When we give, we grow.

The Old Mill District is reminded every day of the generosity abounding in Bend and Central Oregon as a whole. Throughout the year we are honored to work with and support the mission of nonprofits across our region representing all sectors from education and the environment, to arts and culture and history, to human needs and animal welfare.

Businesses and charitable organizations that facilitate investments in our future have our deepest respect for all the work that they do. As many nonprofit organizations conduct their year-end giving campaigns, know that your time, money and support play an important role in shaping our community. Giving back in big and small ways has ripple effects that stretch far beyond what the eye can see. Thank you for every act of kindness, and may we share more of them in the year ahead!

We’ve compiled a short list of organizations below for your year-end giving consideration:

Assistance League of Bend:  Serving the community for 30 years through a number of philanthropic programs which include new school clothes for students living in poverty, personal care items for low-income seniors, and handmade hats for cancer patients and the homeless.

BendFilm: Celebrates the brave voice of independent cinema through film screenings, lectures, and education, and has been showcasing some of the best independent films in the Pacific Northwest and beyond for 20 years. They believe that art is best channeled through creative genius; not commercial interests.

Central Oregon Avalanche Center: Strives to meet the demands of our growing backcountry community. Currently COAVY is working to match strides with the public’s increased need for accurate and useful weather, snowpack, and avalanche information. Through bi-weekly advisories, public outreach, and educational events, they’re committed to making the backcountry a safer place.

Deschutes Historical Museum: Envisions a vibrant museum and community center dedicated to education, research, and appreciation for our unique history, a living legacy that embraces many stories and grows with each new generation. The Deschutes County Historical Society acknowledges the Native People on whose ancestral homelands we allh operate, as well as the diverse and vibrant Native communities who continue to make their home here today.

Family Access Network: Links children and families to critical basic need services with the goal of keeping children healthy and in school. FAN provides a direct and convenient way within the school to connect children to vital resources. FAN advocates support our most needy families, removing barriers and paving the way for a child’s success.

Family Kitchen: Guided by the belief that nobody should go hungry, they’ve been providing free, nutritious meals to anyone in need in a safe and caring environment since 1986. Patrons are treated with respect and are asked nothing but to leave with a full stomach.

First Story: In collaboration with Hayden Homes, First Story addresses the affordable housing crisis with an integrated approach that gives individuals a hand up to homeownership while encouraging inclusivity.

High Desert Museum: Encourages locals and visitors to discover and appreciate the natural world and cultural history of the High Desert through artful exhibits, alluring animals, engaging programs and meaningful history. Visit an authentic homestead and sawmill from 1904, experience a close encounter with owls, falcons, and hawks, learn about Native American culture and history, and engage in hands-on programs that bring history and science to life.

KPOV: Strengthens community, arts, culture and democracy through independent, non-commercial radio. KPOV High Desert Community Radio is radio by the people  and for the people of Central Oregon, supported by listeners and powered by volunteers.

Museum at Warm Springs: For nearly 30 years the Museum at Warm Springs has continued to preserve and sustain the rich culture and heritage of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Museum highlights include a collection of over 5,000 photographs from the 1850s to present day, one of the most exquisite collections of Plateau Native American artifacts in the country.

OUT Central Oregon: An LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, promoting inclusivity and visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals by enabling and fostering community engagement within the social, cultural, and economic landscape of Central Oregon.

Street Dog Hero: Works to to help street dogs around the world by providing transportation, medical treatment, adoption placement, awareness and education.  Every dog the rescue organization accepts is spayed/neutered, treated for parasites, checked and treated for any medical conditions, microchipped, and given all vaccinations.

The Father’s Group: Founded by several black fathers who were concerned about the experiences their children were having both in school and in the broader community, TFG is Black-led, but embraces collaboration and cross-cultural influences, operating not just a group, but also as dedicated individuals who are doing great work in the community in education, business and social services.

Tower Theatre: For eight decades the historic theatre has been a hub of entertainment in the center of downtown Bend whose mission is to be Central Oregon’s leading performing arts organization, providing cultural and educational programs that make essential contributions to the region’s lifestyle and strength of community.

Upper Deschutes Watershed Council: Seeks to protect and restore the two-million acre Upper Deschutes River watershed through grassroots efforts and collaborative projects in habitat restoration, watershed education and long-term monitoring.

For a more comprehensive collection of regional nonprofits, visit Central Oregon Gives and learn about their matching grant programs.