Our Programs

Funds donated to the Monmouth Independence Community Foundation are used in one of the five funds listed below. They can be designated by the donor or left to the discretion of the MICF board to be distributed. Donations may include endowment and non-endowment funds.

The Nancy Lodge Exceptional Musician Award

Charitable Purpose
Providing post-high school academic or vocational education scholarships to graduates of Central High School.

Creation and Intent
Established in May 2000, the Monmouth-Independence Community Foundation (MICF) Scholarship Fund was created from the former Monmouth-Independence Education Charitable Trust. This initiative was created to support the educational aspirations of local students and has since become a cornerstone of the foundation’s mission.

The fund’s success is due in large part to founding member Scott McArthur, whose leadership and unwavering support have been instrumental in its development and sustainability.

A Legacy of Growth and Impact
Since its inception, the scholarship fund has expanded in the number and value of annual awards. Today, the MICF Scholarship Fund proudly provides multiple $1,500 scholarships each year to graduating seniors of Central High School in Independence, Oregon. These awards support students pursuing post-high school academic or vocational education, helping them take the next steps toward their goals.

Selection Process
Scholarship recipients are selected by a designated committee of the MICF Board, ensuring a fair and thoughtful evaluation of each applicant. The committee operates under guidelines set forth in the MICF bylaws and may include non-board members appointed by the Board to bring diverse perspectives to the decision-making process.

The MICF Scholarship Fund continues to embody the foundation’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities and empowering the next generation of leaders in our community.

Charitable Purpose
Providing modest funds for Central 13J teachers to enrich the curriculum in their classrooms or school clubs.

Creation and Intent
The Classroom Enrichment Grant Program was established in 2000 to support Central 13J classrooms by offering mini-grants to teachers with creative and engaging ideas for enriching their curriculum. Recognizing the value of extracurricular activities, the MICF Board expanded the program in 2018 to include grants for school clubs that provide measurable academic benefits to students. Clubs applying for these grants must demonstrate how their activities enhance students’ educational experiences.

A Legacy of Growth and Support
Initially, grants were capped at $500 each, but their value has increased over time as funding levels have grown. These grants are funded through non-endowment sources and earnings from the Classroom Enrichment Project Endowment Fund, with funding amounts determined by the MICF Board in alignment with the program’s Statement of Purpose.

The grants are exclusively intended to cover goods and services not otherwise funded by the Central 13J School District, ensuring they address unique classroom needs and creative initiatives. Grant recipients are selected based on recommendations from a MICF board committee or a committee of educators appointed by the board.

Visionaries Behind the Program
Don and Verna Duncan conceived the Classroom Enrichment Grant Program and remain its most dedicated supporters. Don, a founding member of MICF, served on the Foundation Board until his retirement in March 2018. The Duncans’ enduring commitment to education has been instrumental in ensuring the program’s continued success and impact.

The Classroom Enrichment Grant Program reflects MICF’s dedication to empowering educators and fostering innovation in Central 13J schools. Through these grants, MICF helps teachers and school clubs bring inspiring and meaningful learning opportunities to life.

Charitable Purpose
Honoring youth ambassadors from the Monmouth-Independence community and Central School District who participate in co-curricular enrichment, cultural exchanges, and competitions, and whose achievements take them beyond the community to represent Central.

Creation and Intent
The Ambassadors of Excellence Fund was established by MICF Founder Donald Duncan in memory of his wife, Verna Duncan. Donald, along with family and friends, created an endowment fund to honor Verna’s legacy and passion for education and youth development. To ensure immediate impact, a portion of the endowment was allocated to a non-endowment fund, launching the Ambassadors of Excellence Fund.

Supporting Excellence Beyond Borders
This fund provides critical financial support for students participating in cultural exchanges, competitions, or enrichment opportunities that require travel outside the community. It helps offset travel expenses for students and, when necessary, for accompanying teachers to ensure that no student is excluded from these transformative experiences due to financial constraints.

In addition to travel support, the fund may provide modest stipends to teachers who dedicate their time and energy to organizing these enriching opportunities, recognizing their commitment to student growth and achievement.

The Ambassadors of Excellence Fund exemplifies MICF’s dedication to fostering youth leadership and broadening horizons. By supporting these young ambassadors, MICF ensures that the achievements of Central students are celebrated and that they have the resources to represent their community proudly on a larger stage.

 Charitable Purpose
Supporting community projects that align with the Purpose and Mission of the Monmouth-Independence Community Foundation (MICF).

Creation and Intent
The Community Grant Fund was established in November 2018 to provide additional funding opportunities for impactful community projects. By aligning with MICF’s Purpose and Mission, this fund empowers local initiatives that enrich and uplift the Monmouth-Independence community.

Grant Process
Grant applications are reviewed by a committee appointed by the MICF Board Presidents, ensuring a thoughtful and impartial evaluation process. The full MICF Board determines the available non-endowment funds annually. The Committee makes the final decisions on grant approvals and determines the amounts to be funded for each awarded project.

Grants awarded through this fund typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 within the non-endowment portion of the Community Fund for the calendar year.

Applications will be open twice a year in the Winter and Summer. Grant Applications will open for the Summer grant cycle from August 1 to September 1, 2026.

The Community Grant Fund exemplifies MICF’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting projects that make a meaningful difference in the lives of local residents. By providing critical financial support, MICF helps bring community-driven visions to life, strengthening the bonds of the Monmouth-Independence area.

MICF Community Grant Application – Applications will be accepted from August 1 to September 1, 2026.

We are thrilled to announce the Winter 2026 Grant Recipients
~ Bambino’s Bus
~ Chess in the Park
~ Independence Heritage Museum
~ Monmouth-Independence YMCA

FONDO DE SUBVENCIONES COMUNITARIAS

Propósito benéfico

Apoyar proyectos comunitarios que estén alineados con el Propósito y la Misión de la Fundación Comunitaria de Monmouth-Independence (MICF).

Creación e intención

El Fondo de Subvenciones Comunitarias se estableció en noviembre de 2018 para brindar oportunidades adicionales de financiamiento a proyectos comunitarios de impacto. Al alinearse con el Propósito y la Misión de MICF, este fondo impulsa iniciativas locales que enriquecen y fortalecen a la comunidad de Monmouth-Independence.

Proceso de subvenciones

Las solicitudes de subvención son revisadas por un comité designado por los presidentes de la Junta Directiva de MICF, lo que garantiza un proceso de evaluación cuidadoso e imparcial. La Junta Directiva completa de MICF determina anualmente los fondos disponibles que no forman parte de los fondos patrimoniales permanentes. El comité toma las decisiones finales sobre la aprobación de las subvenciones y determina los montos que se otorgarán a cada proyecto seleccionado.

Las subvenciones otorgadas a través de este fondo generalmente oscilan entre $1,000 y $5,000 y provienen de la porción no patrimonial del Fondo Comunitario correspondiente al año calendario.

Las solicitudes estarán abiertas dos veces al año, durante los ciclos de invierno y de verano. Para el ciclo de subvenciones de verano, las solicitudes estarán abiertas del 1 de agosto al 1 de septiembre de 2026.

El Fondo de Subvenciones Comunitarias ejemplifica el compromiso de MICF de fomentar la innovación y apoyar proyectos que marquen una diferencia significativa en la vida de los residentes locales. Al proporcionar apoyo financiero esencial, MICF ayuda a hacer realidad proyectos impulsados por la comunidad y fortalece los lazos en el área de Monmouth-Independence.

**Solicitud para la Subvención Comunitaria de MICF** — Se aceptarán solicitudes del 1 de agosto al 1 de septiembre de 2026.

Nos complace anunciar a los beneficiarios de las subvenciones del invierno de 2026

~ Bambino’s Bus
~ Chess in the Park
~ Independence Heritage Museum
~ Monmouth-Independence YMCA

Charitable Purpose
The Unrestricted Fund serves as a flexible resource to receive general donations from donors. This fund empowers the Board of Directors to allocate these contributions to other Monmouth-Independence Community Foundation (MICF) funds or programs as needed.

Creation and Intent
As one of the first funds established by the MICF, the Unrestricted Fund was designed to provide the Board of Directors with the ability to direct donations where they are most needed. When donors do not specify a particular program or fund, their contributions are placed into the Unrestricted Fund.

Strategic Allocation
The Board of Directors may distribute funds from the Unrestricted Fund to support other MICF programs, such as scholarships, community grants, or classroom enrichment initiatives. Additionally, these funds can be allocated to the Administrative Fund to address operational needs, ensuring the foundation continues to function effectively and sustainably.

The Unrestricted Fund exemplifies the MICF’s commitment to adaptability and thoughtful stewardship of donor contributions. By directing resources to areas of greatest need, the fund ensures the foundation remains responsive and impactful in serving the Monmouth-Independence community.

Charitable Purpose
To provide an award to an outstandingly exceptional young musician intent on pursing their musical career and performance opportunities. 

Creation and Intent
Nancy Lodge loved music and performed in several local musical groups. Nancy was also a Board member of the Smith’s Fine Arts Series through Western Oregon University. Nancy passed away on June 6, 2024. Shortly after Nancy’s death her husband, Michael W. Lodge, chose to create a permanent endowment to honor Nancy through the create of this award. Michael name this scholarship The Nancy Lodge Exceptional Musician Award. 

The award will be tracked in The Foundation ledgers separately as a separate program of The Foundation. 

Determination of Award & Disbursement
The Nancy Lodge Music Award will become a separate account within the general Scholarship program or a separate designated committee of the Foundation. A Nancy Lodge Music Award recipient must currently live within the Central School District 13J service area (or whatever replaces 13J). The applicant can be from any school located within the 13J district including private and home schools and includes Western Oregon University student who live within the 13J district. This award will only be given to individuals who are age 17 or older and have initially been identified by a music professional as a potential candidate for this award. The Foundation committee managing the Fund will then arrange for additional music professionals to evaluate this candidate to determine if they meet the qualification of “exceptional” as established by the Foundation and comply with any other criteria established by the Foundation for the award. 

Timeline
The non-endowment funds will be made available at any time all year. The award is set to open in 2027.