One of the largest private foundations in Oregon awarded over $9.5 million dollars in February alone. Starting today, the Meyer Memorial Trust is suspending its programs to refocus its giving.
The Meyer Memorial Trust was created in 1982 by the estate of grocery magnate Fred Meyer, but is not connected to the grocery store. Kimberly Wilson is with the Trust. She says the seven-nine month hiatus will help the organization be more directed:
Wilson: “We want to be a little bit more deliberate. We have been up until now a general funder, and going forward we want to be a little bit more intentional and have a greater impact by focusing in areas where we’ve previously given, but given while doing lots of other things.”
The trust holds just under 780 million dollars. February’s awards included 82 general grants and 13 for affordable housing. In the future, Wilson says all their giving will be for priority funding areas like affordable housing and education. Eugene-based groups who received February grants include BRING recycling, Wellsprings Friends School, and St. Vincent de Paul.