THE NEW INITIATIVE COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT FOUNDATION
Preserving History. Strengthening Community. Building the Future.
— THE N.I.C.E. FOUNDATION —
From The Heart
Small towns hold stories, buildings, land, and people that deserve to be protected, restored, and given new opportunity.
The Problem
Historic buildings are sitting empty. Rural communities need more resources. Land is being lost to overdevelopment. Families need access to healing, education, and opportunity.
What N.I.C.E. Does
The N.I.C.E. Foundation preserves historic places, supports rural revitalization, creates community programs, and builds opportunities through education, land stewardship, and therapeutic services.
Local Impact
Oregon’s Rural Counties & Real People.
This work helps keep history alive, brings purpose back to underused spaces, supports local jobs, strengthens families, and creates gathering places for the community.
— The Main Programs —
Programs under N.I.C.E.
At N.I.C.E., we believe that true community wellness flourishes when individuals have access to supportive environments and enriching programs that nurture their physical, mental, and emotional health. Equine-assisted therapy, clinics, events, education, and healing-centered programming are what you’ll find at The OaksLegacyRanch. .
A Rural Affordable Housing & Community Stewardship Project
N.I.C.E. Cottage Commons is a small-scale housing development designed to address the growing shortage of attainable housing in rural Oregon communities.
Historic preservation, adaptive reuse, storytelling, and small-town revitalization.
Small towns carry more than old buildings. They carry memory, resilience, and the kind of quiet strength that doesn’t always get noticed until it’s gone.
History City — Roots & Renewal in Rural Communities was created because we believe that preserving places, protecting land, and creating stable housing are not separate issues. They are deeply connected to how we heal, how we belong, and how we build real opportunity in rural areas.
Trade & Education Scholarships
A Workforce Development Initiative of The N.I.C.E. Foundation
Support for trade schools, workforce skills, nonprofit education, AI tools, and grant-writing knowledge.
It is incredibly important to have experienced tradespeople, especially in rural communities. Our scholarships will help individuals (strong support for minorities), pursue a career that inspires them. We want people to love the work they do!
Our goal is to educate, create apprenticeship programs & help individuals start a business based on their trade if/when they are ready.
Land Stewardship / Nature Program
Preserving green spaces, protecting rural land, and creating community outdoor places.
N.I.C.E. Parks & Trails
Environmental Initiative
• Habitat Restoration & Protection
• Community Parks & Outdoor Recreation
• Watershed Restoration, Watershed, Farm & Livestock Adaptation
• Sustainability Practices
• Wildreness Educational Opportunities
• Environmental Science
• Purposeful Environmental Planning For Affordable Housing Communities
• Protection & Enhancement Of Rural Communties Through Advanced Planning Of Future Population Growth
What Success Looks Like
• Historic buildings preserved and reused
• Community programs launched
• Scholarships awarded
• Local partnerships formed
• Events and clinics hosted
• Land protected or improved
• More people connected to resources
Visit: the-nice-foundation.org
How You Can Help
• Donating
• Becoming a founding partner
• Sharing the mission
• Volunteering
• Offering professional services
• Connecting N.I.C.E. with property owners, funders, or community partners
• Stable Solutions by The Oaks Legacy Ranch — Equine Care Planners & Barn Organization Tools
The Oaks Legacy Ranch is a program under The N.I.C.E. Foundation.
100% of proceeds from STABLE SOLUTIONS supports our community agendas.
Visit: stablesolutions-bytheoakslegacyranch.com
We are looking to foster authentic partnerships.
Help us preserve history, strengthen community, and build opportunity for rural Oregon.
Support The N.I.C.E. Foundation – We fundraise with Zeffy to ensure 100% of your donation goes to our mission!
Warm Regards,
Martine Rohlfing — Founder & Executive Director
martine@the-nice-foundation.org
Why Support The N.I.C.E. Foundation?