Hollis Foundation

Quick Stats

• EIN: 61-1900941
• Annual Giving: $4,615,000 (2024)
• Grant Range: $15,000 - $1,000,000
• Total Assets: $147,453,966
• Recent Awards: 13 grants in 2024, 9 in 2023, 11 in 2022, 8 in 2021
• Geographic Focus: Oregon, Washington, and Virginia
• Charity Navigator Rating: 3/4 Stars (86%)

Contact Details

Address: 1221 SW Yamhill St, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97205-2108

Phone: (503) 227-6846

Contact Person: Amy Reaney, Senior Philanthropic Services Officer, Supporting Organizations & Trusts

Parent Organization: Oregon Community Foundation (OCF)

• Email: info@oregoncf.org
• Website: https://oregoncf.org

Overview

The Hollis Foundation is a Type I supporting organization (509(a)(3)) of the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF), established with an IRS ruling year of 2019. As a supporting organization, the Hollis Foundation operates under the control and supervision of OCF, functioning essentially as a subsidiary with OCF having the power to appoint or elect a majority of the foundation's directors or trustees. With assets exceeding $147 million, the foundation makes grants that further OCF's mission "to improve lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy." The foundation focuses on four key areas: Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking; Recreation & Sports; and International, Foreign Affairs & National Security. The foundation maintains a steady grant-making presence with recent annual distributions of approximately $4.6 million across an average of 10-13 grants per year. The foundation has earned a 3-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its financial health and accountability.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Hollis Foundation does not operate independent grant programs with public application processes. As a Type I supporting organization, all grant-making decisions are made at the discretion of the Oregon Community Foundation's governance structure, which exercises control over the foundation's operations and grant distribution.

Typical Grant Size: $15,000 - $1,000,000

Recent Grant Activity:

• 2024: 13 awards totaling $4,615,000
• 2023: 9 awards
• 2022: 11 awards
• 2021: 8 awards

Priority Areas

The foundation's grant-making focuses on the following areas, primarily in Oregon, Washington, and Virginia:

1. Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking - Supporting organizations that strengthen the nonprofit sector and philanthropic infrastructure

2. Recreation & Sports - Funding programs that promote physical activity, athletic development, and recreational opportunities

3. International, Foreign Affairs & National Security - Supporting initiatives related to global issues, international relations, and security matters

All funding decisions are made in alignment with the Oregon Community Foundation's broader mission to improve lives of all Oregonians through philanthropy.

What They Don't Fund

As a supporting organization operating under OCF's direction, the foundation's exclusions would align with OCF's general funding restrictions. Specific exclusions are not publicly documented but would typically include:

• Individuals (except through established scholarship programs)
• Sectarian or religious purposes
• Lobbying or political campaigns
• Deficit reduction or debt retirement
• Endowments

Governance and Leadership

The Hollis Foundation operates as a Type I supporting organization, meaning the Oregon Community Foundation maintains substantial control over its governance through the power to appoint or elect a majority of the foundation's board members.

Key Contact: Amy Reaney - Senior Philanthropic Services Officer, Supporting Organizations & Trusts at Oregon Community Foundation (serving since July 2001). Ms. Reaney is responsible for OCF's supporting organization program and its charitable trust and gift annuity program. She serves as the "In Care Of Name" contact for the Hollis Foundation.

Public databases indicate that the foundation has no separately recorded board members, as it operates under the governance structure of the Oregon Community Foundation. This is typical for Type I supporting organizations where the supported organization (OCF) maintains operational control and oversight.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Hollis Foundation does not have a public application process. As a Type I supporting organization of the Oregon Community Foundation, all grant-making decisions are made at the discretion of OCF's governance structure. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

The foundation operates similarly to a private family foundation or donor-advised fund in that grants are directed by the controlling organization (OCF) rather than through an open, competitive application process. Organizations seeking funding should not submit applications directly to the Hollis Foundation.

Getting on Their Radar

Note: The following information is specific to understanding how Type I supporting organizations function, but direct solicitation is not encouraged.

For organizations that believe their work aligns with the Hollis Foundation's funding priorities, the most appropriate approach would be to:

1. Engage with the Oregon Community Foundation: Since OCF controls the Hollis Foundation's grant-making, building a relationship with OCF through their regular grant programs may provide visibility. OCF distributes more than $225 million annually through various grant programs with public application processes.

2. Contact Amy Reaney: As the Senior Philanthropic Services Officer for Supporting Organizations & Trusts at OCF, Amy Reaney (areane@oregoncf.org or through OCF's main number 503-227-6846) manages the supporting organization program. While she cannot accept unsolicited proposals, she can provide information about whether the foundation accepts introductory letters or proposals.

3. Review public 990 filings: Organizations can review the foundation's Form 990 Schedule I filings (available through ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer at https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/611900941) to understand the types of organizations and projects that have received funding. This can help determine alignment before any outreach.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - no public application process exists. Grant decisions are made at the discretion of the foundation's governing structure throughout the year as evidenced by the varying number of grants made annually (8-13 grants per year).

Success Rates

Not applicable due to the lack of a public application process. The foundation makes grants to organizations identified and selected by OCF's governing structure.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Application Success Factors

Important Note: Since the Hollis Foundation does not accept public applications, traditional "success factors" do not apply. However, understanding the foundation's funding patterns and priorities may be valuable:

Understanding the Foundation's Focus

1. Review actual grants made: The foundation's Form 990 Schedule I filings provide detailed information about grant recipients, amounts, and purposes. This is the best source for understanding what types of projects receive funding.

2. Alignment with OCF's mission: Since the foundation makes grants that "further the mission of OCF which is to improve lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy," organizations working on Oregon-focused initiatives may be more likely to align with the foundation's priorities.

3. Geographic focus: While primarily focused on Oregon, the foundation also makes grants in Washington and Virginia. Understanding why these specific states are included could provide insight into the foundation's strategic interests.

4. Issue area alignment: The foundation's focus on Recreation & Sports, Philanthropy/Grantmaking, and International Affairs & National Security suggests specific areas of donor interest. Projects in these areas with strong Oregon connections may be more aligned.

5. Grant size variability: With grants ranging from $15,000 to $1,000,000, the foundation supports both smaller projects and significant initiatives, suggesting flexibility based on project merit and alignment rather than predetermined grant tiers.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No public application process exists - The Hollis Foundation is a Type I supporting organization controlled by the Oregon Community Foundation and does not accept unsolicited applications

• Discretionary grant-making model - All funding decisions are made by OCF's governance structure; grants are not awarded through competitive application processes

• Focus on three states - While Oregon-focused (reflecting OCF's mission), the foundation also funds work in Washington and Virginia

• Wide grant range - Awards from $15,000 to $1,000,000 indicate the foundation supports projects of varying scales based on alignment and merit

• Specific issue areas - Concentration in Recreation & Sports, Philanthropy/Grantmaking, and International Affairs & National Security reflects donor interests

• Relationship with OCF is key - Organizations interested in this funder should focus on building relationships with the Oregon Community Foundation and participating in OCF's public grant programs

• Review 990 filings for insights - The foundation's Form 990 Schedule I provides the most reliable information about actual grant recipients, amounts, and project descriptions

References

1. Cause IQ - Hollis Foundation Profile. Accessed March 4, 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/hollis-foundation,611900941/

2. Charity Navigator - Rating for Hollis Foundation (EIN: 61-1900941). Accessed March 4, 2026. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/611900941

3. Instrumentl - Hollis Foundation 990 Report. Accessed March 4, 2026. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/hollis-foundation

4. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Hollis Foundation (EIN: 61-1900941). Form 990 filings from 2021-2024. Accessed March 4, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/611900941

5. Oregon Community Foundation - Supporting Organizations. Accessed March 4, 2026. https://oregoncf.org/grants-and-scholarships/grants-resources/supporting-organizations

6. Oregon Community Foundation - Our Staff (Amy Reaney profile). Accessed March 4, 2026. https://oregoncf.org/about/our-people/staff/amy-reaney/

7. IRS - Supporting Organizations: Requirements and Types. Accessed March 4, 2026. https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/supporting-organizations-requirements-and-types

8. Tax Exempt World - Hollis Foundation (EIN: 61-1900941). Accessed March 4, 2026. https://www.taxexemptworld.com/organization.asp?tn=2659775