Search our million dollar ideas

← Million Dollar Ideas

Conversion of Abandoned Churches to Community Centers

Through Portland, there are many churches that are unused and deteriorating. Some are targets for graffiti and crime. With some support and creative planning, these could be converted into vibrant, multi-use community resources. Services on the weekends, child-enrichment centers during the day, places for community/neighborhood meetings, tool lending, etc.

$1M could be used to in part as direct funding and in part as a loan guarantee to restore these buildings and turn them in to what they were 50-75 years ago, stable pillars of the community.

1 vote
Vote 0 votes Vote Vote
Vote
Sign in
Check!
(thinking…)
Reset
or sign in with
  • facebook
  • google
    Password icon
    Forgot password?
    Create a password
    I agree to the terms of service

    You'll receive a confirmation email with a link to create a password (optional).

    Signed in as (Sign out)
    Close
    Close
    (thinking…)
    anonymousanonymous shared this idea  ·   ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →

    0 comments

    Sign in
    Check!
    (thinking…)
    Reset
    or sign in with
    • facebook
    • google
      Password icon
      Forgot password?
      Create a password
      I agree to the terms of service

      You'll receive a confirmation email with a link to create a password (optional).

      Signed in as (Sign out)
      Close
      Close
      Submitting...

      Million Dollar Ideas: Community Building

      Knowledge Base and Helpdesk

      (thinking…)
      Reset

      Guidelines for Posting Ideas

      Oregon was once known as a place where new, creative thinking flourished and people weren’t afraid to face hard truths and take bold steps. But lately Oregon conversations are full of pessimism and cynicism. We all know Oregon is in a world of hurt. We’ve grown accustomed to hearing what’s wrong here.

      Meyer Memorial Trust wants to help change the tone of the conversations and jumpstart action that again makes our state a place where ideas begin and grow. But we need your help. Tell us what you think is the most pressing issue facing Oregon that an investment of up to $1 million from MMT could provide meaningful support and leverage over the next two years. Give us your best ideas about the form that support and leverage might take.

      This is not a time for faint hearted suggestions. We're looking for bold and innovative approaches. And while the nonprofit sector is proving itself to be resilient, innovative and inspired in these times, we need to move beyond categorical thinking and invite all sectors to work together to address the issues we face before it's too late. This is not the place for an organization to make a pitch for funds on its own behalf. We’re looking for ideas that rise above individual organizations and constituencies.

      Asking for public input in this kind of forum is new for us. Frankly, we don’t quite know what to expect. But we have faith that Oregonians will take this process seriously and contribute their best thinking. We believe Oregonians are ready to reengage and stay engaged and work together to find solutions. But awarding the million dollars depends on the quality of ideas—if we don’t have sufficient participation or we don’t find a good match with MMT’s mission and values, we reserve the right to find another route to helping create a better future for Oregon.

      We are confident Oregonians won’t let us down. We expect lively—but civil—discussions. We desire innovative, entrepreneurial ideas…the kind Fred Meyer might have had.

      Thank you for jumpstarting a better future for Oregon by submitting your million dollar idea below and/or commenting on ideas already suggested.