Light a Fire 2018: Caring for the Planet

Save the Bugs. Save the World.

Portland's Xerces Society fights for the littlest links in our ecosystem.

10/17/2018 By Kelly Clarke

Light a Fire 2018: Best New Nonprofit

This Portland Nonprofit Transforms Homeless Youth into Filmmakers

At Outside the Frame, street kids take charge of their own stories.

10/17/2018 By Rebecca Jacobson

Light a Fire 2018: Exceptional Volunteer

Portlander George Nicola Documents Untold Stories of the LGBTQ Movement

The GLAPN volunteer captures how change happens.

10/17/2018 By Fiona McCann

Light a Fire 2018: Game-Changing Project

A New Center Brings Health Care and Housing Under One Roof

Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare's new Garlington Health Center makes access simple.

10/17/2018 By Sam Pape

Light a Fire 2018: Lifetime Achievement

This Portlander Has Devoted His Life to Helping At-Risk Children

Friends of the Children, founded by Duncan Campbell, follows kids for more than a decade.

10/17/2018 By Fiona McCann

Light a Fire 2018: Most with the Least

At Portland's Q Center, the Fight for Queer Rights Is Far from Over

In the age of Trump, the community center is more important than ever.

10/17/2018 By Eden Dawn

Light a Fire 2018: Extraordinary Executive Director

This Portlander Takes School Fundraising to the Next Level

As executive director of All Hands Raised, Dan Ryan brings fundraising dollars to more school districts.

10/17/2018 By Benjamin Tepler

Light a Fire 2018: Keeping Us Healthy

This Nonprofit Supports Portland's Sex Workers

From trauma support to career coaching, the Cupcake Girls help those in the sex industry or affected by sex trafficking.

10/17/2018 By Sydney Dauphinais

Light a Fire 2018: Inspiring Creativity

Open Signal Brings Education, Access, and Equity to Media Production

The media arts center is out to amplify voices that often go unheard.

10/17/2018 By Marty Patail

Light a Fire 2018: Extraordinary Board Member

Kimberly Howard: Actor, Foundation Leader, Dot Connector

The board member helps Portland Playhouse act on its intentions—and throw a great brunch party.

10/17/2018 By Margaret Seiler

Light a Fire 2018: Emerging Leader

Portlander Olivia Katbi Smith Fights for Justice

"The community’s struggle is my struggle,” says the Democratic Socialist activist and IRCO staffer.

10/17/2018 By Sam Pape

Light a Fire 2018: Exceptional Community Contribution

How IRCO Helps the Newest Oregonians Feel at Home

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization has been a "one-stop shop" since 1976.

10/17/2018 By Ramona DeNies

Top Nonprofits

Meet Our 2018 Light a Fire Winners

Welcome to our annual celebration of local nonprofits, volunteers, and community projects.

10/17/2018 Edited by Fiona McCann Illustrations by Loris Lora