After 25 years of grantmaking, Meyer Memorial Trust engaged FSG Social Impact Advisors to help us increase our social impact, provide greater clarity of purpose and prepare for continuous improvement. Included in this assessment was an examination of ways MMT could better address some of the most critical needs in Oregon. The planning process was designed to identify opportunities that reflected the needs of the state and build upon MMT’s history, values, interests and capabilities. Using these criteria, three areas emerged as issues for Strategic Initiatives where the Trust is taking a leadership role – Quality K-12 Public Education, Access to Affordable Housing and Willamette River Basin Restoration. We expect our Initiatives will evolve and new issues emerge as MMT revisits its priorities every few years.
Nonprofit organizations do not apply for initiative funds directly to MMT as they do for grants and loans. Tax exempt organizations working in these areas should contact those responsible for implementing the initiatives below to determine if applications are being accepted.
This initiative intends to improve the quality of K-12 public education, close the achievement gap and increase high school graduation rates and college/work readiness across Oregon.
This initiative uses nimble, risk tolerant capital to preserve and create affordable housing, strengthen affordable housing providers in rural Oregon and support delivery of tenant services.
This initiative aims to measurably improve the health of the river that is a large, complex ecosystem and a major economic driver in Oregon but one of the country's 10 most polluted.
