.” We couldn’t be more honored to have her join us in this work.

Andrew Colas brings a visionary perspective as President and CEO of Colas Construction. His leadership in sustainable and innovative commercial construction, coupled with his deep commitment to community service, makes him a perfect addition to Meyer’s board. As a lifelong Portlander, Andrew understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing our communities. His words reflect the heart of what we strive to achieve at Meyer:

“People have more in common than not, yet too many feel marginalized and left out. Meyer’s mission to support organizations advancing justice and bridging this gap aligns deeply with my values.”

With his leadership, we will continue to build toward a more equitable future.

As we welcome Kathleen and Andrew, we also express our deepest gratitude to Charles Wilhoite, who concludes his term in March after 12 years of dedicated service. Charles has been a cornerstone of our board, shaping Meyer’s vision with wisdom and integrity. His contributions will leave a lasting impact, and we are profoundly grateful for his leadership.

At a time when steadfast leadership and an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice are more essential than ever, we are excited for what lies ahead. Kathleen and Andrew bring invaluable expertise, dedication and passion to Meyer, and we look forward to the impact they will make in advancing our mission.

— Janet

Andrew Colas and Kathleen Kee, Meyer Memorial Trust's newest board members

For the first time in its history, Meyer has partnered with the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) to survey our grantees about their work with us. The CEP is an independent, nonprofit organization that has been working to improve philanthropic effectiveness for almost 25 years.

We recognize that grantees are not always comfortable sharing feedback with funders who hold the purse strings. That’s why we appreciate CEP’s efforts to ensure that the feedback gathered in this survey was fully anonymous and confidential. CEP’s survey is issued to hundreds of foundations each year, allowing us to compare ourselves to a broad range of philanthropic organizations, as well as to a smaller cohort of mission-aligned funders that we consider exemplars in the field. We set high standards for the work we fund and we want to be just as ambitious in the goals we set for ourselves.

It’s also worthwhile to note that this year’s survey was conducted in April 2024, prior to the launch of our issues-based open call. We know that at that time, our community was anxious to learn more about our strategy and goals for funding. With more than a dozen info sessions held virtually and around the state, we hope that much of that uncertainty has since been allayed. 

We still consider that the 2024 survey offers a valuable baseline assessment of grantee perception from which we are eager to build and improve upon over time. You can learn more about CEP’s work and survey methodology here. More details are also available in these slides.

This year has been a dynamic time for Meyer. We've welcomed 11 new staff members, launched a new Tribal Nations Initiative and hosted our first open funding opportunity in more than three years. We are grateful to the staff and grantees who have been on this journey with us. Our deepest appreciation to all those who shared their honest and thoughtful feedback along the way. Let’s keep talking.

— Kim

 

 

What We Learned: Key Lessons and Opportunities

Meyer grantees value the freedom and flexibility to do their best work.

Grantees told us that general operating dollars, automatic renewals and multi-year funding are important contributors to their success. They also appreciated Meyer's relatively low-burden application process. Grantees believe that the time spent on applying for grant funding is worth the dollars received and our transition to the Giving Data grants management platform also received high marks.

 

Grantees want to be in relationship with us and support 'beyond the check'.

Strong partnerships require mutual understanding. We know that Meyer’s staffing and structural changes in late 2023 affected the continuity of many of the valued relationships with our program staff. In addition, we hear that grantees appreciate support that goes ‘beyond the check’, especially through collaboration, convenings and connections to other resources.

With our current grantmaking team solidly in place, we are looking forward to developing more opportunities to listen and learn from one another in the coming months and years.

More substantive and clear communication is a must

Not surprisingly, grantees at the time of the survey were seeking more specific, actionable information from Meyer about how and what we would be funding. We also know that consistent, substantive communication about our goals and strategies is important for grantees so that they can plan.

In addition to sharing more robust communication in this area, we also plan to communicate more about how we are measuring and tracking our progress. In 2025, we will update our website and deepen our storytelling about the work we support, so that our grantees can access information and better understand how and whether their organizations' work and values are a good fit for Meyer funding.

 

 

In the aftermath of this election, we are faced with a stark reality. For millions of people across the country, the return of Donald Trump to the presidency signals not just a political shift, but a direct threat to their rights, their dignity and their futures. 

To our grantees, partners and friends: we are here, and we are in this for the long haul. We see you, we stand with you and we are ready to back you with our actions and resources. We will not abandon our shared vision of a world where justice reigns over hatred, where compassion outshines cruelty and where everyone has the opportunity to build a bright and prosperous future.

We applaud the efforts of our nonprofit partners, so many of whom have worked tirelessly to educate us all on what is at stake in this election and on what is possible when we work together. In the coming days, weeks and months, we will be actively listening for and responding to emerging opportunities to support you. 

We recognize that we are entering uncertain times. As we wait for the last votes to be tallied and the results certified, we want to share what Meyer is certain of regardless of any individual election outcome:

• Our shared responsibility to listen, hear and respect one another.
• Our collective ability as a people to improve, innovate, learn and be better. 
• Our strength and our resilience as we unite in our efforts for the common good
   

Let’s remember. Change can be delayed, but it cannot be erased. As John Lewis said, “Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. Ours is not the struggle of one judicial appointment or presidential term. Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part.” 

In Solidarity, 

— Toya

 

Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images

“Democracy is not something you have, but something you do. It is a verb.” - Marshall Ganz, Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University

With the election only days away, immigration, reproductive health and civic engagement have taken center stage in the national political conversation. However, these are not just “hot button” political topics; they’re central to the health of our democracy and how justice is delivered in America.

Through our initiative, Together, We Rise, Meyer is proud to support groups working on these and other issues core to developing BIPOC leaders and building inclusive movements here in Oregon.

What is Together, We Rise?

While immigration, reproductive justice, and civic engagement are getting extra attention right now, we at Meyer think about them often. I've had the privilege of working in this space at Meyer for more than 18 years, first through our Building Communities portfolio and now through our recently launched strategic initiative.

Together, We Rise funds leadership development, civic engagement, community organizing, movement building and field infrastructure. These are fundamental to a healthy democracy and critical for advancing Meyer's goals across all our program areas. We focus on supporting organizations that work in historically underserved communities. These organizations engage and support community members, helping them advocate for policy change, overcome historical barriers to civic participation and increase their sense of belonging. 

This year, through Together, We Rise, Meyer will award more than 30 grants totaling more than $5 million to support organizations doing this vital work. (Funding this year was by invitation, but that might change in the future.) 

Immigration: Supporting Human Dignity

Immigrants who have made their home in Oregon are a part of our social fabric and contribute to our collective prosperity. Yet, they are regularly used as scapegoats in increasingly hostile political rhetoric. Below is a selection of Together, We Rise grantees working to reform our broken immigration system and ensure Oregon’s immigrant and refugee communities are not only protected, but empowered.

• Northwest Workers Justice Project: Addresses workplace health and safety violations and protects workers from exploitation, abuse and employer theft
• Innovation Law Lab: Works to end the isolation and exploitation of immigrants and refugees and build permanent pathways to immigrant inclusion  
• Oregon Rural Action: Leads grassroots efforts in Eastern Oregon for farmworker rights, social justice and environmental equity
   

Reproductive Health: Protecting Rights

Reproductive health has been weaponized this political season. However numerous groups are working to preserve Oregonians’ bodily autonomy and access to necessary healthcare. We’ve supported the organizations below in their work to protect these essential freedoms:

• Family Forward Oregon: Focuses on caregiving, gender and reproductive justice, helping BIPOC leaders drive change
• ACLU of Oregon: Through their Equal Rights For All campaign, they’re working to further secure abortion rights and healthcare protections for all Oregonians

 

Civic Engagement: Building an Inclusive Democracy

A healthy democracy requires active civic participation. Everyone deserves a say in shaping our future. But too often marginalized communities face systemic barriers to voting and other forms of engagement. We're supporting the organizations below in their work to break down these barriers and create a truly inclusive system where everyone's voice is heard. 

• Oregon Futures Lab: Provides training and support for incoming leaders from marginalized communities on collaborative and inclusive governance models.
• More Equitable Democracy: Promotes ranked-choice voting to create fairer, more representative electoral systems
• Oregon State Voice: Amplifies the political power of BIPOC-led organizations across the state
• Next Up Oregon: Fosters diverse young activists to achieve a more just and equitable Oregon
   

The Work Continues

No matter the outcome of our upcoming elections, the need for immigration reform, reproductive justice and inclusive elections will continue. These issues won’t be resolved overnight. 

At Meyer, we remain committed to this work for the long haul, knowing that systemic change takes time, effort and sustained support.

 

Since we opened our complimentary event space, the Center for Great Purposes, in October 2023, it’s become a popular resource for many of our grantees. In the past year, we’ve hosted more than 80 events and welcomed over 1,300 community members into our space. We’ve had many organizations hold multiple events in the Center, and we’d love to see even more of our grantees take advantage of this flexible, complimentary event space.

Here’s what you should know if you’re thinking about holding a meeting, workshop, or community gathering in the Center:

Multi-Purpose Space

Located on the first floor of our Portland-based offices, the Center for Great Purposes is open to any Meyer grantee with an active grant. So long as it’s available, you can use the space as many times as you need, whether for a single event or a multi-day gathering. We don’t allow weekly repeating events at this time.

With a room that can accommodate up to 100 people, the Center is designed for flexibility. We’ve hosted everything from large gala receptions to small strategy meetings. Your rental comes with access to the event room, a pre-function area, an adjoining garden and a catering kitchen. Daytime street parking is available.

User-Friendly Tech

Our grantees consistently rave about our tech setup and its ease of use. The room comes with a Zoom-compatible TV wall, two microphones and a sound system. So, whether you’re hosting an in-person or hybrid meeting, the Center is ready to handle it. Also, for the less tech-savvy, someone on our team is always on hand to help with issues as they arise. 

Catering and Layout Flexibility

We know that planning an event means juggling a lot of details. To make things easy, we keep our policies as flexible as possible. 

We have an open catering policy. Feel free to bring your own food or work with the caterer of your choice. We are also happy to recommend some local caterers we’ve worked with before.

The Center is equipped with 24 rectangular tables and 100 chairs and can be set up in a few different ways to suit your needs. You can also bring in outside furniture, like bistro or dining tables. Just keep in mind that, while we’re happy to accommodate these options, we leave coordinating the logistics up to you.

If you’re bringing someone to film your event, let us know ahead of time to ensure there’s room for the extra equipment.

Looking to Book?

Currently, we can accommodate events Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reservations are filling up for the remaining months of 2024, with broader availability in the early months of 2025. I encourage folks to reach out at least a month in advance with a few date options. 

To learn more, set up a tour or book the Center for your next event, contact us at reservations [at] mmt.org or call 503-228-5512.

What Grantees are Saying

“We’ve had the pleasure of hosting three significant events in the Center,” says Tai Love, development director at Portland Housing Center. “Each allowed us to bring together larger groups than our own space permits.”

“Latino Network held a training series for our program managers at Meyer’s Center for Great Purposes,” says Micaela Alvarez Orgambidez, agency project manager and fiscal support specialist. “It allowed us to offer a hybrid series where people could attend virtually or in person. I attended virtually and was impressed by the visual and audio quality.”

“It is such a blessing to have a space like this,” says Jenn Luevano-Brummett, community impact project manager at Social Venture Partners Portland. “We’ve used the Center for Great Purposes for various gatherings and it always reduces stress for planning, especially with the staff going above and beyond to ensure our events are successful.”

 

There’s a saying in Indian Country that goes, “If you’ve met with one tribe, you’ve met with one tribe.” This saying reveals an important truth: while the needs and priorities of each tribe can be similar, they can also be vastly different. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

I was reminded of this recently while meeting with tribes throughout the region to build new relationships and strengthen long-standing ties. I, alongside a group of partners in philanthropy and government, spent the summer touring our region. We traveled to Warm Springs to meet with Dustin Seyler, the small business program manager for the Warm Springs Community Action Team. While taking us through the reservation, Dustin told us about how the lack of public gathering space had impacted the community. The once vibrant commissary had become in need of deep repair. With funding to restore this historic structure, the space would provide jobs and nourishment.

This summer, CEO Toya Fick and I met with Chairwoman Brenda Meade and other leaders of the Coquille Tribe. While walking through the halls of their early education offices and wellness center, I saw the care and compassion each person brought to serving their community. There, I learned how important it was for healthcare workers to provide culturally competent medical treatment and wellness services for their community.

Finding Community in this Work

In each of these visits, while grappling with questions of how our cross-sector coalition could better support tribes, I also felt an immense appreciation for the affinity with like-minded people.

As a citizen of MHA Nation (The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation) who has held roles in government, nonprofits and philanthropy, I have found serving as a liaison for tribal relations can be lonely and progress, glacial. Balancing the needs of my community while navigating dominant cultural systems can be isolating. And yet, there are few things I take more pride in than being a Native leader.

I come from a long line of individuals who have strived to make an impact on behalf of Native communities. My grandma strived to create better systems within the Bureau of Indian Affairs. My auntie helped set mandates within the Bureau of Indian Education. My mom continues to serve tribes at the North Portland Area Indian Health Board. My dad lobbied and advocated on behalf of the Columbia River Treaty Tribes in D.C. While the list goes on and on, I’ve learned it's always important to take big swings on behalf of Native communities. And yet, at the same time, it's just as important to make the smaller efforts that improve the daily lives of all Indigenous peoples.

In our Tribal Funders Tour this summer, we were trying to build something that is oftentimes rare in this space: relationships and trust. By centering community, we’re continuing to build collective power.

This exchange grounded us, especially when considering the sobering dynamics at play in our sector. Only 0.4% — four cents of every philanthropic dollar — goes to Indigenous communities. Coupled with the looming litigation that seeks to undermine philanthropy’s ability to fund on the basis of race and the Biden Administration’s call for philanthropy to step up its investments in tribal communities, there are complex systems we must navigate to make real impact in partnership with tribal nations.

In light of all of this, we at Meyer asked ourselves, “How could we respond to these vast needs and be accountable to our tribal partners?” Our answer: deeper investment and flexible funding.

Honoring Indigenous Wisdom & Correcting Historic Harms

Meyer’s approach to Native grantmaking reflects a shift toward recognizing the long-overdue need for equitable, intentional support of tribal sovereignty. Rooted in deep respect, a commitment to change and decades of groundwork, our strategy aims to decentralize our own role and center the voices, needs and priorities of sovereign tribal nations.

These needs and priorities have often been undervalued in a state founded upon the colonial notion of Manifest Destiny. Oregon’s history is laden with broken treaties, exploitation and genocide. Meyer’s Native grantmaking strategy attempts to address the broader power dynamics and historic harms that dominant institutions have inflicted on Indigenous communities.

Philanthropy has capitalized on the erasure of Indigenous peoples, as well as the seizure of their land for economic prosperity. We aim to be a thoughtful partner to tribes, acknowledging the complexity of tribal governance and the responsibility of philanthropy to work together in solidarity.

This year, Meyer will invest $2.25 million across Oregon’s nine federally-recognized tribes. This is the beginning of a sustained, flexible commitment to fund tribal priorities regardless of whether they align with Meyer’s other funding strategies. This isn’t about fit; it’s about honoring sovereignty. We recognize we need to better understand the nuances of each tribe's operating structures and priorities to make certain that Meyer's investment is making the desired impact. Alongside this, Meyer will continue to invest in organizations that support Native communities through our issue-based portfolios and strategic initiatives, which were also informed by our engagement with Native leaders. Investing in communities of color is central to our mission; it is part of our DNA.

To learn more about Meyer’s tribal grantmaking strategy, click here.

One of Many

Getting here has been no small undertaking. This work has evolved with contributions from both Native and non-Native leaders. I am incredibly grateful for our partners as well as current and former program and executive team members who have contributed their time and wisdom. Together, we are taking a vital step toward a more equitable and just future, where philanthropy supports Indigenous self-determination and tribal sovereignty, and honors the ancestral lands of Oregon’s first peoples.

As Gabe Sheoships (Cayuse/Walla Walla), the executive director of Friends of Tryon Creek, recently reminded me, “We’re all cogs in this wheel and it takes all of the cogs working together to turn it.”

 

In Solidarity,

Stone Hudson, MHA Nation

 

Tribal Funders Group after touring the Umatilla Tribe's cultural institution, Tamastslikt