The Black United Fund of Oregon

In 1983, leaders in North and Northeast Portland, Oregon noticed that many philanthropic organizations were providing minimal support to communities of color. To combat this inequality, those same leaders started BUF-OR, to channel charitable funds to low-income areas. Our mission is accomplished through several response areas, including three Program Areas: (1) Post-Secondary Options, providing services to B IPOC youth interested in pursuing higher education, the skilled trades, or direct-to-career routes , (2) Community Justice & Equity, helping connect Black entrepreneurs and Black-owned businesses to the resources and relationships they need to thrive , and (3) Community Giving, supporting mission-aligned B IPOC and/or female-led and -serving grassroots organizations that provide vital resources for our community . BUF-OR is the longest-standing B IPOC-led and serving foundation in Oregon and one of the last culturally-specific organizations remaining on historically-Black NE Alberta Street.