The Visitor Development Fund concentrates its giving on supporting conventions, meetings, and major visitor events—particularly efforts that bring conferences, sports events, and tourism to Portland. Most grants underwrite conference incentives, meeting support, event sponsorships, and attendee scholarships, signaling a focus on driving visitor traffic and economic impact through hosted events. The foundation’s portfolio is dominated by one large convention-support recipient but also includes targeted event and scholarship sponsors.
Visitor Development Fund Inc’s recent grantmaking is built around one large convention-and-meetings relationship and a smaller set of event-related awards that support visitor traffic. The biggest recent grant, $2,652,281 to Merc in Portland for support for conventions and meetings, shows the scale of that commitment. In the same pattern, the foundation made a $716,888 grant to the same Portland recipient in 2023 for the same purpose, suggesting an ongoing event-support role rather than isolated sponsorships. Beyond that anchor, the funder backs meeting-related scholarships, symposium hosting, and major visitor events. Recent awards include support for conference attendees, a closing reception, and a host fee tied to a professional association symposium. It also funded a marathon in Portland and an invitational tournament, which fits a portfolio centered on bringing people into the city for conferences, sports, and tourism-related activity. The grant list points to a foundation that funds event-specific projects, often with restricted purposes tied to operations, hospitality, or participation costs. Its giving is practical and transactional, aimed at making particular conventions and visitor events happen.
Convention and meeting support is the core theme in the current grant record. Visitor Development Fund Inc gave $2,652,281 to Merc for support for conventions and meetings, and also awarded $11,352 to Emerald X Inc for the same purpose. Meeting-related participant support appears as a separate thread. The foundation gave $78,500 to Tesol International Association for scholarships for national and international attendees and sponsorship of a closing reception, linking travel or attendance aid with event hospitality. Event-hosting and tourism-oriented sponsorships are also present. A $75,000 grant to Sports Events & Tourism Association covered a symposium sponsorship and 2024 host fee, while $25,000 to Brooksee LLC supported the Portland Marathon. A $75,000 grant to Rip City Mgmt LLC backed the PK85 Phil Knight Invitational, showing attention to visitor-producing sports events as well as professional gatherings.
Typical grant size is $11,352 at the 25th percentile, $75,000 at the median, and $78,500 at the 75th percentile, with one much larger convention-support award at the top of the list. The grant record also shows repetition: Merc received major support in both 2023 and 2024 for the same purpose, which points to recurring event support rather than a one-time award. The foundation funds organizations rather than individuals, and it does not make program-related investments. The pattern is best described as restricted, project-based grantmaking tied to specific conventions, meetings, and events.
$3M
$9M
$3.9M
$3.2M
Most grants fall between $11K and $79K, with a median of $75K.
25th Percentile
$11K
Median
$75K
75th Percentile
$79K
ALEX DAWES
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Highly concentrated: one very large grantee (MERC) receives the majority of dollars across repeated payments, while the remainder are modest, single-year event or sponsorship grants. Funding is tactical and event-driven rather than broad program investing.
Notable grantees: MERC (convention and meeting support), TESOL International Association (conference scholarships and reception sponsorship), Sports Events & Tourism Association (host fee/symposium sponsorship), Rip City Mgmt LLC (sports event/Phil Knight Invitational), Brooksee LLC / Emerald X Inc (portland marathon and convention support)
Grants are national, but they cluster heavily in Oregon. Portland recipients appear multiple times, including Merc, Rip City Mgmt LLC, and other convention-support awards. Outside Oregon, the list reaches Alexandria, Virginia; Cincinnati, Ohio; Pleasant Grove, Utah; San Juan Capistrano, California; Washington, D.C.; and Manhattan, Kansas. The recipient country distribution is entirely U.S.-based, with 9 grants going to U.S. organizations.
The grant record centers on conventions, meetings, and visitor events. Recent awards covered support for conventions and meetings, scholarships for attendees, a closing reception, symposium sponsorship and host fees, a marathon, and a sports invitational.
Yes. Merc received $716,888 in 2023 and $2,652,281 in 2024, both for support for conventions and meetings. That repeated funding suggests an ongoing relationship around the same event-support purpose.
The typical grant sits at $11,352 at the 25th percentile, $75,000 at the median, and $78,500 at the 75th percentile. The recent list also includes one much larger award to Merc for conventions and meetings.
The foundation gives most often in Kansas by grant count, while 33% of its grants go to recipients in Oregon. Recent recipients also appear in Virginia, Ohio, Utah, California, Washington, D.C., and Kansas.
Recipients include event organizers, professional associations, convention-related companies, and sports-event hosts. Named recent grantees include Tesol International Association, Sports Events & Tourism Association, Rip City Mgmt LLC, Brooksee LLC, Emerald X Inc, International Citycounty Mgmt Assn, and Nacada the Global Community for Academic.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERC | PORTLAND, OR | $1,316,935 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION | WASHINGTON, DC | $300,000 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| COALITION 375 LLC | MARINA DEL REY, CA | $150,000 | 2026 | ROCKSTAR ENERGY OPEN '25 PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM |
| EMC STRATEGIES | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $139,000 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| NATIONAL COALITION OF BLACK MEETING PROFESSIONALS INC | ALEXANDRIA, VA | $118,000 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| BASIS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES INC | CHICAGO, IL | $99,300 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| NIKE INC | BEAVERTON, OR | $38,610 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| A2Z PORTLAND LLC | PORTLAND, OR | $31,250 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| SPORTS EVENTS AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION | CINCINNATI, OH | $25,000 | 2026 | FINAL HOSTING SPONSORSHIP PMT |
| TOPAZ FARM | PORTLAND, OR | $22,574 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| ADIDAS AMERICA INC | PORTLAND, OR | $22,075 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| VIVA EVENTS LLC | PORTLAND, OR | $21,998 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| SOCIETY FOR OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA AND PERINATOLOGY | LEXINGTON, KY | $20,000 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $20,000 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | CHICAGO, IL | $20,000 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| ZECO DEVELOPMENT GROUP LLC DBA RIVER PIG | PORTLAND, OR | $19,450 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| HYATT REGENCY PORTLAND AT THE OREGON CONVENTION CENTER | PORTLAND, OR | $18,830 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME | LANDOVER, MD | $18,300 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| OREGON FBLA | OWASSO, OK | $17,220 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| ASSOCIATION OF RESEARCH LIBRARIES | WASHINGTON, DC | $17,160 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| ASSOC FOR CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $16,540 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| AMERICAN SOCIETY OF APPRAISERS | HERNDON, VA | $16,360 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| WESTERN ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY PERSONNEL | FONTANA, CA | $16,160 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| RPS EVENTS INC | PORTLAND, OR | $15,960 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| EQUALITY FEDERATION INSTITUTE | PORTLAND, OR | $13,640 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| PEAK LOAD MANAGEMENT ALLIANCE INC | PLAINFIELD, IN | $13,420 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| SIDE YARD FARM & KITCHEN | PORTLAND, OR | $13,310 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT LLC | STAMFORD, CT | $12,990 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| PREMIER PRESS | PORTLAND, OR | $12,848 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| AUTODESK INC | SAN FRANCISCO, CA | $12,630 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| MISCHIEF MANAGEMENT LLC | NEW YORK, NY | $12,500 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| 8 SECOND RODEO VIA PLAYERS PHILANTHROPY FUND | TOWSON, MD | $12,500 | 2026 | VISITOR DEVELOPMENT FUND LEISURE GRANT |
| DRUPALCON INC | PORTLAND, OR | $11,519 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| KIPKAT CORP DBA GRAYLING | PORTLAND, OR | $11,370 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| NORTH AMERICAN ASSOC FOR ENVIRONMENTAL | WASHINGTON, DC | $10,440 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| INTERNATIONAL VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE SOCIETY INC | PORTLAND, TX | $10,140 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| IGLESIA DEL DIOS VIVO COLUMNA | SEATTLE, WA | $10,000 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| INSPIRE EVENTS LLC | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $10,000 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| KNOT SPRINGS HOLDINGS COMPANY INC | PORTLAND, OR | $9,906 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| POTATO ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA | LIVONIA, MI | $9,440 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| ASSOCIATION FOR LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE EDUCATION | WESTFORD, MA | $9,400 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| THE WESTERN PROVINCE OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI | POMONA, OR | $9,400 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| TEKTRONIX INC | BEAVERTON, OR | $9,165 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSE FUND | COTATI, CA | $9,000 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| MAST VACATION PARTNERS INC | OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL | $8,690 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| OREGON HEALTH AND SCIENCE UNIVERSITY | PORTLAND, OR | $8,660 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH USA FOUNDATION | JEFFERSONVILLE, IN | $8,180 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| LATINOS IN TRANSIT | COVINA, CA | $7,940 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| DISTRIBUTIVE EDUCATIONS CLUBS OF AMERICA | OWASSO, OK | $7,890 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
| AMERICAN MENSA LTD | HURST, TX | $7,650 | 2026 | SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS |
MERC
$1,316,935SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
$300,000SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
COALITION 375 LLC
$150,000ROCKSTAR ENERGY OPEN '25 PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
EMC STRATEGIES
$139,000SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
NATIONAL COALITION OF BLACK MEETING PROFESSIONALS INC
$118,000SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
BASIS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES INC
$99,300SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
NIKE INC
$38,610SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
A2Z PORTLAND LLC
$31,250SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
SPORTS EVENTS AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION
$25,000FINAL HOSTING SPONSORSHIP PMT
TOPAZ FARM
$22,574SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
ADIDAS AMERICA INC
$22,075SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
VIVA EVENTS LLC
$21,998SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
SOCIETY FOR OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIA AND PERINATOLOGY
$20,000SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS
$20,000SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
$20,000SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
ZECO DEVELOPMENT GROUP LLC DBA RIVER PIG
$19,450SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
HYATT REGENCY PORTLAND AT THE OREGON CONVENTION CENTER
$18,830SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME
$18,300SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
OREGON FBLA
$17,220SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
ASSOCIATION OF RESEARCH LIBRARIES
$17,160SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
ASSOC FOR CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION
$16,540SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF APPRAISERS
$16,360SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
WESTERN ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY PERSONNEL
$16,160SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
RPS EVENTS INC
$15,960SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
PEAK LOAD MANAGEMENT ALLIANCE INC
$13,420SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
SIDE YARD FARM & KITCHEN
$13,310SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT LLC
$12,990SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
PREMIER PRESS
$12,848SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
AUTODESK INC
$12,630SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
MISCHIEF MANAGEMENT LLC
$12,500SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
VISITOR DEVELOPMENT FUND LEISURE GRANT
DRUPALCON INC
$11,519SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
KIPKAT CORP DBA GRAYLING
$11,370SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
INTERNATIONAL VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE SOCIETY INC
$10,140SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
IGLESIA DEL DIOS VIVO COLUMNA
$10,000SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
INSPIRE EVENTS LLC
$10,000SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
KNOT SPRINGS HOLDINGS COMPANY INC
$9,906SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
POTATO ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
$9,440SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
ASSOCIATION FOR LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE EDUCATION
$9,400SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
THE WESTERN PROVINCE OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI
$9,400SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
TEKTRONIX INC
$9,165SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
MAST VACATION PARTNERS INC
$8,690SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
OREGON HEALTH AND SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
$8,660SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH USA FOUNDATION
$8,180SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
LATINOS IN TRANSIT
$7,940SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
DISTRIBUTIVE EDUCATIONS CLUBS OF AMERICA
$7,890SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS
AMERICAN MENSA LTD
$7,650SUPPORT FOR CONVENTION AND MEETINGS