Program Areas
A rooted, prosperous community is a wealthy community.
Wealth is our capacity to experience life, not hoard money. We have grounded this understanding in our program areas.
PLACE
Investments that create and preserve homes, structures and infrastructure.
Physical permanence is essential for growing prosperous life. We cannot take root if we are always economically vulnerable and forced to move.
We’re starting the first phase of our work in Albina to ground us in the historic heart of Black life in Portland.
1931 — An aerial view of Albina, before our community was razed for the Memorial Coliseum, I-5, Legacy Emanuel Hospital and the Fremont Bridge. (Portland City Auditor: Archives & Records Management)
Culture
Investments that celebrate and enrich Portland’s vibrant Black culture.
Art and culture are essential to how Black folks have expressed ourselves, documented our history and claimed our place as the lifeblood of America.
Investing in opportunities to nurture and celebrate creativity is critical for sustaining that communal practice.
1955 — Members of the Urban League of Portland show off their prize winning hats at the Mad Hatter's Ball. (Oregon Digital: Unique Cultural Heritage Collections)
Education
Investments in our youth and the communities that surround them.
There can be no rooted, prosperous life for Black folks without a concerted investment in the education and wellbeing of our youth. Because children are our future. And learning is the engine of life.
1973 — Children sharing stories at the Albina Library Folklore Festival. (Multnomah County Library)
The work at 1803 Fund is deeply personal and collaborative. Our team understands that and reflects the authenticity of our mission.
THE 1803 FUND TEAM
