In my role at Gorge Community Foundation (GCF), I speak with a wide range of nonprofits across the Columbia River Gorge. Some have endowments with us, others are applying for grants, and others receive funds from GCF via our donor advised funds. We talk about their work, their challenges, and their impact on the communities they serve. These conversations give me a firsthand view of how deeply government funding cuts are affecting essential programs and the people who rely on them.
Recent findings from an OSU Extension survey show that 41% of Gorge residents ran out of food at least once last month, a sobering reminder of the growing food insecurity in our region. Meanwhile, Columbia Gorge Food Bank lost 18% of their food due to the closure of one of the government’s commodity food programs. One another front, regional wildfires continue to displace families, damage habitat, and strain emergency and relief resources. Nonprofits like United Way of the Columbia Gorge, Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Mid-Columbia Economic Development District are stepping in to meet these urgent needs, on top of their already busy schedules and limited resources.
The Columbia River Gorge Commission recently shared that “funding reductions will significantly affect staff capacity and operations, threatening our ability to fulfill our bi-state mission.” Similarly, the Mt. Adams Institute has had to scale back staff and reduce its AmeriCorps internship program due to funding cuts. Columbia Gorge CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) has a waitlist of 35 children for their child advocate program while also experiencing funding cuts and delays.
These examples show how critical renewed local support is for sustaining regional nonprofits and their missions. These examples are not isolated; they reflect a broader trend affecting nonprofits across both Oregon and Washington, which makes 2025 a pivotal year for philanthropy. By contributing in 2025, donors help ensure that nonprofits remain resilient, able to respond to immediate crises, and capable of planning for the future. Every organization is doing their best to adapt, but at the same time rise to meet increased demands. They can only do this though with all of our support.
I am continually inspired by the dedication I see in local nonprofit leaders, volunteers and staff. Their commitment is unwavering, even under immense pressure. By investing in our region’s nonprofits today, we help build a stronger, more resilient Columbia River Gorge, one that can continue to serve, protect, and enrich our communities and environment for generations to come.
Editor’s note: Each holiday season, Columbia Gorge News announces the 2026 Gorge Giving Guide, due out in December. Nonprofit directory listings are free and full-page sponsorships are a great way for local businesses to support a nonprofit with a full page ad. For information contact publisher Chelsea Marr, Sales@Gorgenews.com or 541-490-6113.
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