How OGC Mission Fund Recipient Ecotrust Brings People Together to Solve Tough Problems
Christopher Rachal during an Ecotrust volunteer day at Wapato Island Farm. Photo by Emilie Chen
This year, Ecotrust is celebrating 35 years of working at the intersection of equity, economy and the environment. Their work aims to make an impact across the region, from southeast Alaska down to Northern California. Ecotrust’s projects bring frontline communities, who have deep knowledge of the issues, together with the organizations working to address them. Like Organically Grown Company, Ecotrust focuses on strengthening the regional food system, bolstering environmental stewardship and investing in community.
Right now, several interesting projects are underway, including their work with the federal New Markets Tax Credits program, growing leadership in the local food system and exploring solutions for the overpopulation of non-native American shad (hint: that’s a fish).
Ecotrust helps move this work forward through the federal New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program, deployed through its subsidiary, the Ecotrust Community Development Entity (CDE). Designed by Congress to encourage investment in low-income communities, NMTC can channel millions of dollars into infrastructure projects that strengthen local communities. To date, Ecotrust’s CDE has directed $427 million across 45 businesses and projects, including medical and educational facilities, local enterprises and infrastructure like internet access in rural and tribal communities disproportionately impacted by climate change.
Ecotrust's work also focuses on community-led change in the regional food system. Last year, they launched the Madrona Fellowship, a bioregional leadership program for Black, Indigenous and people of color working at the intersections of food, land, culture and climate. Through seasonal gatherings, mentorship and peer connection, the fellowship is strengthening a network of community-centered changemakers whose work advances food sovereignty, housing justice, ecological restoration, cultural healing and climate resilience.
Another exciting project takes on the growing impact of American shad in the Columbia River. Introduced to the region in the 1800s, shad populations have surged while native salmon species have declined due to habitat loss and climate change. Ecotrust is partnering with tribal and recreational fishermen, experts and agencies to explore potential solutions that both restore ecological balance and support regional food systems, including the possibility of commercially selling American shad.
In 2025, OGC’s Mission Fund awarded Ecotrust a grant that it directed toward general operating support. At a time when many nonprofits are navigating funding uncertainty, unrestricted funding is especially powerful.
As Community & Funding Partnerships Manager Christopher Rachal shared, “General operating support allows us to do the connective work: listening, convening and directing resources to communities leading change. It strengthens our ability to move capital where it can do the most good.”
Ecotrust is one of many organizations supported by OGC’s Mission Fund Grant Program, which promotes equity in the food system, addresses climate change and strengthens community resilience. Find a list of all our 2025 grant recipients here.
