Edited by: Laurenz Busch
THE NONPROFITS AND ORGANIZATIONS FEATURED HERE CONTRIBUTE TO THE CULTURAL FABRIC OF THE MOUNTAIN WEST—CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONNECTION, CREATIVITY, AND SHARED EXPERIENCES THAT SHAPE HOW WE LIVE. WESTERN HOME JOURNAL IS PROUD TO HIGHLIGHT THEIR WORK AND THE IMPACT THEY HAVE ON OUR COMMUNITIES.
BEND FILM FESTIVAL
Notable Events
BEND FILM FESTIVAL:
OCTOBER 7-11, 2026
“Bendfilm is an integral part of central Oregon’s arts and culture scene. Its inclusive programming and the diverse audiences it attracts have helped put our community on the map as a destination for independent film. Bendfilm enriches our cultural landscape and reinforces Bend’s reputation as a vibrant and welcoming indie film town.”
-Christi Haynes, Contributions Administrator, Brooks Resources Corporation
The 23rd Annual Bend Film Festival is a gathering place where stories spark dialogue, bringing filmmakers and audiences together in the high desert of Central Oregon for a celebration of independent cinema, conversation, and community. The organization showcases bold narrative and documentary features, short films, Indigenous storytelling, and emerging voices from around the world.
Its impact extends far beyond festival week. Basecamp connects emerging film-makers with mentorship from leading industry professionals. Summer Filmmaking Camps inspire the next generation of storytellers, while free Movies in the Park screenings and year-round programming at the Tin Pan Theater make independent film accessible to the broader community.
BEND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Notable Events
Impact Conference:
November 13, 2026
“The Bend Chamber offers one-stop shopping for new and existing businesses—access to the Chamber’s services plus a place to meet local leaders and collaborate on shared challenges. Everyone I’ve met, whether Chamber staff or members, has been willing to help and share information. The Chamber has been invaluable to starting a business in Bend and navigating a changing economic and policy environment.”
-Gary North, Bend Chamber Board Chair
In 2026, the Bend Chamber of Commerce celebrates 100 years serving Bend’s business community. Founded in 1926, it’s now Oregon’s second-largest chamber, representing nearly 1,650 members as a trusted convener, advocate, and resource across Central Oregon.
The Chamber creates an environment where businesses, employees, and the community excel together through networking, advocacy, resources, and leadership. Its Impact Conference on November 13, 2026, explores trends shaping the region.
BendNEXT Foundation, the Chamber’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit, strengthens the workforce and leadership pipeline while addressing housing, childcare, and affordability.
The centennial honors those who shaped Bend while building a thriving, connected future.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
“Purchasing my own home has allowed me to get my independence back.”
-Katie, Homeowner
Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity brings people together to expand affordable homeownership in Central Oregon. Since 1989, we have partnered with more than 250 local households on their journey to homeownership and supported more than 1,100 children and adults through new homes and home repairs.
We build and sell thoughtfully designed, energy-efficient homes in partnership with local families, creating opportunities for homeowners to put down roots, build equity, and remain in the communities they help shape. Through affordable mortgage financing, homeownership education, volunteer support, and community partnerships, Habitat creates a practical pathway to homeownership for families who are ready to invest in their future.
HEART OF OREGON
“Not everyone grows the same way, and not everyone has life figured out right after high school. Some people just need a place that believes in them long enough for them to start believing in themselves. That’s what Heart of Oregon did for me.”
-Miles Rosales, Heart of Oregon Alumni
Heart of Oregon Corps empowers youth and young adults through employment, job training, education, and service across Central Oregon. Its proven Work-Earn-Learn model provides paid, hands-on workforce development that builds skills, confidence, and experience for success in work and life. While earning wages, participants tackle the region’s pressing challenges—constructing affordable housing, reducing wildfire fuels, restoring public lands, providing childcare, and improving food access.
After 26 years of service, Heart of Oregon will open the region’s first youth workforce development campus in Redmond on September 30, 2026. This permanent home will hire and train 225 young people annually for generations.
SUNRIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL
“One aspect of Sunriver Music Festival I love is how it brings our community together—musicians, educators, students, and audiences. It sends a powerful message to younger generations that the arts have a future in our region, supported by a community that aligns with their dreams. I proudly support this organization and encourage continued investment in its positive community impact.”
-Breanna Hatch, AVP Select Banking Relationship Manager with WaFd Bank, & Sunriver Music Festival Board of Trustees
Sunriver Music Festival is a year-round nonprofit presenting world-class orchestral performances in Bend and Sunriver while supporting music education throughout Central Oregon, fostering a lifelong love of classical music in its many forms.
Next summer marks 50 years. The Golden Anniversary summer festival runs August 8–20, 2027, featuring classical and pops concerts at Sunriver Resort’s Great Hall and downtown Bend’s Tower Theatre, led by acclaimed Artistic Director and Conductor Brett Mitchell.
Beyond concerts, the Festival’s “Mindful Music Moments” brings three minutes of daily orchestral music to public schools, helping students slow down, listen intentionally, and build both musicianship and well-being.
TOWER THEATRE
“For more than 20 years, Bend Surgery Center has proudly invested in the Tower Theatre because we believe healthy communities need more than exceptional healthcare. They need places that inspire, connect, and enrich lives. The Tower Theatre serves as a cultural heartbeat for central Oregon, bringing people together and strengthening the fabric of our community through the power of the arts.”
-Todd Currier, CEO/Administrator, Bend Surgery Center
In the heart of downtown Bend, the historic Tower Theatre has been a beloved cultural landmark since 1940. Beautifully restored to celebrate its Art Deco architecture, the former cinema reopened in 2004 as a performing arts center, owned and operated by the nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation.
The Tower is a premier destination for entertainment, hosting more than 200 live performances, films, lectures, and family events each season. Beyond the stage, its LessonPLAN programs connect thousands of students yearly with inspiring performers, and scholarships help local students pursue artistic aspirations—reflecting the creativity and vibrant character that make Central Oregon an exceptional place to call home.
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