Oregon Humane Wins Major Grant to Add Electric Vehicles
PORTLAND, OR – Oregon Humane will add electric vehicles to its outreach fleet after receiving a $332,460 grant from Portland General Electric’s Drive Change Fund.
The nonprofit will use the funding to purchase two electric vans, two electric passenger vehicles and two dual charging stations for its Portland and Salem campuses. The new vehicles are scheduled to take to the road by early 2027.
Oregon Humane vehicles log more than 23,000 miles each year hosting events, delivering supplies to partners, providing veterinary social work and clinic care, and presenting humane education programs in schools.
“Putting compassion into action extends beyond our shelter walls,” said Frank So, chief executive officer of Oregon Humane. “This generous grant from PGE will allow us to transform how we deliver community services — making our operations more efficient, equitable, and environmentally sustainable.”
So called the grant an “incredible investment” that will allow the organization to model environmental stewardship for the animal welfare community.
Animal welfare operations require substantial energy to heat and light facilities and deliver mobile community services. Because Oregon Humane relies entirely on donations, the organization regularly seeks ways to cut operational costs and reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining care for pets and families.
PGE’s Drive Change Fund is financed through the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Fuels Program. The fund supports projects that expand electric mobility, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and prioritize services for vulnerable populations and underserved communities.
“Cleaner transportation isn’t just good for people, it’s good for our furry friends, too,” said Elyssia Lawrence, senior manager of PGE Customer Programs. “The Drive Change Fund is about investing in solutions that create lasting benefits for all Oregonians, including the animals we love.”