Special Initiatives
Direct Client
Support Grants
At The Opportunity Alliance, there is a recognition that everyone’s journey to economic stability, recovery, or improved mental health is different. We work diligently across our 45 programs to provide both time-tested and innovative supports and programs. But sometimes, to get through a challenging time, people need just a little bit more. We are grateful for the support of individual donors, local foundation, and the United Way of Greater Portland, whose generosity enables TOA to offer low-barrier assistance to clients in our care for help that cannot be met through another resource or program. These funds are managed by TOA staff and are not available publicly.
The Jen is LOVE Fund
The JEN is LOVE fund was established to honor 17 year old Jennifer Tilton Picardy who passed forward on October 29, 2023. Jen's parents, Will and Jamie, chose The Opportunity Alliance to create such a fund because of the therapy and support they received through the Crisis Aftercare Program. To learn more about Jennifer, please follow this link.
THE JONATHAN DERRAH SCHOLARSHIP
The Derrah Scholarship Fund was created through an endowment to The Opportunity Alliance by the Derrah family in honor of their son Jonathan, and is intended to assist recipients in achieving their higher education goals. Each August, 1-2 recipients will be awarded $2,000 to support tuition and related expenses. Applications related to all types of education are encouraged, whether that is a certification, trade schools, university or college degree, or other.
The Lee Perry Fund
The Lee Perry fund has provided children and youth enrolled in TOA programs with access to extracurricular activities such as afterschool programing, summer camp experiences, and music lessons. To date, the program has helped hundreds of kids learn, play, and stay safe.
THE Dan Reardon Fund
The Dan Reardon Fund benefited TOA youth clients with a focus on providing basic needs: strollers, car seats, warm clothing, and other essential items.
The Michael J. Tarpinian Opportunity Fund
The Michael J. Tarpinian Opportunity Fund honored Mike's thirty-year tenure at the helm of the agency, and was made possible by a generous lead gift from an important philanthropic partner of the agency. The fund’s mission was to help clients of all ages, as well as their families, overcome barriers and maintain the stability they need to pursue their goals. The fund provides TOA clients with basic necessities such as food, transportation, shelter, and other expenses that cannot be addressed by an existing resource or program.