The Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation, a supporting entity of the Oregon Community Foundation, has given more than $225 million in grants and scholarships since it was formed in 1991.
Weston’s friends and associates have noted the milestone for the real estate developer who grew up poor but overcame that with gumption and thrift. Weston then started offering his money to causes like Catholic Charities, which combats homelessness, develops affordable housing, supports low-income families and assists refugees and other migrants.
“Joe achieved considerable wealth. Yet, he doesn’t want it for himself. He gives it away.” said George Passadore, a friend who serves as a trustee and secretary/treasurer for the independent OCF Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation. “Joe’s legacy will live on for many generations to come in the good work supported by the Weston Foundation.”
The latest cycle of funding in 2024 totals nearly $27 million to support the work of nonprofits as diverse as Catholic Charities of Oregon, Camp Fire of the Columbia and the Pongo Fund. A recent grant for $500,000 supported St. Vincent DePaul’s efforts to establish a new store in East Portland.
“Joe Weston has been an incredibly generous benefactor of Catholic Charities and so many other causes,” says Kaleen Deatherage, interim CEO and executive director of Catholic Charities of Oregon. “Joe is a strategic businessman and has really been a set the standard in our community for using wealth with deliberateness and wisdom to help those who are most vulnerable.”
Weston’s contributions helped Catholic Charities build a new office 15 years ago and he also has helped sustain many programs.
He also is a generous supporter of Catholic education.
Sister Krista von Borstel, executive director of CYO/Camp Howard, called Weston’s ongoing commitment to many camp organizations like hers “transformational.”
The Weston Foundation gives annual grants to different camps within the state of Oregon and southwest Washington.
“Joe has been a lead funder on three major building projects at Camp Howard that have enhanced the enjoyment of camp experience for thousands of youth in Oregon and southwest Washington,” says Sister Krista. “His annual substantial support has made camps available for children whose families cannot afford the cost of camp programs.”
Born and raised in northeast Portland, Weston came from humble beginnings, raised by Depression Era parents who instilled in him a strong work ethic and compassion toward others. He purchased his first duplex while a sophomore in high school with money he earned from outside jobs before and after daily classes. He still owns that duplex.
Over the years, Weston Investment Co. LLC has built or purchased apartments, office buildings, strip shopping centers, industrial parks, and commercial real estate projects. He was instrumental in the original development of Portland’s Pearl District.
A nine-member board of trustees governs the foundation and awards grants for charitable purposes to organizations in Oregon and southwest Washington. This year alone, the board distributed almost $27 million plus more than 1,600 scholarships.