Explore opportunities below for supporting these engaging programs at SOU, each in their own way helping to vision and manifest a better and more sustainable future.

THE FARM — A CENTER FOR SUSTAINABILITY

The Farm, a student-led center for sustainability at Southern Oregon University, produces healthy, sustainably harvested, organic food for SOU and the Southern Oregon community. It is a hub for education, student and faculty research, and community outreach to the Rogue Valley and beyond. Projects on The Farm inspire a generation of ecologically-committed leaders who promote a vision of living and working sustainably in community and on the land.

THE INSTITUTE FOR APPLIED SUSTAINABILITY

Established in 2022 in partnership with Lithia and GreenCars, this future-focued institute is anchored by four distinguished faculty members and two administrators, with a mission to identify and implement initiatives that move the university toward a sustainable campus. Institute members will collaborate with executives from Lithia and GreenCars to develop projects and programs, such as the creation of a national sustainability conference, an academic credential in corporate sustainability and a national sustainability demonstration site.

THE INDIGENOUS GARDENS NETWORK

The Indigenous Gardens Network is a hub for Indigenous-led land projects centering on food sovereignty, land stewardship, educational opportunities and habitat restoration. The purpose of the network is to provide accessibility to land and “first foods” for tribal communities. First foods are plant and animal species that Native Americans traditionally relied upon for subsistence, medicine, and ceremonial uses. The network consists of a tribal steering committee and working groups with citizens of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Their Indigenous knowledge and expertise of cultivation, harvesting, and stewardship inform and direct each project that the network takes on.

THE CREATIVITY CONFERENCE at SOU

This internationally renowned conference at SOU has something for everyone, providing a wealth of information for those who study the science of creativity, seek to leverage research on creative thinking, or simply consider themselves to be creative. In addition to being a great opportunity for individuals to make a philanthropic impact in support of cutting-edge research, this high-profile annual event is a great opportunity for impactful corporate sponsorships.

THE DEMOCRACY PROJECT

The Democracy Project at SOU is a comprehensive examination of democracy in the US and around the world in the twenty-first century. This project involves Southern Oregon University Honors College Scholars, other interested students, faculty, staff, and community members. Some of the issues to be studied include the history and evolution of democracy, sovereignty, nationalism, citizenship, patriotism, imperialism, freedom, security, environment and sustainability, and equity and justice.

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