The Eugene Education Foundation’s annual Bright Minds, Bold Futures Gala was a resounding success, bringing together educators, community members, and businesses committed to supporting educational excellence in Eugene.

This year’s event, adorned with sparkles and smiles, wasn’t just about raising funds—it was about reaffirming our shared commitment to the future of our students. Thanks to the generosity of our attendees and sponsors, we raised significant funds that will directly benefit educational programs across Eugene.

Our Generous Sponsors

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following businesses whose contributions made this magical evening possible: Bigfoot Beverages, Focus Wealth Partners, Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers, Moss Adams, Northwest Community Credit Union, Pearl Catering, QSL Print & Communications, Rowel Brokaw, Sierra Pacific Foundation, and many more donors and supporters!

Looking Forward

The funds raised at this year’s gala will support innovative classroom grants, educational programs, and resources for students across Eugene. We’re excited to share the impact of your generosity in the coming months as these programs take shape.

Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, or supported in any way. Together, we’re building bright minds and bold futures for the next generation of leaders in our community.

Applications for the Eugene Education Foundation’s 2025-26 school year Annual Grant cycle will open Monday, February 3rd, 2025. All 4J staff are invited to apply. Individual school-based requests are eligible for up to $5,000 and district-level requests are eligible for up to $10,000. EEF uses an equitable approach to investing in projects and programs across the Eugene School District 4J that expose children to a world of possibilities, build strong foundations for learning success, and cultivate skills for a diverse range of talent and skills.

The deadline to apply is March 3rd, 2025.

Applications will be available via our online grant portal. For more information about EEF Annual Grants or to preview application questions, visit here.

Applicants will be notified of their award status by June 2025 and grant funds will be available for use for the entire 2025-26 school year.

See full list of awarded 2024-25 Annual Grants here.

The Eugene Education Foundation (EEF) is proud to announce $201,979 in grant funding for the 2024-25 academic year, supporting 77 innovative projects across Eugene 4J School District. These grants are currently enriching student experiences in 27 schools and district-wide programs.

“It’s amazing to see how our community’s generosity transforms into real classroom magic every day,” says Laura Brown, EEF Executive Director.

Meet Heidi Corce, an educator working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing students (DHH). Through an EEF grant, her classroom now features a Vibe Board, revolutionizing how students learn both American Sign Language and English.

“The Vibe board has created an environment where learning becomes both interactive and exciting,” says Corce. “Students eagerly engage with lessons, whether working individually or collaboratively. The impact on student engagement has been so significant that we’re considering adding a second board to our classroom.”

Current Projects Making a Difference

• A revitalized ukulele program at North Eugene High School
• Enhanced food programs at Kennedy Middle School
• Kindergarten readiness resources for Edison Elementary
• Enriching field trips for Cesar Chavez Elementary students
• A multisensory light table learning center for a 4J life skills classroom

For Educators:

Applications for 2025-26 grants open in February 2025.

Together, we’re creating extraordinary learning opportunities for Eugene’s students. Thank you for helping us in make a difference.

Sierra Pacific Foundation is joining forces with Eugene Education Foundation for the first time, bringing their community-focused mission to our upcoming Bright Minds, Bold Futures gala!

With a $3,000 investment, Sierra Pacific Foundation isn’t just providing financial support – they’re becoming part of a unique story of hands-on education. As our “Cornhole Sponsor,” they’ll receive custom-made cornhole boards crafted by talented woodworking students at Madison Middle School. 

Sierra Pacific Foundation’s commitment to “Growing Healthy Communities” spans five states and includes an impressive $10 million in education scholarships. Now, they’re bringing that spirit of giving to Eugene 4J School District through their support of EEF, our district’s philanthropic partner since 1993.

Want to be part of this celebration of education and community partnership? Join us on March 20 at the Ford Alumni Center for our Bright Minds, Bold Futures gala. For more information about the event or sponsorship opportunities, please contact EEF@EEFLane.org or look at sponsorship opportunities in our 2025 Partnership Guide here.

Every touchdown at Autzen Stadium this season has meant more than just points on the scoreboard – it’s meant real dollars flowing into Eugene’s classrooms. Thanks to OnPoint Community Credit Union’s creative “Touchdown for Teachers” program, each time the Ducks scored at home, $1,000 was added to a growing fund for Eugene Education Foundation (EEF). Now, after an exciting season of Duck football, that support reached an impressive $40,000!

This isn’t just a one-time play, either. OnPoint has become a true champion for Eugene’s students, with this year’s contribution bringing their total support to $80,000 over the past two years. 

The grand finale of this season’s partnership took place right where it all started – on the field at Autzen Stadium. During the November 30th University of Oregon football game, OnPoint showcased their $40,000 contribution in a special presentation that celebrated the power of community support for education.

Since 1993, EEF has been working behind the scenes to create bright futures for students in Eugene District 4J Public Schools. With partners like OnPoint – Oregon’s largest credit union serving over 581,000 members – that mission keeps getting stronger. OnPoint’s commitment to community shows through not just in their size ($9.4 billion in assets!) but in their dedication to making real differences in local communities across their service area of 28 Oregon counties and two Washington counties.

What does this mean for Eugene’s students? The continued support helps EEF:

• Create more “yes!” moments for innovative teaching ideas
• Open doors to new learning opportunities for all students
• Build stronger connections between schools and community
• Turn great educational ideas into reality

Want to be part of this exciting work? There are so many ways to support Eugene’s students through EEF. Reach out to our office to learn more about how you can make a difference!

Eugene, OR — August 22, 2024 — The Eugene Education Foundation (EEF) welcomes new Executive Director, Laura Brown. Laura brings more than ten years of experience in nonprofit management and community relations to EEF. In 2020, Brown joined Oregon Community Credit Union (OCCU) to lead philanthropic initiatives for the credit union and the OCCU Foundation. She played a key role in managing the operations of the OCCU Foundation, overseeing board activities, fundraising, volunteerism and grantmaking strategies. Previously, Brown was with the American Cancer Society, where she strengthened hospital partnerships, received top fundraising awards, and served as a health equity advocate for the West region. 

Brown moved to Oregon in 2016 from Tennessee, where she obtained a BA in Communications, Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is a community champion, currently serving on her local library board of directors, and volunteering on the leadership committee for the Muscular Dystrophy Association as well as the advisory board for Men Wear Pink of Lane County.

The EEF Board of Directors is confident that Brown will build on the foundation of excellence that has been established and further cultivate opportunities for the organization to support children in the 4J School District.

Brown will begin her new role on September 5, 2024.