January 15, 2020 3:55 a.m.
The Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation awarded nearly $475,000 to seventy charities around southwestern Oregon on Tuesday.
The non-profit announced the grants during its semi-annual presentation held at Seven Feathers Convention Center in Canyonville.
The CCUIF was founded in 1997 and began its philanthropic efforts in 1998. To date it has awarded nearly $19 million to groups in seven southwestern Oregon counties from which it accepts grant requests.
Foundation Executive Director Carma Mornarich said “with its emphasis upon meeting the basic needs of people, strengthening family, and assuring educational opportunity the CCUIF, one grant at a time, improves life in southwestern Oregon and beyond”.
Mornarich said the mission of the foundation is to offer assistance in youth education, strengthen youth and family, provide for positive youth development, and add to the quality of live for people in the region. She said they have been increasing their emphasis on basic needs so more hungry people get fed.
Grants to Douglas County organizations included:
*$7,500 to Casa de Belen to provide funding for occupancy and support services for homeless teens
*$7,500 to NeighborWorks Umpqua to provide funding so project partner Reedsport Charter School Manufacturing Apprentice Program can build and install ramps for low-income seniors living in manufactured home parks.
*$7,500 to Winston Area Community Partnerships to provide operational support for the Winston Teen Center and after school youth programs.
Funds also went to the Friends of the Roseburg Library, Parents and Teachers Together in Glendale, the Riddle City Library, and the Elkton Community Education Center.
Non-profit groups in Coos, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Klamath, and Deschutes counties also received grants.
Mornarich said the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation awards are made separately from and in addition to regular philanthropic decisions made by the Cow Creek Tribal Board.