Founded in 2007, Oregon Youth Sailing Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that establishes programs and makes grants for the support of youth dinghy sailing in Oregon. OYSF succeeds by accomplishing its mission to “get more Oregon youth sailing” from all walks of life.
OYSF aims to keep sailing alive and active in Oregon by making it accessible to young people, with a focus on those who otherwise would not have the opportunity to be on the water. The programs we support connect youth to the joy of sailing and the life skills and confidence it helps build.
As of 2023, OYSF has raised over $700,000 and funded boats, sails, facilities, equipment, travel and free community sailing programs throughout Oregon for the African Youth Community Organization, Blueprint Foundation, Camp ELSO, Center for African Immigrants and Refugees, Coalition of Black Men, Columbia Gorge Racing Association, Fulbright Program, Girls, Inc., Gorge Junior Sailing, Gorge Sailing Team, Eugene Yacht Club, Imagine Possibilities, iUrban Teen, Lewis & Clark College, Metropolitan Family Services, Neighborhood House, Oregon Boating Foundation, Oregon Corinthian Sailing Association, Oregon Maritime Museum, Oregon State University, Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center & Rosemary Anderson High School, Portland State University, RiversWest Small Craft Center, Sail2Change, Sea Scouts, Self Enhancement, Inc., Ukrainian Foundation, University of Oregon, Willamette Sailing Club, Wind & Oar Boat School, Yaquina Bay Yacht Club, and more…
OYSF’s current major projects include:
• Community Sailing Program provides free sail and job training to teens in the PDX area with limited river access
• Sustainable Sailing Campaign for fleet replacement throughout Oregon
• Collegiate Sailing Fund sustains college sailing in Oregon by supporting coaching and program costs
• Equipment Fund accepts cash and in-kind donations to provide equipment for youth sailing programs