areas of focus
Leadership Development
Many of the nonprofit organizations within the State of Oregon deal with the needs of the less fortunate, poor, and homeless including substance abuse and mental issues. While understanding these issues and how to treat them, it remains a key element of all organizations to have solid leadership to implement these needed programs of help. The Walters Foundation also believes that leadership at the state and local levels are critically important – not to just advance an agenda, but to create the environment for needed cures. Leadership within the nonprofit from the board level to the Executive Director (ED) and all the staff are benefited by training, having knowledge, and trained to implement their particular service to those they serve. The Walters Foundation invites many nonprofit ED’s to speak to our board so we understand what they do and what the needs of the organization are.
The Walters Foundation has embarked on a formal focus on leadership development. In August of 2026, the Foundation held its first Leadership Development Summit to help focus on how leaders and emerge and do things even better. The Foundation has also focused on young people in their leadership development as well including asking Miss Oregon to speak to the Foundation’s board. Miss Oregon has also met a number of nonprofits and also assisted in hand delivering award checks. This leadership focus will continue into the future along with making life better especially for the young people in Oregon.
Education
SMART Reading
The Walters Foundation understands how important reading is to young children, especially in ages two through six. We are proud to partner with SMART Reading, which attracts hundreds of volunteers in Oregon to read to young kids. Early reading to children has repeated shown to be helpful in better school performance. The Foundation and SMART have a great relationship of learning together to better the education of our children.
Many kids who were read to through the SMART Reading program have come back as volunteer readers themselves! Jessica Bowersox is the Executive Director leading this excellent program for the community children SMART Reading serves.
Mental Health
Oregon is grappling with a surge in homelessness””nearly 15,000 people statewide””many of whom face untreated mental illness and addiction. In response, lawmakers approved over $70 million in 2025 to expand behavioral health services, fund treatment beds, and support addiction prevention. New legislation also strengthens civil commitment laws and launches housing pilots for unsheltered individuals with psychiatric needs. Despite these efforts, high housing costs and fragmented care systems continue to challenge recovery. Advocates stress the need for integrated, long-term solutions to address the complex overlap of homelessness, mental health, and substance use across the state.
It is becoming clearer that homelessness and mental issues go hand in hand. Likely success will occur when leadership in Portland recognizes both issues.
Caring for Children
Children’s issues are vital to the mission of the Walters Foundation, and we are aware of a special group of kids ““ FOSTER children! The impact of being labeled “foster” not only on the kids, but on the foster parents is critical and can be scary. With a 2-hour notice that a set of foster twins is coming can turn a foster home upside down! Help from someone who understands the kids AND the parents is paramount. With Love is such an organization who provides emergency supplies to the homes caring for kids and giving much needed support and care to the wonderful parents. Supplies that come to With Love are cleaned catalogued, organized into bundles especially designed for the children’s care. And if needed, With Love uses their van to deliver these bags of goodies to the foster homes. We especially appreciate the leadership and work of Founder Allie Roth and her team including the volunteer workers.
Partner Testimonials
The Walters Foundation helped…
Laura Queen
The Walters Foundation takes a thoughtful and caring approach to every nonprofit partnership, carefully considering how to create meaningful, lasting impact. Their commitment goes far beyond providing funds — they work closely with each group to understand their unique needs and help them grow stronger and more effective.
They actively look for ways to foster confidence and leadership skills in both young people and nonprofit leaders, empowering them to become catalysts for positive change.
By offering both financial support and heartfelt guidance, the Walters Foundation helps programs expand their reach, touch more lives, and build a brighter future for everyone.
Through these collaborations, the Walters Foundation acts as a catalyst for compassion and connection, fostering empathy and community spirit. Their support has transformed thousands of lives and continues to spark hope and opportunity wherever it’s needed.
In every way, the Walters Foundation is much more than a funder — they are genuine life changers, committed to nurturing growth and empowering those they support to make a real and lasting difference.
Laura Queen
Development Director, Chelsea Hicks Foundation
Portland Rescue Mission
Shepherd’s Door located in NE Portland, is a safe place for women and their children to rebuild their lives. Our 12-month restoration program is called New Life, because that is what is offered, an opportunity to live a new life after homelessness and addiction. Women who lives have been devastated by addictions and toxic life patterns, participate in recovery programming, counseling, vocational training, and address root issues that led them and their children into homelessness in the first place.
Cliff Walters and Tamberly Couch generously offered their time and the resources to support the life transforming program at Shepherd’s Door. During their visit, we were struck by their engaging conversation, thoughtful and challenging questions. It is a rare and special opportunity to be blessed by the experience and knowledge Cliff has to offer. Before the site visit was over, he was already connecting us with resources and potential partners, we are so thankful the support of the Walters Foundation!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Our Non-Profit Partners
