The Trustees are not accepting grant requests at this time.

The Bridges Foundation meets annually, in September/October. Trustees review requests submitted to the Foundation at this time.

The Bridges Foundation enjoys a “hands-on” involvement with programs and projects funded. The Trustees and Executive Director are interested in your program. We enjoy learning about your activities through newsletters or other forms of communication and are interested in visiting your facility/activities after projects have been implemented. Because of this, The Bridges Foundation tends to fund activities within the geographic area of Oregon, southern Washington and northern California.

In addition, The Bridges Foundation takes particular interest in assisting newly developing non-profit organizations and providing support during this initial stage of development.

To apply, please include the following with your written request:

a) Project proposed (brief, one page is necessary)
b) Total amount needed for the project and the amount requested from The Bridges Foundation
c) Copy of 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) determination letter from IRS
d) Web page address, if available for your organization
e) Please note other support for your organization, including Board Members, other foundation support, business support, memberships, etc.


Please note:

  • The Bridges Foundation does not provide funding for grant requests that benefit one or more individuals. 

  • The Bridges Foundation does not provide funding for religiously based activities.

  • The Bridges Foundation does not provide funding for programs that already receive public tax support.


Please review the Mission Statement of The Bridges Foundation to note the type of grants we typically fund.

 

Banner Caption:  Inside wall at Portland Armory which houses Gerding Theater and hosts productions from Portland Center Stage.

In 2007, The Bridges Foundation provided $2,000 to assist with the Armory's renovation by purchasing two front-row seats which accommodate wheelchairs.  

Additional Information:

The Portland Armory was built in 1888 to house the Oregon National Guard in response to anti-Chinese sentiment and violence.  An Annex was quickly added in 1891.  By the early 20th century, the buildings were used for exhibitions of motion pictures, concerts, speeches and, later, boxing events.  In 1928 the building was declared a fire hazard.  Nonetheless, the building continued to be used, to include hosting the Pacific Coast Professional Basketball League and later to house refugees from the Vanport Flood in 1948.  In 1968 the Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company purchased the Armory and Annex, demolished the original Armory for a parking lot and used the Annex as a warehouse.

In 2000 developers, Gerding Edlen, bought the Armory and Annex complex and pledged to maintain the historical character of the building while redeveloping the property.  Today the Portland Annex (now known as the Armory) contains the 600-seat Gerding Theater.  Renovations began in 2003 costing $36.1 million.  

The Portland Armory was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.  In 2006 the Armory received a Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification, becoming the first building on the National Register and the first in Portland to achieve Platinum certification.

entry, Portland armory 

Inside Lobby, Portland armory