Empowering Youth, Building Community: YGI 2024’s Impactful Grants 

A few weeks ago, the Multnomah Athletic Foundation’s Youth Grant Initiative (YGI) cohort reached an inspiring milestone: after months of thoughtful deliberation and collaboration, they awarded $2,500 grants to two exceptional nonprofits—Friends of Baseball and Girls on the Run. 

Over the course of six weeks, this dedicated cohort of students embarked on a journey to learn the fundamentals of philanthropy. They explored what it means to give intentionally, examined the needs of...

The Power of a $25 Donation

How Contributions Lead to Big Changes During the Annual Fund Drive

A single $25 contribution alone may feel inconsequential when thinking about the cost of a college education or a nonprofit organization’s athletic programming for kids. But when that single $25 donation is multiplied by thousands of MAC members, it can have a far-reaching impact for the youth in this community.

In 2023, MAC members’ contributed more than $180,000 during the annual fund drive benefiting the...

Empowering Philanthropy: The Impact of the Youth Grant Initiative

By Jennifer Holzapfel-Hanson

In a world where the voices of youth are often relegated to fleeting social media posts, the Youth Grant Initiative (YGI) empowers teenagers to create positive and lasting change through community engagement and hands-on philanthropy. This unique program, spearheaded by the Multnomah Athletic Foundation (MAF), equips a selected group of students with the tools and platform needed to make a tangible difference, by offering the cohort $5,000 to donate to an...

Mentors and Coaches Support Student- Athletes Building Brighter Futures

The world of sports offers a comprehensive blend of real-life experiences: wins, losses, injuries and more. This microcosm of life itself provides valuable lessons and opportunities for personal growth — especially for student-athletes.

Traci Rossi, Executive Director of Friends of the Children (FOTC) in Portland, and a Board Member with the Multnomah Athletic Foundation, aptly describes sports as "the best playground" where athletes learn not only about physical activity, but also...

2023 Fall Grant Partners

Every year we award grants in our two cycles, once in the spring and once in the fall, these are the recipients of grants in Fall 2023.

In our fall grant cycle we are investing $50,000 in the incredible, passionate, and effective work in our community. These nonprofit organizations inspire and enable kids to participate in athletics. On a daily basis, the individuals and volunteers at these community spaces provide access, inclusion, and opportunity for youth.

Adaptive Sports Northwest...

2023 Bud Award

Youth engagement is the center of the foundation’s mission. We often talk about the connection through education or athletic participation. There is another program that is important to us. The Youth Grant Initiative was created seven years ago to give 7th and 8th graders a hands-on experience in grantmaking. They learn about the community and the role of nonprofits while reading applications and making funding recommendation to the foundation’s board. In 2022 the Foundation made...

2023 Impact Award Recipient: Elite Sports Academy

In a world where the tireless dedication of nonprofit organizations can go unnoticed, we take immense pride in shining a spotlight on those who have made extraordinary contributions to our community. The Impact Award, a symbol of appreciation and recognition, recognizes the potential of collaborative efforts that aim to uplift our youth and transform lives through athletics and education.

This year, we celebrate the outstanding work of Elite Sports Academy (ESA) as the recipient of the...

MAF Impact Award Logo

Join us for the 2023 Impact Award Celebration

Every year the foundation supports amazing nonprofit organizations in the community. The Impact Award recognizes the efforts of one organization, its talented staff, and board members as they collaborate within their community.

Join us from 5 - 7 PM on November 6th as we recognize the impactful work and deep engagement of our grant partners in an informal cocktail party. Meet organizations focused on supporting youth and engage in inspiring conversation with community leaders....

Youth Empowerment Amplified

Annual Fund Drive Lights Up Futures

Pictured above: Adaptive Sports NW

Opening Doors to Education: Imagine a student’s face lighting up as they enter a classroom filled with books, eager to explore new worlds and ideas. Your support fuels this excitement by providing access to quality education resources, tutoring programs, and scholarships. Together, we're building a foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Empowering Through Athletics: Sports have the power to teach...

Informational Grant Events: Fall 2023

Thinking about funding opportunities to get kids playing, participating, and moving through athletics?  Join a grant coffee conversation to learn more about funding from the Multnomah Athletic Foundation. Both are free sessions but require a reservation.

August 2nd 9am Grant Coffee Conversation: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/668997889697

August 15th 3pm Grant Coffee Conversation: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/668999323987

We will talk a bit about our scope, funding, and...