Activities and Partners
JLSF is about bridging the gap between funders and rural nonprofits; building relationships and understanding to help both groups connect with each other for mutual benefit. We are on the ground researching the needs, distributing information, and providing technical assistance and training to nonprofits. We provide local connections and information to grantmakers.
If you are ever in the neighborhood, let us know. We’ll throw out the welcome mat and introduce you to some of the best people in the world! In the meantime, here are photos of who we are and what we do…
GRANTWRITING 201 WORKSHOP
This spring nearly 30 people representing 16 organizations from Grant, Wheeler and Crook counties attended two-day Grantwriting 201 workshops in John Day and Prineville. The training was sponsored by The Oregon Community Foundation and the John and Linda Shelk Foundation. Because relatively few grant applications are submitted from our region, our goal was to have participants complete the training with grant-ready projects and well-written proposals.
Joyce Garrett taught the workshop and was readily accessible before and after each session to coach, encourage and help prospective grantwriters edit and revise their applications. Cheryl Puddy from The Oregon Community Foundation’s Bend office gave insight into the OCF Community Grants application which was used as a model. Projects ranged from providing automatic defibrillators in each community in Wheeler County to an architect’s study for a new library in Grant County and a van to provide transportation for rural students in an afterschool tutoring program in Crook County.
Instructor Joyce Garrett (left) with Sheri Webb, Megan Brandsma, Linda Watson, Silver Kelley, Ken Boethin, and Teresa Aasness at the John Day grantwriting workshop.
Prineville grantwriting workshop participants: Amber Smith, Joyce Bowen, Mike Phay, Glen Larson, Cheryl Puddy (OCF), Joyce Garrett (instructor), Kara Snider, Debbie Smith, Louanne Stephenson, (kneeling) Robin Hunt-Palazo, Teresa Greenfield.
NOT PICTURED: Elaine Eisenbraun, Kim Joslin, Pat Bentz, Debbie Starkey, Phil Starkey, Vicki Heckman, Kathy Cancilla, Linda Ankenman, Robin Ordway, Shelly Marsh, Chad Carpenter, Bob Cramer, Ashley Thrasher and Pat Feetham.
NAO WEBINAR SERIES
JLSF joined Eastern Oregon University in sponsoring an NAO webinar series focused on small nonprofit essentials in April. Chris Cronin, EOU regional director, hosted the webinar in Grant County. A dozen nonprofit members attended and stayed for lunch, networking, and a facilitated discussion about the topic, “Fundraising in Rural Communities”.
Thanks to NAO for developing and delivering trainings focused on rural nonprofits! And thanks to EOU for providing the technology to bring it home!
Comments from those attending:
- “Love having this here… It saves costs to our programs because we don’t have to travel.”
- “Would like to have even more opportunities for training. Is there a menu of trainings that we could choose from?”
- “I liked hearing from everyone here - we need to support each other.”
- “The opportunity to attend such a program and not have to travel was especially appreciated.”
- “Thank you for bringing educational opportunities to rural areas such as ours. The benefits of technology seem endless. This was a great way to join with our fellow civic leaders, to learn from top-notch people, and to enjoy a delicious lunch. My entire organization thanks you. You are doing great things for RURAL.”
EASTERN OREGON NONPROFIT CONFERENCE
More than 250 people attended the first EONC in September. It was a great day for nonprofits from Eastern Oregon and funders and presenters from around the state to get to know and understand each other better.
Deanna Allred (Bank of the Cascades), Sally Yee (Meyer Memorial Trust), Robyn Brewer (ESCO Foundation), Megan Schumaker (Oregon Community Foundation), and Joyce Akse (The Ford Family Foundation) presented funders’ perspectives.
Linda Shelk (center) with Cheryl Puddy and Fran Willis from OCF Bend office.
Ready for the opening session with Fay Hanleybrown from FSG speaking about Creating Vital Communities Through Collective Impact.
Grant County was well-represented.
Participants learning how to address significant challenges within their organization at the Courageous Leadership session.
Sample of the local bounty of Malheur County.
GRANT COUNTY
The Grant County Library Foundation has launched a capital campaign to build a new library. Linda and John (presenting check to Tracie Unterwegner) assisted in the purchase of property for the new library through JLSF and Shelk Advised Funds at OCF. The new library will be located near the Kam Wah Chung heritage site.
The Grant County fairgrounds kitchen upgrade was funded entirely by local donations. The community now has a fully stocked and certified kitchen for community events.
CROOK COUNTY
After a five-year capital campaign, the Bowman Museum opened the doors to the new Crook County History Center with its exhibits featuring the timber industry, the county’s ranching and agriculture heritage, Native Americans and Les Schwab. The $2 million project received significant support in grants from nearly 20 foundations.
Anticipation builds in the crowd waiting to see who wins $1,000 at the Great Fish Race in Prineville. The 4th of July event, sponsored by JLSF, is a collaborative fundraiser for Kids Club, CASA, and Lutheran Community Services - three organizations that serve Crook County children.
WHEELER COUNTY
Mitchell high school students participating in Community 101 take their responsibility very seriously. This year’s focus addresses the lack of arts and music in Wheeler County.
Just another fun trip on the “boob bus” for Wheeler County gals going to Bend for their mammograms.