Chambers Family Foundation
/OVERVIEW: This funder supports arts, education, medical, health and human needs in Lane, Benton and Deschutes counties in Oregon. It reviews grant proposals twice per year.
IP TAKE: This is a great funder to know for grant seekers in Lake County, Oregon. It supports a broad range of issues, so pretty much any type of local nonprofit should look at CFF.
PROFILE: The Chambers Family Foundation (CFF) is based in Eugene, Oregon, and prioritizes the counties of Lane, Benton and Deschutes. It was established in 1999 by Carolyn Chambers, who was a local businesswoman and pioneer in the broadcast and cable television industry. In 1960, she received a license for KEZI-TV in Eugene, eventually owning several ABC affiliate stations in Oregon, and was part of the Liberty Communications group. Chambers died in 2011.
CFF’s funding priorities include the arts, education, medical, health and human needs. It gives around 90 percent of grants to groups in Lake County, Oregon. It splits the other 10 percent evenly between Benton County and Deschutes County. This funder does not typically provide capital project support for new buildings, but may be open to finishing costs at the end of construction, such as furnishings or equipment.
The foundation holds at least $19.8 million in managed funds and has granted over $14 million to local groups. More than 364 organizations have received this funder’s support over the years. About 27 percent of grants are $5,000. It has given some $1,000 grants, and others over $10,000. Form 990 information can be viewed here.
To apply for a CFF grant, grant seekers will need to download and print out a grant application form from the funder’s website. It does not accept electronic submissions, and grant seekers must mail in the form with the other required paperwork, which includes a narrative explanation of the request, a detailed project budget, IRS determination letter, board of director information and current financial statements.
The foundation reviews proposals in May and November of each year, so grant seekers should get a proposal in by March 31 or September 30 for consideration at the next trustee meeting. The foundation may initially deny some proposals while suggesting they be resubmitted for consideration in a later cycle. The foundation prioritizes local projects targeted by members of the foundation. However, unaffiliated groups with great potential to benefit the community may be considered for funding, as well.
Direct general questions to the foundation at 541-484-2419 or via email at admin@chambersfamilyfoundation.com.
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