SALEM, Ore. – A class from Willamette University’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management has awarded $66,085 in grants to four local nonprofit organizations, continuing a nine-year partnership with United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley. This year’s grants will support various initiatives focused on food security, sustainability, and community development in the Salem area.
The class, which works closely with United Way, reviewed numerous applications from nonprofits in the region before selecting the recipients. This year’s grantees are organizations that provide vital services to underserved populations, with a focus on promoting food access, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
The partnership between Willamette University and United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley has proven to be a successful model, offering students the opportunity to engage in real-world philanthropy while simultaneously supporting the needs of the local community. Through this collaboration, students gain valuable experience in grant-making and nonprofit management.
“Each year, we are inspired by the innovative solutions and dedication demonstrated by these nonprofit organizations,” said David W. Orpin, a professor at Willamette’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management. “This project not only allows our students to contribute meaningfully to the community, but it also provides them with hands-on learning that they can carry with them throughout their careers.”
The $66,085 in grants will be distributed among the selected nonprofits to fund various programs that address food insecurity, sustainability efforts, and community outreach. This year’s funding is part of an ongoing commitment from Willamette University to foster positive change within the region.
For over nine years, Willamette’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management has demonstrated its commitment to both education and community service through this unique partnership. The collaboration has helped strengthen the nonprofit sector in the Salem area, providing critical financial support to organizations that make a lasting impact on the lives of local residents.
As the grants are distributed, the recipients will work with Willamette University students to track the success of their projects and ensure that the funding leads to tangible, long-term results for the community.
This initiative highlights the ongoing dedication of Willamette University and United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley to creating a more sustainable and equitable future for the Salem region.
