OGC Mission Fund Awards 21 Grants in December
As part of OGC’s conversion to Trust ownership and continued focus on purpose, we launched the OGC Mission Fund in the fall of 2020 as a new way to give back, take care of each other, and ensure diversity in the organic supply chain survives and thrives into the future.
In the final week of December, we distributed nearly $150,000 from this Mission Fund as grants to 21 Northwest businesses and nonprofits. Click here to meet our grant recipients and learn how OGC Mission Fund dollars will enhance their success.
During the December grant cycle, we reviewed 92 applications. Each described worthy initiatives and demonstrated the tremendous need that exists. Our recent grant recipients directly connect to OGC’s supply chain or are leading work to build a resilient and just agricultural economy in a community we serve.
Of the 21 grants awarded, eight support immigrant and BIPOC farmers, and four support nonprofits and farmer/worker-owned cooperatives dedicated to resourcing underserved communities with food, land, and training. The remaining grants were awarded to three co-op customers, beginning farmers, hunger relief, and outdoor/farm to school programs.
The 2020 December grant cycle was a follow-up to OGC Mission Fund emergency relief donations, which provided $50,000 in support to Oregonians impacted by the devastating September wildfires. Our funds helped vulnerable populations, like OGC-partner farmworkers and retail workers who suffered from evacuation and home loss. An additional $50,000 supported the California BIPOC Farmer and Land Steward Relief Fund. This fund provided short-term relief to farmers of color and indigenous land stewards who are leading on climate resilience and needed immediate support due to COVID-19. Longer-term, the Relief Fund strengthens the BIPOC-led ecosystem that can help build just and resilient regional food economies.
The OGC Mission Fund program will continue to evolve in 2021, and we’ll keep you posted on our opportunities to participate and our impact.