Jackson Foundation
/OVERVIEW: This funder supports a broad range of interests in the Greater Portland area and occasionally elsewhere in Oregon. Nearly any type of charitable causes here could be considered.
IP TAKE: Well-established Portland groups of all sizes should get to know this funder. Email is the best way to get in touch with questions and follow-ups.
PROFILE: The Jackson Foundation is based in Portland, Oregon, and has its roots in the Oregon Journal newspaper. Charles Samuel Jackson established the newspaper, which ran from 1902 to 1982. His wife, Maria, supported many charities during her lifetime and created the foundation to ensure that their estate would continue to promote better lives for the people of Oregon. It seeks to “promote the welfare of the public of the City of Portland or the State of Oregon, or both.”
The geographic focus of the foundation is Oregon, with emphasis on the Portland metro area. Funding topics are broad, as the foundation is interested in many issues that affect residents of Portland and the entire state. However, projects outside the Portland metro area are only considered if they have a broad statewide appeal rather than just local concern. Jackson does not typically fund K-12 schools.
Applications for grants are due on the last day of each quarter: March 31, June 30, September and December 31. Download the application from the funder’s website. No letter of inquiry is required. To apply, grant seekers just complete the form, prepare supplementary documentation, and possibly create a PDF brochure about the organization (optional).
Grants range from $1,000 to $50,000 but are typically a little over $3,000. Applicants will receive a letter to approve or deny their request within two to three weeks after meeting dates. The funder considers requests from an established nonprofit no more than once per year. Jackson does not typically fund start-up or early-stage organizations without proven track records of success.
The Jackson Foundation is administered by the U.S. Bank Charitable Services Group and individual trustees Emily Karr of Stole Rives, LLP, and Julie Vigeland. Karr is a law firm partner and a member of the board of Oregon Humanities and various other boards. Vigeland is a former high school English teacher, a civic volunteer in the Portland community for over 40 years, and the past chair of the Arts Commission. William Dolan of the U.S. Bank Charitable Services Group has also been named as a trustee.
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