Oregon Involved

Nonprofits play an exceptional and vital role in our communities and in our state. The sector enriches community life, offers people a way to participate, stands up for underrepresented people, provides needed services, and pioneers solutions to social and economic problems.

Nonprofits work in every corner of our state serving the public good―whether supporting returning soldiers, educating children, rebuilding neighborhoods, training the workforce, nursing the sick, caring for our elders, bringing the arts to wider audiences, mentoring our youth, protecting our natural resources, and so much more! Nonprofits touch the lives of every Oregonian, every day.

We All Benefit

Life in Oregon offers many advantages to those who live here. We are surrounded by natural beauty. The arts are thriving. Our rich bounty has created one of the most active field to table movements in the country, as well as establishing local farmer’s markets as a way of life. We have a high level of civic engagement in creating strong and caring communities, with over one-third of all Oregonians volunteering. Much of what we value is made possible by the everyday efforts of nonprofits.

What You Can Do

Nonprofits provide a wide array of opportunities for people to get involved, to participate in the civic life of their communities, to “pay it forward.” While nonprofits contribute to the health and vitality of community life, they cannot do it without active community support. Your involvement in nonprofit work makes a difference!

Ways you can make a difference:

• Get to know the nonprofits in your community. Learn about their missions and see which organization or organizations resonate with your own interests and passions. Then ask those organizations about volunteer opportunities. Most organizations use volunteers in some capacity. Some may have formal volunteer recruitment and training programs. Others are less formal. When making your inquiry, just ask to speak to the person at the organization who coordinates volunteers.
• Do you have skill sets that could benefit the development and governance of a nonprofit? This is a different kind of volunteer commitment. Learn more about becoming a board member with our Board Tool Kit. If you are already serving as a board member, encourage others you know to contribute their talents.
• Set an example with your own volunteerism, and encourage young people you know to get involved in community service. Volunteering at a nonprofit is a great way for young people to learn more about their communities, be exposed to different perspectives, and gain valuable skills.
• Advocate on behalf of the interests of nonprofits. Share your volunteer experiences with friends, family members, and colleagues and encourage them to get involved too. Join NAO’s growing advocacy network by becoming an Affiliate Member. With the support of our members, we keep elected officials informed about the important role of the nonprofit sector and take positions on legislation that protects its interests.
• Support nonprofits through charitable giving. Nonprofits rely on support from public agencies and foundations, but even more so, from individual donors. Find organizations whose missions are aligned with your interests and passions and ask them how you can help! Search for Oregon nonprofits here. Tips for donors are also included in this tool kit.

Welcome to Oregon Involved!

Search our toolkits to learn more information about volunteering, serving on a board, or providing financial support to a nonprofit.

The National Center for Charitable Statistics features a comprehensive database to assist you in finding a nonprofit in your area. Start searching for nonprofits in your community.

Working in partnership, the Nonprofit Association of Oregon and The Oregon Community Foundation created Oregon Involved to make it easy for community members to learn about the important role nonprofits play in our communities and to connect with Oregon nonprofits.