Light a Fire

These 12 Local Nonprofits and Individuals Are Changing the World

These are the 2019 winners of Portland Monthly's 15th-annual Light a Fire Awards.

08/30/2019 By Portland Monthly Staff

Music

Big Emotions Reign Supreme in PHAME’s World-Premiere Rock Opera

Written and performed entirely by adults with developmental disabilities, The Poet’s Shadow is a landmark production for the Portland nonprofit.

07/24/2019 By Conner Reed

Light a Fire 2019

Nominate Your Favorite Nonprofit Now!

We’ve extended the deadline for nominations for Portland Monthly’s 2019 Light a Fire awards. Get on it!

07/03/2019 By Portland Monthly Staff

The 15th Annual Light a Fire Awards

Know a Nonprofit That Deserves an Award?

Submit your nominations for Portland Monthly’s 2019 Light a Fire awards now.

05/22/2019 By Portland Monthly Staff

Take Action

Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon Puts Food Insecurity on the State Agenda

The nonprofit makes changes on the ground and in the legislature.

04/24/2018 By Fiona McCann

Take Action

With a Food Pantry and Home Delivery, This Nonprofit Serves Low-Income Portlanders

Last year, Lift Urban Portland distributed some 250,000 pounds of food in its fight against hunger.

03/27/2018 By Fiona McCann

Hunger in Oregon

Oregon’s Innovative Food Bank Longs for the Day It Shuts Down

But in a state with disturbingly high rates of food insecurity, it’s probably here for a while.

03/27/2018 By Ramona DeNies

Light a Fire 2017

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Nominate Portland's Best Nonprofits and Volunteers Now!

You only have until July 1 to get in your nominations for Portland Monthly's 2017 Light a Fire awards.

06/16/2017 By Marty Patail

LIGHT A FIRE 2016

Portland Monthly's 12th Annual Light a Fire Awards

Photos from our 12 annual showcase of local individuals and organizations making Portland a better place to live, love, give, and grow

10/31/2016 Photography by Mario Gallucci By Portland Monthly Staff

Top Nonprofits

Meet Our 2016 Light a Fire Winners

Celebrating the nonprofits that make Portland a better place to live, love, give, and grow.

10/10/2016 Edited by Marty Patail By Kelly Clarke, Claire Colby, Eden Dawn, Ramona DeNies, Lisa Dunn, Rebecca Jacobson, Fiona McCann, Benjamin Tepler, and Regina Winkle-Bryan

LIGHT A FIRE 2015

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

LIGHT A FIRE 2015

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

LIGHT A FIRE 2015

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

LIGHT A FIRE 2015

Extraordinary Volunteer: Eleanore Rubinstein of Store to Door

Helping seniors and those with disabilities live full, independent lives

10/20/2015 By Margaret Seiler

LIGHT A FIRE 2015

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

LIGHT A FIRE 2015

Game-Changing Project: Right Brain Initiative

Demonstrating the need for art in the classroom, every day

10/20/2015 By Ramona DeNies

LIGHT A FIRE 2015

Extraordinary Executive Director: Andrew Mason of Open School

Redefining education for Portland's at-risk students

10/20/2015 By Allison Jones

LIGHT A FIRE 2015

Inspiring Creativity: Disjecta Contemporary Art Center

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

10/20/2015 By Fiona McCann

LIGHT A FIRE 2015

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

LIGHT A FIRE 2015

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