Our Giving Guide is full of community nonprofits nominated by readers who know firsthand how much good these organizations do. Alongside that incredible list, the Eugene Weekly staff wanted to share a few picks of our own: Groups and causes that resonate with us personally and help keep Lane County strong. And yes, one cause especially close to home — supporting local, independently owned media — tops our list.
For more than 43 years, Eugene Weekly has been the watchdog, cheerleader and sometimes the thorn in the side that this community needs. We dig into local government, amplify arts and culture and make sure Lane County readers have access to sharp, smart journalism — free to all, every week. We’re proud to share this independent (and locally owned) spirit with neighbors like The Chronicle (formerly of Creswell; now based out of Springfield) and the Highway 58 Herald in Oakridge, which are intent on keeping community news alive in their corners of the county.
As you explore our staff picks, we hope you’ll be inspired by the organizations that make life here better. Please remember to include the storytellers who help you understand it all. Supporting local media isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about keeping democracy, accountability and local voices alive right here at home.
Eugene Weekly Press Club/Alternative Newsweekly Foundation
1251 Lincoln Street
Eugene, OR 97401
541-484-0519
EugeneWeekly.com/pressclub
“I support Eugene Weekly because it keeps this community informed, entertained and occasionally riled up — in all the best ways. We’re the mix of watchdog, storyteller and snark that keeps local news alive, free and fiercely independent. You won’t find that anywhere else.” — Jody Rolnick, EW publisher
Black Thistle Street Aid
1950 Franklin Blvd. #23
Eugene, OR 97403
BlackThistleStreetAid.org
“Sometimes, all you need is someone that cares. Black Thistle Street Aid has those people. Founded in 2020, this nonprofit has impacted the lives of many through their medical outreach programs that provide non-emergent care to the unhoused community.” — Eve Weston, EW reporter
Comunidad y Herencia Cultural
485 Winston Place
Springfield, OR 97477
760-580-2895
NocheCultural.com
“In this time where immigrants are under attack, an organization like Comunidad Herencia y Cultural that celebrates Latinx culture and connects youth with their heritage while also providing health and other aid is more necessary than ever.” — Camilla Mortensen, EW editor
Community Outreach through Radical Empowerment
3003 West 11th Street #277
Eugene, OR 97402
541-870-0036
CoreEugene.com
“CORE Eugene is home to some of the most compassionate, caring people in town. For years they’ve provided resources to at-risk youth, people experiencing homelessness and those in need of harm reduction support.” — Eve Weston, EW reporter
KLCC
136 West 8th Avenue
Eugene OR 97401
541-463-6000
KLCC.org
“KLCC is focused on local news and voices. Supporting KLCC means supporting people like Love Cross, voted Best Local Radio Personality in Eugene Weekly’s Best of and helping local journalists like her keep doing the work that matters for strong, locally owned media. Also, the GM is pretty cool.” — Dave Newman, EW Ad Guy
Radical Alternative Development
268 Madison Street
Eugene, OR 97402
RadEugene.org
“Since 2020, these radical punks have been helping foster a kick-ass community of bands, organizers and youth to keep the Eugene punk scene alive. This year, RAD is looking to get its very own space to continue their mission of helping the youth stay RAD.” — Eve Weston, EW reporter
Maude Kerns Art Center
1910 East 15th Street
Eugene, OR 97403
MKArtCenter.org
“For 75 years, the center has helped residents express their creative side. The old buildings that house the great programs need a lot of serious repairs. The staff that keeps the place running needs remuneration.” — Christian Wihtol, Bricks $ Mortar real estate columnist
Emerald Art Center
500 Main Street
Springfield, OR 97477
EmeraldArtCenter.org
“The Emerald Art Center is a space where member artists can showcase up to three works each month in a rotating gallery. The pieces are displayed on the gallery walls throughout the month, debuting at Springfield’s Second Friday Art Walks. EAC provides a year-round platform for artists to exhibit their work in a professional gallery setting, regardless of experience.” — Kat Tabor, EW writer and copy editor
Hope & Safety Alliance
1577 Pearl Street, 2nd Floor
Eugene, OR 97401
541-485-6513 (crisis line)
HopeSafetyAlliance.org “Hope & Safety Alliance (formerly WomenSpace) provides safety, shelter and support to survivors of domestic violence in Lane County. The organization centers trauma-informed care and safety planning, working to ensure survivors can live free from violence and fear.” — Kat Tabor, EW writer and copy editor
This story has been updated to reflect Springfield’s Art Walk is the second Friday, not the first.
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519