Foundations for a Better Oregon
Our Vision
We envision a better Oregon that hears, values, and cares for every child. Communities, policymakers, system leaders, and philanthropy forge networks of trust, honor Oregon’s complexity, and move as one to remedy the historical and emerging injustices facing children. Public systems authentically engage families and communities in design and decision-making to uphold our collective commitment to children. Together, Oregonians nurture children’s learning, aspirations, and humanity, and every child knows that they belong.
ADVANCING OREGON’S COMMITMENT TO EVERY CHILD
'La abundancia que tenemos': Stories of youth leadership and community-based summer learning in the TURNO and Anahuac programs at Capaces Leadership Institute
Bold leaders from Ashland and Klamath Falls bring invaluable perspective on sparking systemic change across race and place.
Interrupting deficit-based thinking and narratives can transform how Oregon schools support students during and beyond COVID-19.
Who We Are
At Foundations for a Better Oregon (FBO), we are fervent believers in Oregon’s children, families, and communities. We are conveners, researchers, advocates, and storytellers. And we are systems thinkers and bridge builders, reimagining how Oregon supports every child to learn, grow, and thrive.
What We Believe
We believe Oregon’s children are a shared responsibility. FBO's values, theory of change, and partnerships drive our work to ensure Oregon lives up to this sacred responsibility.
What We Do
FBO is demystifying complex systems and elevating community-driven solutions to disrupt the historical and emerging injustices facing Oregon children and families.
Our Strategic Priorities
Research & Data Is Community-Centered
Oregon should use data to measure children’s progress in ways that hold systems responsible for the outcomes they produce, without placing burden and blame on children and families.
Investment in Education Is Equitable & Coherent
To support every child to learn, grow, and thrive, Oregon’s investment in public education has to be equitable, sustainable, transparent, coherent, and accountable—especially for historically underserved children.
Decision-Making Is Inclusive & Participatory
To solve complex problems, authentic community engagement is vital—and in a healthy democracy, it requires so much more than a town hall meeting.
Acknowledging Native Land, Lives, and Ways of Knowing
News & Story
'La abundancia que tenemos': Stories of youth leadership and community-based summer learning in the TURNO and Anahuac programs at Capaces Leadership Institute
“My students, in their impatience, have taught me patience,” says Richardson, a longtime leader for education equity in Southern Oregon and new FBO Board member.
A passionate leader and advocate for Southern Oregon youth, FBO’s new Board member has “one foot in the C-suite and one foot in the dirt.”
Bold leaders from Ashland and Klamath Falls bring invaluable perspective on sparking systemic change across race and place.
Power shows up in different ways at different moments. “And if you share it, you’re likely to get it back,” says The Collins Foundation CEO and FBO’s new board member.
With a deep commitment to collaboration, the new CEO of The Collins Foundation brings a holistic vision for advancing justice through systems change.
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