Light A Fire is Portland Monthly’s annual showcase of local individuals and organizations making Portland a better place to live, love, give, and grow.

In This Feature:

Slide Show: Portland Monthly 's 11th Annual Light a Fire Awards

Photos from our annual showcase of local individuals and organizations making Portland a better place to live, love, give, and grow

11/23/2015

Portland's Best New Nonprofit: Villages NW

Helping seniors spend their golden years at home rather than an assisted-care facility

10/20/2015 By Kelly Clarke

Most with the Least: Rebuilding Together

Tapping the power of community volunteers to rehab homes around the city for those in need

10/20/2015 By Rachel Sandstrom

Keeping Us Healthy: De Paul Treatment Centers

Taking a full continuum approach to the treatment of substance abuse and addiction

10/20/2015 By Benjamin Tepler

Inspiring Creativity: Disjecta Contemporary Art Center

The Portland cultural institution curates the best of regional contemporary art.

10/20/2015 By Fiona McCann

Caring for the Planet: Friends of Trees

Creating community and greener cities, one tree at a time.

10/20/2015 By Katie Vaughan

Game-Changing Project: Right Brain Initiative

Demonstrating the need for art in the classroom, every day

10/20/2015 By Ramona DeNies

Emerging Leader: Giovanni McKenzie of Queer Intersections Portland

Helping LGBT youth navigate the intersections of immigrant status, gender identity, and race.

10/20/2015 By Rachel Ritchie

Extraordinary Volunteer: Eleanore Rubinstein of Store to Door

Helping seniors and those with disabilities live full, independent lives

10/20/2015 By Margaret Seiler

Exceptional Community Contribution: Stoel Rives for I Have a Dream Oregon

The local law firm believes in I Have a Dream Oregon, to the tune of $800,000

10/20/2015 By Marty Patail

Extraordinary Board Member: Anita Yap of the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon

Reenergizing SE 82nd into the vibrant Jade District, complete with summer night markets and community spirit

10/20/2015 By Zach Dundas

Extraordinary Executive Director: Andrew Mason of Open School

Redefining education for Portland's at-risk students

10/20/2015 By Allison Jones

Lifetime Achievement: Jean DeMaster of Human Solutions

Providing low-income housing, utility assistance, employment training, and eviction prevention for Portland families

10/20/2015 By Rachel Ritchie

How to Give Back to the Best Portland Nonprofits

Get the lowdown on what your donation means to our 2015 Light a Fire winners.

10/20/2015 By Emma Mannheimer