Our Values
We’re here today because the founders of The Collins Foundation took the long view in planning for sustainable grantmaking to those doing good work in Oregon’s communities. Their forethought has provided the resources and opportunities to honor the history of the foundation while refocusing our organizational priorities to address the root causes of inequity.
Equity Commitment
The equitable future we hope to build for Oregon lands and people is about reducing harm and ensuring communities have what they need to thrive.
In Oregon and around the country, there are tremendous disparities in quality of life and access to opportunity. These differences are rooted in the challenging history of our nation and state. Our society has been diminished by exclusion. We have lost knowledge, wisdom, and leadership.
Social identities (race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigrant and/or refugee status, geographic location) shouldn’t affect a person’s quality of life or access to opportunity.
But they do.
Discrimination by race and ethnicity plays a specific foundational role in American inequality across all social identities. Confronting and addressing the ways racial hierarchy has defined the structure and operation of all our systems is essential for sustainable change. By centering race as a key factor, The Collins Foundation believes we have the best opportunity to eliminate inequity.
The Collins Family and the Foundation know we can’t turn away from the complexities of our shared history and the present moment. To live into the promise of a just and equitable Oregon, The Collins Foundation has been on an intentional path of learning and change. We have shifted our approach to grantmaking to center the communities who have faced the brunt of systemic injustice. The Foundation has refocused its organizational priorities to address the root causes of inequity and deepened its support of organizations doing transformational equity centered work statewide. Equitable outcomes can only come from sustainable change.
The Collins Foundation is making a long-term commitment to an equitable and just Oregon. We will demonstrate that commitment in every aspect of our work and in service to our communities.
Strategic Priorities
Our strategic priorities outline what our commitment to equity looks like in action.
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Collins believes collective action creates awareness about issues of public concern, distributes power through civic engagement, and activates people to develop and deliver sustainable solutions for change in their communities now and in the future. We will support organizations serving and mobilizing those most impacted by injustice.
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Collins believes transformative change is possible when led by people and organizations that have an active commitment to equity. We will support direct service organizations that demonstrate their commitment to equity.
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The creation and maintenance of intergenerational wealth and the equitable distribution of assets allows people to achieve economic stability and well-being. We will support organizations invested in the development and distribution of assets that work to close the wealth gap and secure the economic stability and longevity of their communities.
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Collins believes that by championing inclusivity and empowering minimized voices in our communities, we uphold the inherent dignity of all people and strengthen the social fabric of our shared places. We will support organizations that share our conviction that every individual should be able to thrive in the communities they call home.
Mission & Vision
The Collins Foundation invests in rural and urban nonprofit organizations in Oregon dedicated to improving the quality of life and well-being for the people in their communities. As a funder and philanthropic partner, we are committed to the pursuit of equity, both in how we allocate resources across Oregon’s diverse communities, and in our internal practices.
Values
We are a family foundation with a long tradition of service to Oregon's lands and people. Our values are the foundation for our collaborative work.
Legacy
Service to community
Compassion and love
Respect for self and others
Integrity, accountability and transparency
Humility
Curiosity
Diversity, Inclusion and belonging
Equity
Courage
Action
ABOUT US
Collins is a family foundation making a long-term commitment to an equitable and just future for Oregon’s lands and people.
OUR GRANTS
Access our Partnership Alignment Screener and learn about our grantmaking programs.
NEWS & STORIES
The latest news about our grantees, grantmaking, and partnerships across Oregon.