About » Supporters

Supporters

Our work is made possible by generous contributions from foundations, other organizations, local businesses, and individuals—and you.

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Foundations

BEST has been supported by the following foundations and grants:

  • American Public Transportation Association: In 2023, a grant to support our “Better Streets for People and Businesses” outreach campaign. In 2013—2014, a grant to support holding a series of community conversations around the importance of transit. Read our community conversations report.
  • Better Blok Foundation, sponsored by Spin: In 2021, a grant to support a PARK(ing) Day installation.
  • Climate Solutions: In 2020 and 2021, a grant to support our work on clean and just transportation.
  • Evergreen Hill Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation: From 2016 through 2021, general support and support for efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from climate change.
  • Jane Higdon Fund for Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety: Since 2016, ongoing support of our efforts towards safe streets. Learn more about the Fund.
  • Meyer Memorial Trust: In 2014–2015, a grant to support developing our first ever strategic plan.
  • Noble and Lorraine Hancock Family Fund: In 2016, a grant to support bicycle safety.

Other Organizations

Over the years, BEST has received support from other organizations, including these:

  • Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Greater Eugene Areas Riders (GEARs)
  • League of Women Voters of Lane County
  • ShelterCare
  • Technology Association of Oregon

Local Businesses

BEST is supported by local businesses, including these:

  • Cameron McCarthy Landscape Architecture & Planning
  • PIVOT Architecture

Names of other businesses withheld pending permission to publish.

Individuals

BEST is supported by our own board members and other individuals, including these:

  • Steve Abbott, Eugene Active Transportation Committee past member
  • John Allcott, MD, BEST past advisor, 1000 Friends of Oregon director, Applegate East (medical office)
    “I support building up, not out, for compact and cooler cities by reducing VMT (vehicle miles traveled) to work or shop.”
  • Phil Barnhart
    “BEST is the premiere organization supporting modernizing transportation in Oregon.”
  • Jon Belcher, BEST advisor
  • Alexis Biddle, BEST past president
    “BEST brings together a diverse interests to build a more sustainable and equitable transportation system.”
  • Julie Daniel, BEST advisor
  • Michael & Victoria DeLuise, BEST director
    “I support the BEST mission.”
  • Mike Eyster, BEST vice-president
  • Karmen Fore, BEST past advisor
  • Thomas Foster, Strapworks LLC owner
    “Common sense solutions to community transportation/safety issues.”
  • David (& Duane) Funk, BEST advisor, Eugene Sustainability Commission past member, Eugene business owner
    “Accessible transportation and safe streets are keys to a healthy community.”
  • Eric Gunderson, BEST past president, retired architect
    “BEST advocates for transportation solutions that are equitable, diverse, and which shape healthy communities.”
  • Allen Hancock
    “I support BEST because it helps our community become safer, healthier, and more self-sufficient by advocating for active transportation.”
  • Richard Hughes, BEST past advisor
  • Andrew Kalloch, City Club of Eugene president-elect
    “I admire BEST’s community-first approach to making our communities safer, more equitable, and more vibrant, and thank them for their advocacy!”
  • Kessler Burke Family Fund
  • Meg Kester, Public Transportation Professional
    “BEST is a gift to Eugene-Springfield and Lane County! Made up of an engaged and diverse network of organizations and individuals, the region benefits greatly through forward-thinking transportation projects, advocacy and partnerships.”
  • Kaarin Knudson, BEST advisor
  • Joshua Kubu
    “Moving away from a car-based transportation system is going to be a massive challenge, and so it’s important to have organizations that can help Eugene be a leader, and make our city the best version of itself for every resident.”
  • Sarah Mazze (& Steve Korin), BEST advisor
  • Robert Melnick
  • Marianne Nolte, BEST president
  • Terry Parker, BEST advisor
    “Grassroots organizations make important contribution to civic engagement on any number of topics. BEST has matured as a non-profit focusing on public transportation systems that include riding, walking and biking, making streets safer and transitioning to a more climate friendly future.”
  • Bob Passaro , BEST secretary
    “I appreciate BEST’s advocacy to make our streets safer for people of all ages and different modes of transport. Thank you.”
  • Gary Rayor
    “Bicycles are the future.”
  • Dave Reuter & Janel Erickson
    “BEST promotes the biking lifestyle in Eugene. Not just riding for fun, but riding for work, errands, transportation and shopping. This fits with how we view the importance of biking — for health, the environment and our budget.”
  • Samantha Roberts, BEST advisor, Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Brett Rowlett, BEST advisor, Lane Community College
  • Joshua Skov, BEST past president
  • Jean Tate, BEST past advisor
    “To enable safe bike riding and walking. To cut back on auto emissions.”
  • Laurie Trieger, Lane County Commissioner
  • Jim Weston
    “In loving memory of Sally Weston.”
  • Sue Wolling, BEST advisor
    “Eugene needs to reduce fossil fuel consumption. BEST helps ensure that residents have good alternatives to driving, and are motivated to use those alternatives whenever possible.”
  • Warren Wong
    “Thanks for all the great work you’re doing.”
  • Rob Zako, BEST executive director

Names of other individuals withheld pending permission to publish.

Government Agencies

In general, BEST does not receive funding from government agencies we are working to influence. Nonetheless, we sometimes partner with government agencies to help engage the public around transportation issues.

In 2019–2020 BEST received $40,000 from Lane County in order for Better Housing Together, which at the time was a project of BEST, to develop a Housing Action Plan. Learn more.