MISSION
We are thrilled to announce the establishment of the Willamette Valley Wine Foundation. This unprecedented philanthropic initiative will enhance the wellbeing of winegrowing communities in the Willamette Valley through the development of program-enriched affordable housing and collaborative support of health services, family services, and personal development.
Supporting our community is integral to the WVWA mission. After months of behind-the-scenes research, development and conversations with local activist groups and leaders, the Foundation directors have identified the areas of affordable housing, early child care and education, and health and family services as critical needs for our community.
The Willamette Valley Wine Foundation has the bold vision to develop $25,000,000 worth of program-enriched housing by 2030 that includes child development and daycare services, social services resources, and homeless prevention services. This work will be informed by the collaborative support of local organizations including ¡Salud! Services, Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Centers, AHIVOY Wine Professional Program, and family services.
This vision will be funded by charitable gifts, capital campaigns, grants from governmental agencies, grants from other foundations, partnerships with existing philanthropic events, and new wine-related initiatives and events.
The core values of the Willamette Valley Wine Foundation will be familiar to the Willamette Valley Wineries Association membership, as they reflect the proactive and community-oriented spirit of our wine region. With Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion as an overarching lens through which we work, the Willamette Valley Wine Foundation embraces the following values:
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Transforming – Our initiatives create life-changing enhancements to individuals’ and families’ health, homes, personal development, and livelihoods.
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Community Building – Utilizing place-based resources and lived-experience, we develop associations that promote social justice and eliminate disparities in our communities and place of work.
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Collaboration – We value the experiences and contributions of existing organizations, and leverage strategic partnerships to multiply our impact.
More information about the Foundation’s next steps and 2022 agenda is forthcoming. For questions about the Willamette Valley Wine Foundation, please contact Morgen McLaughlin, Executive Director of the Willamette Valley Wine Foundation.
