Our Story
Founded in 2004, Foundations for a Better Oregon emerged from a coalition of philanthropic foundations dedicated to addressing Oregon's complex challenges. The focus quickly shifted to the education sector, leading to the launch of the Chalkboard Project, a statewide initiative aimed at improving public schools and educational outcomes.
Oregonians voiced their concerns about the state of education, emphasizing the need for better understanding of school performance, increased investment in public schools, and enhanced support for classroom teachers. The Chalkboard Project responded by advocating for policies that would strengthen mentorship for student teachers and support national accreditation for teacher preparation programs.
Through collaboration with state leaders, including Governor Kate Brown, the project played a pivotal role in establishing the Educator Advancement Council (EAC), an innovative entity focused on ensuring high-quality, culturally-responsive educators in every classroom.
Despite these efforts, systemic inequities continued to affect many children and families in Oregon. Recognizing the need for a more profound change, Foundations for a Better Oregon has shifted its focus to address the root causes of inequity within the public education system. This new direction emphasizes community voice, accountability, and a commitment to dismantling structural barriers that hinder progress.
With a revitalized mission, Foundations for a Better Oregon is dedicated to collaborating with partners to create a long-term, community-centered vision for Oregon's children, responding strategically to the challenges they face.