The Salem Foundation is a public charity and community foundation based in Salem, Oregon. Founded in May 1930 by the Board of Pioneer Trust Bank, the organization has served the greater Salem community for over 90 years. The Foundation operates as a flexible vehicle for donors seeking to direct their philanthropic giving toward local charities and causes.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$37.6M
-5.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$10.6M
+78.2% YoY
Grant Count
123
+98.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$86K
-10.2% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: The Salem Foundation exists for the purpose of receiving, safeguarding, and disbursing funds for charitable purposes in the vicinity of Salem, Oregon.
The Foundation's grantmaking focuses on a broad range of charitable areas including education, human services, and community development. Recent grant distributions have supported organizations addressing food security, family services, and community health needs. The Foundation also provides college scholarships to students in the Salem area and has provided fiscal sponsorship for community events such as the annual Make Music Day Salem event.
Grantmaking
The Salem Foundation distributes grants to tax-exempt organizations primarily in the Salem, Oregon vicinity. In its most recent fiscal year (2025), the Foundation made charitable distributions to 185 tax-exempt organizations, with total giving of approximately $10.77 million.
How to Apply
** Grant applications are available through the Foundation's website at salemfoundation.org.
Ready to take the next step with The Salem Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Salem Foundation's grantmaking is concentrated in the vicinity of Salem, Oregon, with a particular emphasis on the greater Salem community and surrounding areas.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2025:
- Total Assets: $37,574,532
- Total Revenues: $9,539,251
- Total Expenses: $11,381,995
- Total Giving: $10,771,238
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $39.6 million
- Total Revenues: $10.4 million
- Total Expenses: $6.61 million
- Total Liabilities: $786,000
The Foundation maintains a donor-advised fund through which donors can direct the distribution or investment of funds.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $37,574,532 | $39,558,682 | $34,545,619 |
| Revenue | $9,539,251 | $10,372,711 | $3,345,668 |
| Expenses | $11,381,995 | $6,613,071 | $4,118,990 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $2,235,251 | $1,552,416 | $945,250 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
245 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Salem Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEBRA LUSH | COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN | 0.25 | — |
| LAURA TESLER | COMMITTEE MEMBER | 0.25 | — |
| BRIAN CONDELLO | COMMITTEE MEMBER | 0.25 | — |
| LOUIS-CLAUDE NGUEA-NJOH | COMMITTEE MEMBER | 0.25 | — |
| TERRY HANCOCK | COMMITTEE MEMBER | 0.25 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Foundation has continued active grantmaking to support community organizations addressing critical needs in the Salem area. Recent grant recipients have included organizations focused on HIV prevention and testing services, youth emotional wellness and social-emotional development, and other community health and social service initiatives.
Salem Academy wins grant to expand mental, behavioral health supportSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Greater Bend Rotary Club Foundation
BEND, OR
Assets
$773K
Grants
1
Total Given
$12K
Wagner Family Foundation
LAKE OSWEGO, OR
Assets
$215K
Grants
4
Total Given
$215K
Portland Rotary Charitable Trust
PORTLAND, OR
Assets
$4.6M
Grants
8
Total Given
$86K
Catholic Youth Organization
PORTLAND, OR
Assets
$18.1M
Grants
1
Total Given
$11K
Oregon Pathfinder
PORTLAND, OR
Assets
$61K
Grants
5
Total Given
$317K
Trail Rhythms Inc
SISTERS, OR
Assets
$3K
Grants
0
Total Given
—
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with The Salem Foundation on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities