PGE Foundation strengthens commitment to rural communities

PORTLAND, Ore. (DATE) — The PGE Foundation is increasing its support for those who work and live in rural communities to promote economic growth and prosperity. This commitment is highlighted in the PGE Foundation’s 2024 Impact Report released earlier this week.

The PGE Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Portland General Electric. Founded in 1997, the foundation was created through an endowment with the purpose of improving the quality of life for all Oregonians through upstream investments that promote individual and community prosperity. In addition to supporting organizations within PGE’s service area, the PGE Foundation also focuses on communities near PGE power generations sites.

The foundation’s 2024 annual impact report featured two local organizations in Central Oregon, located near PGE’s Pelton Round Butte hydroelectric facility, one of the company’s largest renewable energy generation sites, as well as a well-known traveling community performance program based out of downtown Portland.

Several notable groups supported in 2024 include the Latino Community Association in Deschutes County, the Boys and Girls Club of Warm Springs, and the Portland Opera to Go (POGO) program to expand career pathways, educational opportunities, and creative expression for rural communities.

“Through supporting nonprofit organizations who work locally to address the needs of their participants, we’re investing in the long-term economic well-being of our communities,” said PGE Foundation executive director Kregg Arntson. “That’s why we focus on organizations who deliver high impact, community-centered educational and career development outcomes to strengthen urban and rural communities across Oregon.”

A first-time recipient of a PGE Foundation award, the Latino Community Association empowers Latino families in Central Oregon to expand career pathways with tailored programs in English and computer proficiency, job readiness and small business assistance. An underpinning philosophy of the organization is when every member of a rural community has equitable access to growth and advancement, the entire region benefits—socially and economically.

“Many individuals in our community possess valuable skills, knowledge, and experience, but lack familiarity with how to navigate the pathways required to start and grow a business,” said Latino Community Association, Executive Director, Catalina Sánchez. “The support we provide is essential in fostering Latino-owned small businesses and diversifying the economic landscape in the cities where we work.”

With the goal to provide youth with hands-on, applied learning that expands their horizons to careers in STEM and the trades, the PGE Foundation also supports the Boys and Girls Club of Warm Springs. The organization provides local kids with educational assistance and learning opportunities through STEM engagement programs, tutoring, and homework help.

Also in 2024, the PGE Foundation supported the Portland Opera’s to Go (POGO) program, bringing the transformative power of the arts to rural schools. The POGO company travels more than 5,000 miles a year performing showstopping opera renditions. This year’s opera, Shizue, tells the story of the courageous journey of a Japanese immigrant through the injustices of WWII-era incarceration camps and Alien Land Laws. The opera offers bilingual shows, interactive workshops and teacher guides.

“We believe exposing children to art programs like the Portland Opera to Go is not only entertaining, but educational – opening their worlds to new experiences, historical events, and different perspectives,” said Arntson.

While the PGE Foundation continues to increase rural community support, in 2024 alone, the foundation donated $1.6 million to nonprofit organizations. To read more about the PGE Foundation and its commitments, go to pgefoundation.org/ .

Chihiro Asano and Lindsey Nakatani as the elder and younger Shizue, photo by Chris Kim.

Proud mom completing a 10 week beginning level computer class in Madras.

Club members collaborate during STEM programming.

About the PGE Foundation

The PGE Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Portland General Electric. Founded in 1997, the foundation was created through an endowment with the expressed purpose of improving the quality of life for Oregonians. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $31 million to community organizations across the state. We champion values that embrace diversity, equity and inclusion. Working together with community members, partners and friends, we are committed to using our time and resources to help eliminate disparities and create an equitable society where all people can reach their full potential. To learn more, please visit pgefoundation.org .