For many years, the Youth Grant Initiative (YGI) has been a cornerstone of youth engagement at the Multnomah Athletic Foundation. Through YGI, middle school students have had the opportunity to apply their curiosity, compassion, and critical thinking to the fields of philanthropy and grantmaking. The initiative has provided a powerful introduction to community impact while demonstrating that early leadership development can be truly transformative.
This year, we’re placing...
Spring cleaning is upon us! So, clear out your garage and make a difference. We’re teaming up with Bike First! and Reborn Bikes to collect new or used bikes, bike parts, and gear — giving kids the chance to experience the joy of movement and independence this summer.
📅 April 13
🕛 Noon – 2 PM
📍 Multnomah Athletic Club - 1849 SW Salmon St, Portland, OR 97205
Let your old bike spark big smiles and even bigger rides!
Thinking about funding opportunities to get kids playing, participating, and moving through athletics? Join a grant Q&A to learn more about funding from the Multnomah Athletic Foundation. Sessions are free, but require a reservation.
March 26 at 7 PM https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1261987030179?aff=oddtdtcreatorApril 16 at 11.30 AM https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1261988123449?aff=oddtdtcreator
May 8th at 9 AM...
A few weeks ago, the Multnomah Athletic Foundation’s Youth Grant Initiative (YGI) cohort reached an inspiring milestone: after months of thoughtful deliberation and collaboration, they awarded $2,500 grants to two exceptional nonprofits—Friends of Baseball and Girls on the Run.
Over the course of six weeks, this dedicated cohort of students embarked on a journey to learn the fundamentals of philanthropy. They explored what it means to give intentionally, examined the needs of...
Every year we invest in remarkable nonprofit organizations. In 2024 we conducted one grant cycle and learned about so much incredible, passionate, and effective work being done in our community. This year we are supporting these nonprofit organizations that inspire and enable kids to participate in athletics. On a daily basis, the individuals and volunteers at these community spaces provide access, inclusion, and opportunity for youth.
Adaptive Sports Northwest provides and promotes...
How Contributions Lead to Big Changes During the Annual Fund Drive
A single $25 contribution alone may feel inconsequential when thinking about the cost of a college education or a nonprofit organization’s athletic programming for kids. But when that single $25 donation is multiplied by thousands of MAC members, it can have a far-reaching impact for the youth in this community.
In 2023, MAC members’ contributed more than $180,000 during the annual fund drive benefiting the...
By Jennifer Holzapfel-Hanson
In a world where the voices of youth are often relegated to fleeting social media posts, the Youth Grant Initiative (YGI) empowers teenagers to create positive and lasting change through community engagement and hands-on philanthropy. This unique program, spearheaded by the Multnomah Athletic Foundation (MAF), equips a selected group of students with the tools and platform needed to make a tangible difference, by offering the cohort $5,000 to donate to an...
The world of sports offers a comprehensive blend of real-life experiences: wins, losses, injuries and more. This microcosm of life itself provides valuable lessons and opportunities for personal growth — especially for student-athletes.
Traci Rossi, Executive Director of Friends of the Children (FOTC) in Portland, and a Board Member with the Multnomah Athletic Foundation, aptly describes sports as "the best playground" where athletes learn not only about physical activity, but also...
Every year we award grants in our two cycles, once in the spring and once in the fall, these are the recipients of grants in Fall 2023.
In our fall grant cycle we are investing $50,000 in the incredible, passionate, and effective work in our community. These nonprofit organizations inspire and enable kids to participate in athletics. On a daily basis, the individuals and volunteers at these community spaces provide access, inclusion, and opportunity for youth.
Adaptive Sports Northwest...
Youth engagement is the center of the foundation’s mission. We often talk about the connection through education or athletic participation. There is another program that is important to us. The Youth Grant Initiative was created seven years ago to give 7th and 8th graders a hands-on experience in grantmaking. They learn about the community and the role of nonprofits while reading applications and making funding recommendation to the foundation’s board. In 2022 the Foundation made...
