HERMISTON — The Greater Hermiston Community Foundation has surpassed the $1 million milestone in its first five years of fundraising thanks to donations from individuals and families across the Oregon Columbia Basin.

The GHCF endowment was created as a sustaining “forever” fund for projects in Hermiston, Umatilla, Stanfield, Echo and Irrigon, enabling people to donate toward long-term projects that enhance communities.

“When you give to an endowment fund, that money is invested for perpetual benefit,” said Greg Harris, GHCF Board of Directors chair. “This means that only the earnings from the investment of your contributions will be available for grants. Your gift becomes a lasting contribution that forever impacts communities.”

GHCF is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity, and there is a range of giving options including outright gifts, bequests, charitable planning and more.

“The generosity of this community is astounding and we’re grateful for the investment people have made,” said Dennis Barnett, GHCF treasurer. “A million dollars is a significant milestone, but we truly see it as a starting point. We want this to be a legacy in our community for generations to come.”

GHCF is participating in the “Raise Up Umatilla County” fundraising campaign with the opportunity to multiply local donations through matching funds. Local donations to the GHCF are eligible for a 50% match through the Blue Mountain Community Foundation, and an anonymous local donor has committed to matching an additional 50% of Raise Up campaign donations, creating an overall 1.25-to-1 match on all contributions. This campaign is available through the end of 2024.

While the endowment fund is being created for long-term projects, GHCF has already given $20,000 to local projects such as the Hermiston Oregon Sportsplex at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center in Hermiston and the electronic reader board in Echo.

Go to the foundation’s website for more information. Information on the Raise Up Umatilla County campaign is also online.