Citizens4Community (C4C) has awarded $15,000 to six community projects as part of its seventh annual Momentum Grants program.
The awards are designed to support impactful grassroots initiatives aligned with the Sisters Country Vision – a collaborative framework guiding long-term well-being for our community.
Interest in the program remained exceptionally strong this year, with 29 applications submitted, tying last year’s record high. In recognition of this continued demand and innovative community spirit, C4C increased the total award amount by $5,000 for the 2026 grants program.
A Selection Committee made up of C4C board members and Sisters Country Vision Implementation Team (VIT) representatives reviewed project proposals spanning youth development, arts and culture, food security, wildfire resilience, historic preservation, entrepreneurship, senior services, animal welfare, educational innovation, and more. In addition to alignment with the Vision, Committee members considered each project’s potential for lasting impact, collaborative spirit, and inclusion of new community voices.
C4C’s 2026 Momentum Grant recipients are:
Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District’s Steven Lord and Jeff Puller celebrate their Momentum Grant with C4C Executive Director Kellen Klein.
Outlaw Strings – To support the transition of the Outlaw Strings fiddling club into a sustainable, community-based music and lessons program. Grant funds will support startup costs including scholarships, instrument purchases, outreach, and program infrastructure.
Little Radical Film Shop – To partner with Sisters Elementary School on a library-based checkout program of screen-free digital cameras, providing students with an accessible and creative introduction to photography and visual storytelling.
Sisters School District (IGNITE Program) – To help establish a sustainable model for the IGNITE program, supporting internships, mentorships, entrepreneurial projects, and community-based learning opportunities for students while ensuring alignment with Oregon academic standards.
High Desert Food and Farm Alliance – To sustain and expand the VeggieRx program in Sisters following the loss of federal funding, providing fresh locally sourced produce, nutrition education, and healthy recipe resources to residents experiencing food insecurity and diet-related health challenges.
Camp Polk Pioneer Cemetery Preservation Committee – To improve security and stewardship at the Camp Polk Pioneer Cemetery through the installation of surveillance cameras and related infrastructure, aimed at reducing vandalism and preserving this local historic site.
Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District’s Community Risk Reduction Program – In partnership with Sisters Fire Corps, to improve defensible space around the Sisters and Camp Sherman Post Offices, reducing wildfire risk to critical infrastructure while educating patrons about community resilience best practices.
“This grant will make an immediate and lasting impact on the Sisters community,” said Steven Lord, Community Risk Specialist with the Fire District. “Not only will we be protecting one of Sisters’ most frequented buildings, but also demonstrating how we can all work together to make our community more prepared for wildfire. We’re grateful to C4C for investing in this project!”
“This is such an inspiring program,” said Kellen Klein, Executive Director of C4C. “The Selection Committee really had their work cut out for them choosing amongst such a thoughtful and diverse range of proposals.”
““We’re grateful to every applicant for sharing their creativity and passion with us, and we’re committed to finding additional ways to help residents of Sisters Country bring their community building ideas to life.””
C4C extends its congratulations to the 2026 Momentum Grantees, and its appreciation to all applicants, Selection Committee members, and community partners working to build a better Sisters Country for all. Learn more about the Momentum Grants at citizens4community.com/grants, and about the Sisters Country Vision at sistersvision.org.
Contact information:
Kellen Klein | Executive Director, Citizens4Community (C4C)
425-260-8411 (c) | 541-203-0527 (o) | director@citizens4community.com