C4C’s President Adam Koller, Treasurer Jim Barnett, and Executive Director Kellen Klein pose with Jennie Sharp, owner of Starshine and a 2025 Momentum Grant recipient.
C4C has awarded $10,000 to 11 local organizations and projects as part of our sixth annual Momentum Grants program. The initiative is designed to support grassroots efforts aligned with the Sisters Country Vision — a collaborative framework guiding long-term prosperity, resilience, livability, and connectedness for the community.
Interest in C4C’s grants program reached a new high in 2025, with 29 applications submitted — a record-breaking number, and a more than 300% increase over the past two years.
A Selection Committee made up of C4C board members and Vision Implementation Team (VIT) representatives faced tough decisions in narrowing down the field. In addition to evaluating alignment with the Vision, Committee members also considered each project’s potential for long-term impact, collaborative spirit, and efforts to bring new voices into community building.
The final recipients include a wide range of individuals, groups, and partnerships committed to creatively addressing local challenges and community needs. The 2025 Momentum Grant recipients are:
Sisters School District, Sisters Trail Alliance, local churches, and many other community Partners – To help fund the Sisters School District Nature Path, creating an accessible, sustainable, and dynamic outdoor learning environment for local youth and community members.
Commonplace Homeschool Cooperative — To subsidize supplies and participant costs for a monthly Parents Night Out program, offering safe and fun evenings for children while giving caregivers time to relax, recharge, and support local businesses.
Sisters Community Leadership Initiative (SCLI) – For technology upgrades, towing and vehicle disposal, and other resources for their trash collection service supporting dignity and cleanliness around houseless camps in Sisters Ranger District.
Heart of Oregon Corps – To purchase equipment and sponsor youth participation in the YouthBuild Mentoring Program, pairing participants (ages 16–24) with adult mentors and monthly community service opportunities.
Sisters Farmers Market – To support new POP Club kids cooking demonstrations, engaging youth in healthy eating, farmer connections, and hands-on food education.
Sisters Community Garden – To purchase movable raised beds, supporting the Garden’s 2025 relocation while maintaining community access to shared growing space.
Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) – For the purchase and installation of two bike racks at Bike Park 242, improving infrastructure for riders and families using the space.
Forage Wellness Collective – To help sponsor a free weekend couples therapy intensive for Sisters residents, supporting emotional resilience for those affected by caregiving roles, chronic illness, mental health challenges, or military service.
Starshine – For materials and stargazing equipment for a free community “Dark Sky Party” organized in partnership with Sisters Astronomy Club, celebrating Sisters’ new designation as a Dark Sky International City.
Sisters Little League – To purchase and install an AED device at the baseball fields next to Sisters Community Church, enhancing safety for players, families, and spectators.
Living Well With Dementia Sisters — To purchase books and supplies for the newly-constructed Dementia Lending Library, a free resource supporting care partners and community members affected by dementia.
“We continue to be amazed by the diversity and quality of grant proposals we receive,” said Jim Barnett, Treasurer at C4C and a member of the grants Selection Committee. “Receiving 29 applications this year – triple what we saw just two years ago – tells us something powerful about the level of community engagement in Sisters Country. People are stepping up in creative, meaningful ways to make a difference in the community.”
“At the same time, it underscores the need for continued local investment in grassroots ideas,” added Kellen Klein, C4C Executive Director. “Many of these projects run on passion, collaboration, and modest financial support – and they deliver outsized impact. The vast majority of this year’s grantees would benefit from additional funding, not to mention volunteer time and expertise. We’re exploring ways to further elevate the inspiring ideas of all our grant applicants, and encourage community members to reach out to us if they’re interested in supporting these initiatives.”
C4C wishes to extend a hearty congratulations to its 2025 grantees, and its gratitude to both the Selection Committee and all applicants for their commitment to building a stronger community. Our Momentum Grants will re-open in spring 2026.