Light a Fire

Know a Nonprofit That Deserves an Award?

Submit your nominations for Portland Monthly’s 2020 Light a Fire awards now.

07/09/2020 By Portland Monthly Staff

Black Lives Matter

An Emergency Fund for Black Portlanders Aims to Raise $1 Million

The Black Resilience Fund has raised more than $500,000 to date, with thousands applying for help.

06/17/2020 By Fiona McCann

Superhero Sweets

The Giant Ass Cinnamon Roll That’s Feeding Thousands of Oregonians

Portlander Whitney Rutz’s carb-tastic creation has raised $20,000 and counting for the Oregon Food Bank.

04/22/2020 By Fiona McCann

Furry Fun

Dogs Can Do Social Distancing, Too

Guide Dogs for the Blind has some very good dogs.

03/20/2020 By Fiona McCann

Inspiring Creativity

Bringing Music Education Back to Oregon Schools

Through her nonprofit Music Workshop, Portlander Amy Richter harnesses the power of technology to lighten the load for strapped educators.

10/23/2019 By Brendan Nagle

Leveling the Field

This Nonprofit Brings Women Together to Invest in Women

The Women's Foundation of Oregon lifts women and girls throughout the state.

10/23/2019 By Fiona McCann

Do Gooders

The 15th Annual Light a Fire Winners Are Here

Honoring the people making our city and state better for all

10/23/2019 Edited by Fiona McCann

Lifetime Achievement

This Portland Illustrator and Activist Has Been Working for LGBTQ Rights Since... Well, Forever

Rupert Kinnard joined the Portland Town Council, the first LGBTQ-rights umbrella group in Oregon, in the early ‘80s as its first black member.

10/23/2019 By Fiona McCann

Extraordinary Volunteer

This Volunteer Has Fostered 18 Guide Dogs for the Blind Just Since 2016

Says Debi Hays: “They give me the dogs that are a ‘challenge.' I call them misunderstood.”

10/23/2019 By Kelly Clarke

Caring for Our Planet

How a 30-Year-Old Conservation Group Is Thwarting Developers and Protecting Pristine Forest Land

Columbia Land Trust now controls 45,000 acres along the Columbia River—where nothing will ever be built

10/23/2019 By Marty Patail

Most with the Least

This Tiny Group Makes Oregon Schools Safer for LGBTQ Students

Oregon Safe Schools is advocating for the city's LGBTQ students.

10/23/2019 By Margaret Seiler

Exceptional Community Contribution

This Portland Charter School Is Closing the Achievement Gap for Black and Brown Kids

KairosPDX is already seeing results.

10/23/2019 By Conner Reed

Best New Nonprofit 2019

How One New Portland Nonprofit Amplifies Immigrant Voices

The Immigrant Story shares the stories of some of the area’s new (or not so new) arrivals from afar.

10/23/2019 By Tiara Darnell

Game Changing Project

Meals on Wheels People Made a Hip, Midcentury-Mod Diner for Seniors

The nonprofit café serves community connection along with Reubens and house marionberry pie.

10/23/2019 By Kiva Hanson

Extraordinary Executive Director

Shari Dunn Helps Empower Oregon Women for Professional Success

Since 2015, Dunn has steered Dress for Success Oregon, offering women career coaching, interview and résumé preparation, and access to a professional wardrobe.

10/23/2019 By Tiara Darnell

Extraordinary Board Member

Becky Blumer Delivers Groceries and Kindness to Seniors and People with Disabilities

“I grew up in a small community where it felt like a given that people took care of each other.”

10/23/2019 By Conner Reed

Editor's Note

We’ve Honored More than 200 Nonprofits with Light a Fire Awards Since 2005

The real winners in this annual nonprofit and volunteer spotlight? All of us.

10/23/2019 By Fiona McCann

Light a Fire

Women Skaters Are Kickflipping Ass at This Portland Nonprofit

Skate Like a Girl provides community and space for women and nonbinary people.

09/23/2019 By Alli Weseman

Light a Fire

One Portland Non-Profit Is Challenging Trump’s Border Policies—And Winning.

The Innovation Law Lab has become a national leader taking on immigrant cases.

09/23/2019 By Fiona McCann

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