In October 2025, the Foundation participated in the APRIL (Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living) Conference, engaging with peers and partners around shared values and reintroducing the Foundation to the disability landscape so we can better understand the growing needs of those we serve.

Building Roots, Expanding Reach, and Inspiring Independence
Since our last update in February, the Blanche Fischer Foundation (BFF) has continued to grow—steadily, purposefully, and with renewed light. What began as a year of rebuilding our internal foundation has blossomed into a season of connection, clarity, and reawakened purpose.

Strengthening the Foundation
This fall marks a defining chapter in BFF’s story—the successful completion of a long-term lease for the Foundation’s Cedar Creek Quarry property. This milestone secures not only a stable and sustainable source of revenue for years to come but also a deeper sense of rootedness—an anchor from which new branches of service can grow.

We’ve also reimagined and relaunched our Individual Giving Program, ensuring that Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities can access direct support with ease and dignity. With clear eligibility criteria, accessible applications, and simple instructions, the process now reflects our belief that help should be as empowering as the people who seek it.

BFF was also proud to sponsor a statewide Limb Loss Awareness event, a reflection of our ongoing commitment to visibility, connection, and community within Oregon’s diverse disability network.

Reestablishing Our Place in Oregon’s Disability Fabric
The latter half of 2025 has been about rekindling relationships and rediscovering our place within Oregon’s statewide and national disability fabric. Like threads rejoining a larger tapestry, BFF has reconnected with Oregon’s Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and reengaged with national partners through APRIL (the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living), an organization that champions disability access and inclusion across the country.

Closer to home, we’ve renewed connections with leaders from the Disability Awareness Resource Team (DART), Oregon Spinal Cord Injury Connection, and Independent Living Resources, and joyfully reestablished ties with Kirt Toombs, Executive Director of the Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living (EOCIL) and a former BFF board member. These partnerships strengthen the living network of our mission—where listening leads to understanding, and understanding leads to change.

Through these conversations, we’ve also heard growing concerns from small nonprofits whose voices are at risk of being silenced by shifts in state and federal funding priorities. The Foundation is now exploring how to help these organizations build sustainable capacity—so their impact can continue to shine brightly in communities across Oregon.

Looking Ahead
With our roots deepening and our reach expanding, BFF now turns its gaze toward the horizon. In 2026, we will launch the Independence Fund for Oregonians—a bold, visionary effort to grow our endowment to $10 million by 2030. This fund will ensure that Blanche Fischer’s legacy of independence and inclusion continues to thrive, empowering generations to come.

​“This year has been about listening, rebuilding trust, and showing up across Oregon to better understand the evolving needs of people with permanent physical disabilities. From reconnecting with partners like ILR, DART, EOCIL, and the Oregon Spinal Cord Injury Connection to hearing how funding shifts are impacting small nonprofits, the Foundation is rediscovering its purpose through the people we serve.

As we prepare to launch the Independence Fund for Oregonians, my hope is that we continue to grow not just in resources, but in relationships and compassion—building a future where every Oregonian has the support to live with dignity, access, and independence.”
— Kelsey Heinonen, Board President

​As 2025 draws to a close, our hearts are filled with gratitude—for our board, partners, and every individual who believes in this mission. Together, we’re not only strengthening a foundation; we’re cultivating a movement of empowerment, access, and opportunity for every Oregonian with a permanent physical disability.

Each November 7th, we pause to celebrate our founder, Blanche Fischer, whose vision still blooms within every act of independence and inclusion we support. This year, we are honoring her with yellow silk roses at her place of rest—a gesture of gratitude and remembrance for the optimism and grace that continue to light BFF’s path.

Stay Connected
Follow the Blanche Fischer Foundation on Facebook and Instagram for updates, stories, and announcements as we prepare to launch the Independence Fund for Oregonians in 2026.

​We are thrilled to announce that the Blanche Fischer Foundation’s grant programs will be returning stronger than ever, reflecting our commitment to empowering Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities. Over the past year, we’ve been hard at work refining our giving programs while enhancing the management of our operations and financial resources to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.
We understand that the temporary pause in our giving programs has been challenging for many, and it’s been difficult for us too. Hearing from individuals and organizations in need while being unable to offer immediate support has only strengthened our resolve to improve our processes and impact. We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding during this time of transition.

Our Commitment to Sustainability and Growth
In addition to refining our grant programs, we’ve been focused on improving the management of the Foundation’s assets. This effort ensures that the resources supporting our giving and operations are used as effectively as possible.
Looking ahead, the Blanche Fischer Foundation is working toward an ambitious goal: growing our financial portfolio to $10 million by 2030. This growth will allow us to expand our impact and increase giving statewide, enabling us to reach more Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities and empower them to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Individual Grant Program Enhancements
We are excited to announce that our Individual Grant Program will resume on April 1, 2025. Key updates to the program include:

• Advocacy and Support Verification:
  Individual applicants are required to work with an advocate, such as a caseworker, rehabilitation counselor, support worker, or family member. Advocates will help ensure the application accurately reflects the applicant’s needs and goals by providing a signed verification statement.
• Demonstration of Engagement:
  Applicants are also required to demonstrate active efforts to improve their independence and quality of life. Examples include participation in rehabilitation, education, employment, volunteer opportunities, or support programs. This requirement highlights our belief in the strength and determination of the people we support.
• Expanded Application Guidance:
  We’ve updated our FAQs and resources to help applicants navigate the process more easily and confidently.
  Our Individual Grant Program offers up to $1,500 in funding (every three years) for essential needs such as assistive devices, accessibility modifications, medical equipment, and more. Applications will be accepted year-round starting April 1, 2025. Updated application forms and guidelines will be available on our website that same day.
• Renewed Organizational Giving Program
  Our Organizational Giving Program supports small nonprofit organizations serving Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities. We are especially focused on groups with annual budgets under $300,000 that are leading advocacy and outreach efforts to advance independence, accessibility, and inclusion.
  If your organization is doing this work, we encourage you to connect with us to learn more. For more information, please reach out to [email protected].

​Our Vision for the Future
These updates reflect the heart of the Blanche Fischer Foundation’s mission: supporting independence, improving quality of life, and fostering empowerment. By strengthening our financial stewardship and setting ambitious goals for growth, we aim to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]
Thank you for your patience and support during this time of growth and renewal. We are honored to resume our mission of serving Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities and look forward to partnering with you to build a more inclusive and empowered community.