Light a Fire

Basic Rights Oregon Has Advocated for LGBTQ Oregonians for a Quarter Century

Queer and trans Oregonians owe the nonprofit some significant policy victories.

12/02/2020 By Conner Reed

Light a Fire

Growing Gardens Grows More Than Just Plants

How one nonprofit has become a beacon of hope, health, and self-sufficiency.

12/02/2020 By Riley Blake

Light a Fire

Four Decades of Protest: Self Enhancement Inc Keeps Showing Up

The North Portland nonprofit works with schools, families, and partner organizations to provide support for students and their families, in academia and beyond.

12/02/2020 By Fiona McCann

Light a Fire

When COVID-19 Put Oregon’s Families in Deep Need, This Venture Nonprofit Changed Overnight to Help

Within days of COVID-19’s official arrival in Oregon in late winter, the Contingent sensed an urgent need for help among its foster families.

12/02/2020 By Marty Patail

Light a Fire

Margaret-Ann Jones at 71 Is Still Giving her Time and Opening Doors for Portlanders

“This is what feeds me. It lifts my spirits healing others,” she says. “One of my philosophies is the more you give away or the more you do, the more comes back to you.”

12/02/2020 By Ainslee Dicken

Light a Fire

The Black Resilience Fund Brings Immediate Financial Relief to Black Portlanders—and Strives for a More Equitable Future

The fund has grown from a GoFundMe with a goal of $5,000 to a nonprofit that’s raised nearly $1.7 million for Black Portlanders.

12/02/2020 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Light a Fire

Brennan Wood Approaches Grief with Lived Experience, Compassion, and a Dedicated Staff

“This process of grieving the death of somebody is natural and normal and healthy, and it doesn’t have to be something you try to keep separate from who you are.”

12/02/2020 By Gabriel Granillo

Light a Fire

At Camp Ukandu, Jordan Herrle Restores Hope—and Childhood—for Kids Battling Cancer

The youngest member of the camp’s leadership team advocates year-round for kids with cancer.

12/02/2020 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Light a Fire

This Portland-Based Organization Is Helping Kids Get the Healthy Meals They Need

Since 2017, Our Giving Table has been cooking and delivering nutritious, mom-made meals for food-insecure kids.

12/02/2020 By Karen Brooks

Light a Fire 2020

Light a Fire, a Celebration of Portland Nonprofits and Volunteers, Is Almost Here

It's time to laugh, cry, and feel good. Join us for a FREE, one-hour virtual event honoring the incredible work happening around Oregon.

10/08/2020 By Portland Monthly Staff

Doing Good

These 13 Nonprofits and Individuals Are Changing Our World for the Better

These are the 2020 winners of Portland Monthly’s 15th Annual Light a Fire awards.

09/28/2020 By Portland Monthly Staff

Light a Fire

There’s Still Time to Nominate Your Favorite Nonprofit for Light a Fire

We’ve extended our deadline for nominations to July 31 – get yours in now!

07/28/2020 By Portland Monthly Staff

Nonprofits

Tonight’s Fundraiser Meets Variety Show Will Support Portland Sex Workers

COVID-19 has not been kind to survivors of sex trafficking in Portland. Here’s how you can help.

07/24/2020 By Lauren Carlos

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