BendNEXT Foundation
The Foundation focuses on strengthening the entire workforce continuum.
A nonprofit foundation
Driving community-forward investments in Bend’s future
Initially founded in 1997 as the Leadership Bend Foundation, the organization was expanded and renamed BendNEXT Foundation in 2019.
Today, BendNEXT Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Bend Chamber of Commerce. A 501(c)3 organization, the Foundation focuses on strengthening the entire workforce continuum, including community leadership programs, educational events and local talent development.
BendNEXT also spearheads broad and impactful initiatives based on community-need, such as a multi-year Workforce Housing Initiative, a Childcare Initiative, and leading collaborative community efforts to incorporate effective DEI practices into our Central Oregon workplaces.
The mission
BendNEXT strengthens our businesses, economy, and our community through workforce development and retention, leadership development, and activating partnerships to tackle our region’s most pressing issues.
Foundation programming & initiatives
BendNEXT fuels high-impact programs that strengthen Bend’s business ecosystem.
Bend 101
The Foundation partners with the Chamber several times a year to present residents of Bend with foundational education of the community, creating a catalyst for economic development, growth, and vitality.
Bend Emerging Talent
Bend Emerging Talent facilitates and inspires personal and professional development and networking, with a focus on community. You’ll get to know other career-oriented professionals who are committed to investing in their—and our community’s—future.
Child Care Initiative
The Foundation collaborates with local employers to support working families needing childcare. These efforts include but are not limited to statistical and data analysis and collection, community education, and employer education.
Leadership Bend
This community leadership development program, supported by the Foundation and community partners, is designed to identify, educate, train, and connect willing and committed citizens to leadership roles in our community.
Bend Emerging Talent Passports
This program offers a year-long all-access pass to professional-development events, networking opportunities, mentorship circles and leadership programming for emerging professionals.
Workforce Housing Initiative
A joint endeavor with the Chamber, the Foundation collaborates with initiative stakeholders to create affordable and inclusive housing for the City’s essential workforce.
The Bend Chamber is actively supported by these Signature Investors
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