The Kuni Foundation announced Tuesday $1.3 million in funding for Oregon and Washington programs that advance cancer research and serve people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The 23 initiatives receiving funding through the charitable foundation’s Imagination Grants Program include four in Vancouver: Autism Empowerment, CDM Caregiving Services, Stephen’s Place and the future all-inclusive Harper’s Playground at Marshall Park.
According to a news release, the foundation’s board more than doubled the original program budget due to the critical need for funding during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As funding contracts or disappears we doubled down on our commitment to cancer research and our support of individuals who experience (intellectual and developmental disabilities),” Greg Goodwin, Kuni Foundation board chair, said in the release. “We can’t risk losing a generation of cancer researchers as a result of funding constraints. And, as the pandemic continues to reveal and perpetuate the marginalization of our most underserved communities, individuals who experience (intellectual and developmental disabilities) face persistent, increasing challenges.”
