Impact Grants Awarded in 2026
Arts and Culture
Arts Alliance of Yamhill County
Paper Gardens 2026
As a vital part of enriching lives through the arts, this contest has received original poetry and prose submissions from aspiring children, teen, and adult writers since 1993. Chosen authors attend a book release celebration, where they have the honor of reading their piece. This year, in addition to covering book printing costs, our grant also made possible the addition of a new student editing workshop. Upon selection, middle and high school writers were able to engage with writing professionals in individual and group sessions to polish their poems and stories prior to publication. The sessions received rave reviews by all!
Yamhill Downtown Association
Beverly Cleary Days
This year’s Beverly Cleary theme character is Henry Huggins, to emphasize the importance of friendship, responsibility, and kindness. In addition to the beloved week of activities, Beverly Clearly Days is expanding to include year-round events, such as a Community Literature Fair and Children’s Writers and Illustrators workshop. Our grant is providing author support and marketing materials for these events to help young readers and aspiring authors grow and develop their love of literacy.
Yamhill Enrichment Society
Help JOY! With Instruments and Music Stands
A vibrant avenue for transforming student lives through music, the JOY program provides schools with professional orchestral instruction for more than 1,250 children. In response to increased student interest, JOY is adding a fourth after-school program this year. Our grant allows young musicians to enjoy a new viola and practice on ten additional music stands.
Artworks, a program of Arts Alliance of Yamhill County (AAYC)
McMinnville Art Festival
As part of their mission to promote artistic growth and connect visual art with the community, Artworks launched a new festival downtown celebrating local art. With an emphasis on bridging cultures, our grant provided promotional materials as well as onsite signage in Spanish and English. Hoping to establish this as an annual event, the organizer said, “It exceeded our dreams!” Drawing a crowd of over 8,000 (3,000 more than anticipated) including visitors from Portland and Seattle, the festival also saw businesses along the popular historic 3rd Street set record sales. In tandem with MacFresco’s outdoor dining experience, this event was a win for everyone involved.
Chehalem Cultural Center
Open the Door to Art Camp
The Chehalem Cultural Center believes that the only pre-requisite for participation in the arts is the desire to do so, regardless of a family’s financial circumstances. Since nearly half of the children and youth require financial aid, our grant contributes toward tuition assistance and scholarships to ensure equitable access to high-quality summer arts education. Young artists ages 3-18 can enjoy shared camp and studio session experiences that build their creative skills and confidence.
McMinnville Women's Choir
Build & Refresh Music Library
McMinnville Women’s Choir is a strong choral community open to all skill levels. Members sing for self-expression, camaraderie, and social justice. Because the choir’s music represents diverse languages, styles, and spiritualities, the women are eager to add relevant songs to their repertoire. Our grant allows for the purchase of new music (in both sheet and digital formats) as well as the often expensive performance licenses. The choir hopes to boost audience engagement by continuing to share an eclectic range of songs at their concerts.
Paper Gardens 2026
As a vital part of enriching lives through the arts, this contest has received original poetry and prose submissions from aspiring children, teen, and adult writers since 1993. Chosen authors attend a book release celebration, where they have the honor of reading their piece. This year, in addition to covering book printing costs, our grant also made possible the addition of a new student editing workshop. Upon selection, middle and high school writers were able to engage with writing professionals in individual and group sessions to polish their poems and stories prior to publication. The sessions received rave reviews by all!
Yamhill Downtown Association
Beverly Cleary Days
This year’s Beverly Cleary theme character is Henry Huggins, to emphasize the importance of friendship, responsibility, and kindness. In addition to the beloved week of activities, Beverly Clearly Days is expanding to include year-round events, such as a Community Literature Fair and Children’s Writers and Illustrators workshop. Our grant is providing author support and marketing materials for these events to help young readers and aspiring authors grow and develop their love of literacy.
Yamhill Enrichment Society
Help JOY! With Instruments and Music Stands
A vibrant avenue for transforming student lives through music, the JOY program provides schools with professional orchestral instruction for more than 1,250 children. In response to increased student interest, JOY is adding a fourth after-school program this year. Our grant allows young musicians to enjoy a new viola and practice on ten additional music stands.
Artworks, a program of Arts Alliance of Yamhill County (AAYC)
McMinnville Art Festival
As part of their mission to promote artistic growth and connect visual art with the community, Artworks launched a new festival downtown celebrating local art. With an emphasis on bridging cultures, our grant provided promotional materials as well as onsite signage in Spanish and English. Hoping to establish this as an annual event, the organizer said, “It exceeded our dreams!” Drawing a crowd of over 8,000 (3,000 more than anticipated) including visitors from Portland and Seattle, the festival also saw businesses along the popular historic 3rd Street set record sales. In tandem with MacFresco’s outdoor dining experience, this event was a win for everyone involved.
Chehalem Cultural Center
Open the Door to Art Camp
The Chehalem Cultural Center believes that the only pre-requisite for participation in the arts is the desire to do so, regardless of a family’s financial circumstances. Since nearly half of the children and youth require financial aid, our grant contributes toward tuition assistance and scholarships to ensure equitable access to high-quality summer arts education. Young artists ages 3-18 can enjoy shared camp and studio session experiences that build their creative skills and confidence.
McMinnville Women's Choir
Build & Refresh Music Library
McMinnville Women’s Choir is a strong choral community open to all skill levels. Members sing for self-expression, camaraderie, and social justice. Because the choir’s music represents diverse languages, styles, and spiritualities, the women are eager to add relevant songs to their repertoire. Our grant allows for the purchase of new music (in both sheet and digital formats) as well as the often expensive performance licenses. The choir hopes to boost audience engagement by continuing to share an eclectic range of songs at their concerts.
Children, Education, and Schools
Head Start of Yamhill County
Cooking for All/Cocinar para Todos
In response to recent SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) cuts, Head Start is offering this very popular cooking program focused on nutritious, cost-effective meals. Our grant provides groceries for twenty families to participate in six bilingual, one-hour Zoom classes—using new recipes to cook from their own home kitchens. Children and parents are nourished while developing lifelong skills in healthy meal preparation.
McMinnville High School
Access to Success
In line with their mission to honor, empower, and prepare each student to thrive, McMinnville High School’s Access to Success program is designed to remove financial barriers for high schoolers seeking to take courses or exams with required fees. With this Impact Grant, over two hundred students will have increased access to resources, such as College Credit Now, Advanced Placement courses, and Standardized College Admissions exams.
Newberg Public Library
Small Hands, Big Stories—Building Literacy Through Interactive Play
To foster early literacy, the Newberg Public Library engages future readers in the daily practices of talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing. These activities enhance fine motor skills, self-regulation, and cooperation. Our grant provides the Library’s hands-on area with new and refurbished educational toys for infants to 5th graders. Examples include sensory-friendly fidget tools for story time, autism-friendly resources, and a Discovery Light table to promote early science and math concepts.
Sheridan High School
Sheridan Outfitters Pilot Program
Students in this rural, low-resource area want to dress professionally for participation in band, choir, Future Farmers of America (FFA), scholarship interviews, and career pathway classes. However, they have a high level of anxiety surrounding the cost of outfits necessary for participation. Our grant jump-starts the high school’s outfitters program by funding the purchase of adult men's size clothing. When youth have access to proper extra-curricular attire, they feel empowered to achieve their full potential.
SNACK (Student Nutrition and Activity Clinic for Kids)
Nutrition Education for Sheridan and Amity Students
Building on its recent success at Dayton Elementary, the SNACK Program will expand to serve 180 students (ages 8-12) in Sheridan and Amity. Our grant is funding 8-week nutrition curriculum workbooks in Spanish and English, promotional materials, and supplies. Giving children tools to make healthy choices, including exposing them to new fruits and vegetables, is emerging as an effective school-based initiative. By learning to eat mindfully and choose nutrient-dense foods, students build lifelong healthy habits.
Cooking for All/Cocinar para Todos
In response to recent SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) cuts, Head Start is offering this very popular cooking program focused on nutritious, cost-effective meals. Our grant provides groceries for twenty families to participate in six bilingual, one-hour Zoom classes—using new recipes to cook from their own home kitchens. Children and parents are nourished while developing lifelong skills in healthy meal preparation.
McMinnville High School
Access to Success
In line with their mission to honor, empower, and prepare each student to thrive, McMinnville High School’s Access to Success program is designed to remove financial barriers for high schoolers seeking to take courses or exams with required fees. With this Impact Grant, over two hundred students will have increased access to resources, such as College Credit Now, Advanced Placement courses, and Standardized College Admissions exams.
Newberg Public Library
Small Hands, Big Stories—Building Literacy Through Interactive Play
To foster early literacy, the Newberg Public Library engages future readers in the daily practices of talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing. These activities enhance fine motor skills, self-regulation, and cooperation. Our grant provides the Library’s hands-on area with new and refurbished educational toys for infants to 5th graders. Examples include sensory-friendly fidget tools for story time, autism-friendly resources, and a Discovery Light table to promote early science and math concepts.
Sheridan High School
Sheridan Outfitters Pilot Program
Students in this rural, low-resource area want to dress professionally for participation in band, choir, Future Farmers of America (FFA), scholarship interviews, and career pathway classes. However, they have a high level of anxiety surrounding the cost of outfits necessary for participation. Our grant jump-starts the high school’s outfitters program by funding the purchase of adult men's size clothing. When youth have access to proper extra-curricular attire, they feel empowered to achieve their full potential.
SNACK (Student Nutrition and Activity Clinic for Kids)
Nutrition Education for Sheridan and Amity Students
Building on its recent success at Dayton Elementary, the SNACK Program will expand to serve 180 students (ages 8-12) in Sheridan and Amity. Our grant is funding 8-week nutrition curriculum workbooks in Spanish and English, promotional materials, and supplies. Giving children tools to make healthy choices, including exposing them to new fruits and vegetables, is emerging as an effective school-based initiative. By learning to eat mindfully and choose nutrient-dense foods, students build lifelong healthy habits.
Women's Health
Unidos Bridging Community
Interpreters for the Mammogram Vans
Unidos Bridging Community fosters knowledge, connection, and opportunities for individuals and families of Latin American heritage. We are supporting continued wellness and health education by funding trained on-site medical interpreters for mobile van mammogram screenings. Removing the language barrier is critical to helping women fully understand their diagnosis and their options. This grant allows 200 women to receive timely and potentially life-saving breast screenings at five quarterly Health and Wellness clinics.
Interpreters for the Mammogram Vans
Unidos Bridging Community fosters knowledge, connection, and opportunities for individuals and families of Latin American heritage. We are supporting continued wellness and health education by funding trained on-site medical interpreters for mobile van mammogram screenings. Removing the language barrier is critical to helping women fully understand their diagnosis and their options. This grant allows 200 women to receive timely and potentially life-saving breast screenings at five quarterly Health and Wellness clinics.
Senior Citizen Welfare
McMinnville Kiwanis Foundation
Holiday Food Gift Packs
After over three decades, the Kiwanis Club continues to provide holiday food gift packs to low-income seniors in Yamhill County. Our grant enables speciality items such as local cheese, sausage, and hazelnuts to be purchased at cost, bundled, and personally delivered to between 200-250 older individuals living in subsidized housing. While these foods are a special treat, the seniors especially look forward to the relationships they’ve built over the years during such meaningful holiday visits.
Yamhill County Health and Human Services
Positive Intergenerational Pen Pal (PIPP) Program
Our grant fully supports this vibrant and popular program pairing 250 second graders with 250 older adults in Yamhill County. For each month of the school year, pen pals are given a topic ranging from “What is your favorite book?” to “What was your profession/what do you want to be when you grow up?” They correspond with provided materials, including special holiday enhancements, building relationships across generations. It’s a win-win because students learn vital writing skills and seniors have an opportunity to share their life experiences. Pen pals meet one another for the first time at a Par-tea in May, which brings smiles to all ages.
Northwest Senior and Disability Services (NWSDS)
Holiday Gift Bags
Seniors and people living with disabilities look forward to receiving these festive gift bags decorated by local second graders. Our grant provides the personal care items, nutritious snacks, calendars, cards, and pens for each recipient. Deliveries are made in person, bringing warmth and human connection to homebound adults struggling with isolation.
MV Advancements
Remote Supports Grandcare Partnership
To help adults with disabilities thrive, MV Advancements is piloting a remote support program using the Grandcare system. This system connects individuals directly to staff members for vital support through tablets, home sensors, and specialized devices. Our grant is funding the initial platform fees, devices, and training to increase independence for a local senior couple. This pilot serves as a model for a robust remote care program with great potential for other seniors across the state of Oregon.
Holiday Food Gift Packs
After over three decades, the Kiwanis Club continues to provide holiday food gift packs to low-income seniors in Yamhill County. Our grant enables speciality items such as local cheese, sausage, and hazelnuts to be purchased at cost, bundled, and personally delivered to between 200-250 older individuals living in subsidized housing. While these foods are a special treat, the seniors especially look forward to the relationships they’ve built over the years during such meaningful holiday visits.
Yamhill County Health and Human Services
Positive Intergenerational Pen Pal (PIPP) Program
Our grant fully supports this vibrant and popular program pairing 250 second graders with 250 older adults in Yamhill County. For each month of the school year, pen pals are given a topic ranging from “What is your favorite book?” to “What was your profession/what do you want to be when you grow up?” They correspond with provided materials, including special holiday enhancements, building relationships across generations. It’s a win-win because students learn vital writing skills and seniors have an opportunity to share their life experiences. Pen pals meet one another for the first time at a Par-tea in May, which brings smiles to all ages.
Northwest Senior and Disability Services (NWSDS)
Holiday Gift Bags
Seniors and people living with disabilities look forward to receiving these festive gift bags decorated by local second graders. Our grant provides the personal care items, nutritious snacks, calendars, cards, and pens for each recipient. Deliveries are made in person, bringing warmth and human connection to homebound adults struggling with isolation.
MV Advancements
Remote Supports Grandcare Partnership
To help adults with disabilities thrive, MV Advancements is piloting a remote support program using the Grandcare system. This system connects individuals directly to staff members for vital support through tablets, home sensors, and specialized devices. Our grant is funding the initial platform fees, devices, and training to increase independence for a local senior couple. This pilot serves as a model for a robust remote care program with great potential for other seniors across the state of Oregon.