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

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

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

Nonprofits

Longtime Mercy Corps Leader to Step Down

Neal Keny-Guyer's resignation comes days after a bombshell investigation by the Oregonian.

10/11/2019 By Julia Silverman

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

Events

Three Ways to Party for A Good Cause This Fall

Eighties-themed costume bashes and rock and roll blowouts to Latina art exhibits: let loose and feel good about yourself doing it.

09/19/2019 By Olivia Wolf

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

News

Could Internet Access Be Portland’s Next Public Utility?

If Municipal Broadband PDX succeeds, it will follow in the footsteps of Hillsboro, Sandy, even tiny Maupin, Oregon.

07/24/2019 By Sam Pape

Community Report

These 4 Nonprofits Are Fighting Homelessness One Meal, Bed, or Trash Bag at a Time

When it comes to tackling homelessness, bigger is not always better.

06/25/2019 By Fiona McCann

Signal Boost

This Yearlong Program Provides a Platform for Black Filmmakers in Portland

Open Signal Labs provides everything from cameras and money to local acting talent and mentoring.

05/28/2019 By Emma Mannheimer

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

Foreign Affairs

The Toughest Part of Getting Aid to Syria Could Be US Politics

Just take a history lesson from Portland nonprofit Mercy Corps.

02/26/2019 By Ramona DeNies

Wellness: Couldn't Hurt

Bargain Massages, Therapy Bunnies, and 9 More Ways to Feel Better

Portland serves up a dizzying buffet of options for improving your mind, body, and soul—or at least an hour or two of your day.

01/29/2019 By Rebecca Jacobson, Casey Jarman, Amy Martin, Fiona McCann, Marty Patail, and Benjamin Tepler

Wellness: Get Smart

Welcome to Portland's Brainiest Bar Trivia Nights

Added bonus? They all benefit local nonprofits.

01/29/2019 By Rachel Saslow

Wellness: Bust a Move

Cully's Nonprofit Workout Studio Puts Community First

(com)motion brings Portland together with dance parties, karate classes, and body-positive yoga.

01/29/2019 By Rebecca Jacobson

How to Help

Want to Help Out Kids in Portland Public Schools?

Pay taxes? Check. Want to do even more for schoolkids? Here are some ways to give a little extra.

01/29/2019 By Margaret Seiler

Top Dog

Where Does the Harvard for Guide Dogs Train Its Canines? In Downtown Gresham.

That's a good boy!

12/21/2018 By Emma Luthy