The Oregon Cares Fund

In July 2020, the Oregon Legislature passed The Oregon Cares Fund, directing $62 million in COVID-relief funds to Black Oregonians. Gard helped Oregon’s Black leaders and nonprofit The Contingent launch, publicize and defend the fund. Our strategy began with a deep dive into the economic research and media landscape, plus writing and interview prep. It paid off with nearly 200 media clips secured, including more than 60 in the national press and a front-page story in the New York Times. We also secured op-eds defending the fund and several news articles highlighting fund recipients across the state. In the end, Gard helped TOCF continue providing all of the designated COVID-relief funds to Black Oregonians and presented the fund in a positive light even in the face of legal challenges.