McKenzie River Gathering Foundation
(also known as MRG)
2705 E. Burnside, Ste 210
Portland, OR 97214
Telephone: (503) 289-1517
Fax: (503) 485-2790
email: sheryl@mrgfoundation.org
Website: http://www.mrgfoundation.org
Type of foundation: Grantmaking public charity
2000 Assets: $3,631,528  
EIN: 93-0691187
Founded 1976
Exempt since September 1977
EGA Member

Profile: This limited but influential single-state foundation (Oregon) has supported various radical causes,  giving a total of about $6.2 million from its inception in small grants averaging $3,000 to $5,000.
MRG's own description states, "The foundation works for social, economic, and environmental justice, and is dedicated to funding grassroots community activism that can mobilize residents of Oregon to safeguard environmental integrity, fight discrimination, and protect human and civil rights."
Although the foundation is relatively insignificant in terms of funding, its rabid anti-corporate, anti-capitalist grantmaking has done significant damage to free enterprise. Among past directors of the foundation, for example, was radical anti-capitalist, Tarso Ramos, now staffer at Western States Center in Portland, Oregon. Ramos operated the Western States Center's "Wise Use Public Exposure Campaign" to destroy the wise use movement. Ramos has also advocated the repeal of corporate enabling acts.

Revenue and Expenses: Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2000

Financial facts fiscal year 2000:
Contributions Received: $883,859
Total Giving: $931,158
Grants Amount: $931,158  Number of Grants: 252
Highest Grant: $10,000  Lowest Grant: $1,000
Average Grant: $3000-$5000
United Way Grants: $1,265,246

Form 990s available at www.guidestar.org

ORIGIN OF THE WEALTH:
The McKenzie River Gathering was named for a gathering of activists convened in 1976 by founding donors Leslie Brockelbank and Charles Gray on Oregon's McKenzie River. The two gave about $500,000 of inherited money to establish the foundation. Gray reputedly impoverished himself by ultimately giving most of his money to the foundation, and subsequently became an advocate of low income / anti-consumer living. However, he receives grants for various of his pet programs from the foundation. Brockelbank, a grandniece of Oregon artist and educator Maude Kerns, remains a donor to the foundation.

Grantmaking Programs:
Capacity Building Grants: Grants to develop capacity to do organizing, such as training in fundraising, financial management or leadership development.
Critical Response Grants: This fund supports projects responding to an unanticipated event, opportunity, or crisis that involves organizing people to address an immediate social change issue. Groups must call the foundation's Eugene, Oregon, office to receive an application. The maximum single grant award is $1,000.
Funding Cycle Grants: These grants support Oregon-based progressive social change groups that are involved in grassroots organizing, are committed to diversity, and have limited access to other funding sources. The majority of grants range from $3,000 to $5,000; the maximum grant is $10,000.
Lilla Jewel Fund: This award is open to women artists residing in Oregon, and is based on application information submitted and a sample of past work. Rotating artistic categories include media and multi-arts, visual arts, and music and/or dance. The annual award is $3,000. Applicants should send a S.A.S.E. to the Portland office.
Technology Fund: This fund is based on a needs assessment. Grantees will be awarded funding for technology training, software and hardware.
Travel Grants: Social change groups in Oregon are funded to enable them to participate in conferences or training opportunities within the U.S. Proposals should assist in the group's organizational development and/or further its social change organizing. Oregon groups with organizational budgets under $100,000 are eligible to apply. The maximum grant award is $500.
Geographic Limitation: Giving limited to OR.

DIRECTORS:
Officers and Directors listed in 2002 on the foundation's website:
Debra Connaway   Chair
Juan Carlos Ocana   Vice-Chair
Arwen Bird   Secretary
Leslie Brockelbank  
Deb Furry  
Sarah Jacobson  

STAFF:
Leslie Griep
Administrator
Susan Remmers
Executive Director
Linda Reymers
Grants Director
Richard Rodrigues
Program Associate
Sheryl Sackman
Development Director

INDIVIDUAL GRANTS RECEIVED:
Marion Sweeney & Tim Laue 1998: $48,353; 1997: $30,090; 1996: $30,130; 1995: $30,090.
Janet Sitarz: 1998: $25,000; 1997: $72,796 and $27,796 in H Miller and FHL stock; 1996: $35,000; 1995: $100,000.
Jack Gray & Mary Jo Wade: 1998: $25,000; 1997: $35,090; 1996: $95,090; 1995: $55,074.
Doug Sherman & Jeanne Henry: 1998: $656,188; 1997: $27,256, $26,816 in IBM and Payless stock; 1996: $23,748 in OTC stock; 1995: $24,988.
Gilbert and Laura Avery: 1998: $34,683; 1997: $26,424, also $18,237 in shares of Phillip Morris stock; 1996: $16,967 in OTC stock.
Sue Sherman: 1998: $209,310.
Merle & Ellen Morgan Gift Fund: 1996: $20,000.
Sandra Polishuk: 1997: $2,500 plus $14,928 in Calvert stock; 1996: $14,509 ($14,429 in OTC stock).
Foncy Prescott: 1996: $8,110; $29,086 in OTC stock.
Elizabeth Naylor & James Watson: 1997: $11,500.
Joyce Thomas & Rob Castleberry: $43,355.
Mary Lynn Cummings: 1996: $13,020 in OTC stock.
Xochitl Howe Hernandez: 1997: $16,669 in Dow stock.
Merle Morgan: 1997: $16,669 in ES IND stock.

FOUNDATION GRANTS RECEIVED:
Foundation Name: The Oregon Community Foundation
Recipient: Mckenzie River Gathering Foundation , Portland , OR
Amount: $10,000             Year Authorized: 2000

Foundation Name: The Oregon Community Foundation
Recipient: Mckenzie River Gathering Foundation , Portland , OR
Amount: $10,500             Year Authorized: 1999

Foundation Name: The Oregon Community Foundation
Recipient: Mckenzie River Gathering Foundation , Portland , OR
Amount: $10,500             Year Authorized: 1997