$2.25M Headed to Southern Oregon Nonprofits
Funding will support kids and families through programs focused on education, food access, housing, health and community stability.
A child participates in an early childhood learning activity. Douglas Education Service District received support through the Reed and Carolee Walker Fund for evening and weekend early intervention and early childhood special education family events. Photo courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.
MEDFORD, Ore. — Seventy-three organizations will share more than $2.25 million in spring 2026 grants through the Reed and Carolee Walker Fund of Oregon Community Foundation, supporting programs for children, families and low-income residents in Southern Oregon.
The award list includes organizations based in Jackson, Josephine and Douglas counties, along with statewide organizations receiving funds for programs serving Jackson County residents. No Lake, Klamath or Curry County-based recipients were listed in the grant award document.
The grants support work in education, family stability, health and wellness, youth development, food access, housing support and other essential community services.
The Reed and Carolee Walker Fund was established in 2003 to support organizations addressing critical community needs across Jackson County. Oregon Community Foundation says the fund has invested more than $43 million in Jackson County organizations since its founding.
“These grants reflect the deep commitment Southern Oregon organizations have to children and families facing economic hardship,” said Amy Drake, senior program officer for Oregon Community Foundation. “The Walker Fund supports the people and partnerships helping communities build resilience and create brighter futures.”
The largest listed award went to the Southern Oregon University Foundation in Ashland, which will receive $135,000 in the first year of a potential three-year grant for summer camp enrichment programs, including Academia Latina, Academia Latina Leadership, Konaway Nika Tillicum and the Black Youth Summer Institute.
Russell Zook, director of outreach and engagement for SOU, said the funding will help the university continue overnight camps that demystify the college experience, cultivate leadership and foster belonging.
"We are deeply grateful for the Walker Fund’s ongoing support of these vital programs,” Zook said. “We appreciate Oregon Community Foundation’s continued partnership in creating opportunities where youth can truly flourish.”
Several recipients based outside Jackson County were also included in the award list for work connected to Jackson County residents.
In Josephine County, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley, based in Grants Pass, received $50,000 for afterschool and summer programs in Jackson County. Project Youth+, also based in Grants Pass, received $50,000 for a community resource coordinator in Jackson County. The Josephine County Foundation, based in Murphy, received $30,000 for clothing, food and educational opportunities for low-income students in Rogue River and the Upper Rogue.
In Douglas County, Douglas Education Service District, based in Roseburg, received $10,000 for evening and weekend early intervention and early childhood special education family events.
Families participate in an early intervention and early childhood special education activity supported by Douglas Education Service District. The district received Reed and Carolee Walker Fund support for evening and weekend family events. Photo courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.
Other representative grants include $80,000 to Opportunities for Housing, Resources, and Assistance in Ashland, $75,000 to Addictions Recovery Center in Medford, $75,000 to La Clinica in Medford, and $75,000 to United Way of Jackson County.
The Upper Rogue Rotary Community Foundation in Eagle Point received $15,000 to support a summer snack program, school-based shoes and clothing, and holiday food baskets for low-income youth and families.
"Kids shouldn't have to worry about food. Not here. Not anywhere," said Georgi Cook, member and Summer Snack Program lead.
Oregon Community Foundation said it distributes more than $200 million in grants and scholarships statewide each year in partnership with donors and volunteers.
Cover image: A youth participant works with an instructor during Konaway Nika Tillicum, one of Southern Oregon University’s youth enrichment programs supported through the Reed and Carolee Walker Fund of Oregon Community Foundation. Photo courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation.
