The nonprofit sector is facing significant headwinds right now. And as you know, nonprofits provide many of the services that folks in underserved communities depend on, whether it’s addressing food insecurity or providing safe housing and healthcare services. 

It seems nearly all nonprofits are experiencing dramatic challenges right now, including those in the sustainability sector. I put out a call to some of our nonprofit partners doing good work right here in Lane County, specifically asking what their biggest current challenges are, and what folks can do to help them weather these unprecedented storms. 

“This seems like a constant problem in the nonprofit world, but now more than ever, it feels like funding is drying up from the federal level down to the local level,” said Claire Roth, Program Manager with Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation (BEST). “I have seen many nonprofits in the area have to downsize or cut programming due to this.”

Kendsie Channing, executive director with Shift Community Cycles, echoed that sentiment.

“Funding has become a significant challenge,” Channing said. “We are growing rapidly, but foundations seem to want nonprofits to demonstrate a ton of experience and data, or have a completely new idea to get funded. It makes it hard when we know what we do and do it well, but are just starting out and growing.”

So, the question is: what can we all do to help? 

In addition to making donations to your favorite nonprofits, people power is needed, say both Channing and Roth. This is true for nearly all nonprofits, where volunteerism rates dipped to record-low levels during the pandemic. Various studies show that these rates have recovered somewhat but remain low overall.

For Shift, that means volunteers with experience in marketing and communications, including graphic designers, while BEST is seeking board members. 

While the situation is somewhat dire, Channing said she feels fortunate to live in such a supportive community.

“We are so lucky to live in a community that supports our work.”

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BRING: Seeking creative kids for annual Student Product Design Challenge

By Jack Greenberg
BRING Waste Prevention Education Coordinator

Editor’s note: Through its collaboration with Lane County Waste Management Division, BRING is able to offer community programming such as the Student Product Challenge.
 

Hello, parents/guardians of creative students!

Is your kid ready to put their creativity to the test? Do you want to help them engage with waste prevention education through a hands-on project? BRING Recycling is excited to announce our annual Student Product Design Challenge—a unique opportunity for students in Lane County to showcase their invention and innovation skills while promoting sustainability in our community!

Here’s what participants get:

• $50 in in-store spending at BRING's Planet Improvement Center to gather reusable materials.
• The chance to brainstorm designs, problem solve, work with tools, and document their process.
• The opportunity to win CASH PRIZES, showcase their product designs in a gallery, and even consign their creations!

Whether they’re a seasoned designer or just love creating, this challenge is for students of all skill and interest levels! 

How to participate:

1. Share the registration link with your students. Registration opens Feb. 2 and ends March 15. NOTE: Students may register as individuals or in teams.
2. Have students look over the Challenge Information Packet, available here.
3. Students visit our store to claim your $50 Challenge Cash for reusable materials.
4. Submit their final product designs by May 3.

NOTE: Space is limited to 50 registrants. Please make sure students are committed to the entire challenge before registering.

We can’t wait to see your creative designs that bring new life to used materials! 

Read More 

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ToolBox Project wins grant to serve Spanish-speaking community members

The ToolBox Project has received $5,000 from the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation. The ToolBox Project operates a tool lending library that provides community members with access to over 1,500 tools to borrow.

“We believe in empowering people and strengthening community by sharing tools, knowledge, and skills, so everyone has what they need to bring their ideas to life sustainably,” said ToolBox Board President Steve Bade. “With this grant, we are now able to fund a part-time, stipend-supported staff position focused on better serving our Spanish-speaking community members.”

The person in this role will help build relationships with Latinx neighbors, support new member onboarding, translate key materials, and represent the ToolBox Project at culturally relevant community events. This position is part of a larger membership expansion initiative that was also supported by the Oregon Community Foundation, whose grant funding allowed the nonprofit to purchase tools and prepare for increased access across the community.