NW Natural: Oregon
/OVERVIEW: NW Natural supports the environment, arts, children, and families at risk in Western Oregon and Southwest Washington.
IP TAKE: This is an accessible corporate funder in the Northwest that has been expanding its philanthropic offerings in recent years.
PROFILE: Established in 2003, NW Natural is a natural gas company based in Portland, Oregon, that has a strong corporate philanthropy program. The company purchases natural gas from Western U.S. suppliers and distributes it to customers in its service territory. For nonprofit contributions, NW Natural contributes approximately 1 percent of net earnings before tax to charity. It seeks to “empower organizations that address critical needs in [its] community.” Grantmaking includes environment, arts, children, and families at risk.
Much of this funder’s grantmaking centers on helping children and families at risk. However, it also regularly awards environmental stewardship grants that celebrate the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Occasionally, it also provides office furniture and equipment to nonprofits. It does not typically make grant contributions to individual schools religious or political organizations, sports teams, trips or tours, or for capital requests. However, it does have a gas assistance program to help low-income residents pay their utility bills. Past nonprofit support has gone to Bridge Meadows, Janus Youth Programs, Oregon Food Bank, and the Forest Park Conservancy.
Foundation grants range between $5,000 and $35,000. Learn more about past grantees in the articles posted in the company’s press room. Grantmaking is limited to the company’s service area, which encompasses more than 140 communities in Western Oregon and Southwest Washington.
NW Natural accepts unsolicited grant applications from local nonprofits. The funder accepts requests throughout the year with no deadlines. There is no specific application form to complete, and the company accepts requests with the required documentation via mail and email. Direct general questions to the most appropriate community affairs manager via email based on service area.
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