This year marks the 22nd year of the CommuniCare program! Since it was founded by Harold and Arlene Schnitzer in 1997, the program has grown to include 26 participating schools in Oregon.  

CommuniCare is a year-long grantmaking program that gives students an opportunity to learn more about issues that affect their communities and to develop a deeper commitment to social activism. The program asks participants to raise $1,500, which The CARE Foundation matches 10:1 up to $15,000, to grant to nonprofits of the student’s choice at the close of the school year.  Students create a mission statement for their group, research and identify potential nonprofit recipients, evaluate grant proposals and select the final grant recipients.

“Giving back to the community is a critical part of life. We care about each other in our community. When you reach out and help others it makes the community a bigger and stronger place,” said Jordan D. Schnitzer, President of the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation. Stewardship and education are of primary importance to Jordan D. Schnitzer, who is honoring his parents’ legacy through the program.