MISSION STATEMENT

The James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, an independent private foundation, was established in 2002 to enhance the quality of life of Oregonians through support of the Arts and Education.

 AREAS OF INTEREST

The Foundation is interested in making single or multi-year grants for projects that advance the arts or education, including libraries and museums, in Oregon.  Our primary interests are:

 ARTS

·         Enhancing programming and audience building

·         Financial capacity and stability development

·         A limited number of essential capital projects

 EDUCATION (K-12, Higher Education and related areas)

·         Strengthening or lifting the level of student achievement and success

·     A limited number of capital projects that favorably impact student achievement

The Foundation favors organizations whose basic mission is in arts or education, not projects that are related to arts or education from organizations whose primary mission is in other fields.

In both the arts and education areas the Foundation will make responsive grants and, from time to time, issue requests for proposals and develop initiatives deemed relevant and needed.

BOARD AND STAFF

Directors:   

Charles H. Putney
William K. Blount
Alice P. McCartor
Charles (Charlie) U. Walker

Interim Executive Director: Charles S. Rooks
Grants Manager: Suzanna S. McKirdie
Office Manager: Gretchen Schackel


FOUNDATION HISTORY

James F. “Jimmy” Miller was born in a small community outside of Portland, Oregon in 1905.  Mr. Miller began his career as an errand runner at Blyth and Co. (predecessor to UBS Financial Services) at age 14. Without much formal education, he rose to become the president of Blyth & Co. in New York in the early 1960s.  Mr. Miller lived and prospered in New York with his wife of nearly 68 years, Marion.  He returned to Portland in 1998 where he continued to invest in the markets and advise others until his passing in 2002.

Mr. Miller was passionate about learning and researched languages, history, mythology, literature, ballet, music, the arts, and other cultures. Throughout their lives, he and his wife Marion gave generously to many cultural and educational institutions in both Oregon and New York.  It was his hope that his legacy would serve as an example of what is possible given commitment, hard work, and the gift of time.

The James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation is committed to fulfilling Mr. Miller’s legacy by supporting the arts and education throughout the state of Oregon.