ABOUT US
Charis Fund is a small, benevolent family trust established in 1938, intended to support projects focused on social welfare (prioritizing hunger, housing, homelessness, at risk youth, health and education). Charis Fund is non-denominational, but often utilizes religious organizations for program service distribution. Organizations funded by Charis are located in the states of California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada where the trustees reside. Charis Fund trustees meet twice a year, usually in early May and November.
OUR VISION
The trustees of Charis Fund prefer to give funds to help initiate or expand programs that once established, will develop ongoing and sustainable community support, rather than providing ongoing support to established programs and charities. When possible, we choose to support novel programs aimed at the cause of a problem rather than “treating the symptoms." We give lower priority to requests for operating funds/general support.
Charis focuses on issues including housing and food for people in need, health and mental health, care and education for at-risk children and victims of domestic violence, among other challenging social services objectives.
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Supporting diversity, equity and inclusion is fundamental to the Charis Fund and we approach this mission with open hearts. This focus is woven into our values and the belief that our world is strongest when we embrace the full spectrum of humanity, regardless of what we look like, where we come from or who we love. We support organizations that share our values of inclusivity, fair and equal access to services, and promote courageous engagement in the communities we serve.
The values of the Charis Fund dictate that we support programs that do not discriminate. Organizations that the Charis Fund supports must demonstrate a practice of non-discrimination and inclusion as it relates to the delivery of programs. Programs that do not provide equal opportunity and access to individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other legally protected classification will not be considered for funding. We recognize that some organizations serve specific populations in the delivery of services, such as men only or women only, and the foundation will support organizations that assist such groups assuming there is not discrimination in other ways.