Dana Thompson Memorial Fund of Awesome

Dana Thompson Memorial Fund of Awesome Our mission is to equip Black youth to experiment and develop their artistic confidence. In loving memory of Dana L.

Thompson, December 31, 1977 - July 18, 2019

Our Mission:

To equip Black youth to experiment and develop their artistic confidence

Our Vision & Inspiration:

Keeping Dana Thompson’s young, vibrant warrior spirit alive by engaging with the next generation to diversify the local arts scene. Our Objectives:

We are creating a robust, safe, sustainable organization that centers Black families and of

fers programs, workshops, events and spaces where youth can explore the arts, develop creative skills, and rock out. We provide direct support including micro grants, musical instruments, and tuition assistance for Black youth to complete arts-related camps and activities. We increase access to the arts by connecting Black youth to workshops, lessons, after-school programs, jam sessions, rock band formation, rehearsal spaces, mentoring, performance opportunities and more.

Thank you for doing a benefit concert for DTMFA. We are so grateful for community support! 🥰
03/20/2026

Thank you for doing a benefit concert for DTMFA. We are so grateful for community support! 🥰

We are so very grateful when the community offers to do a benefit concert for DTMFA 🥰💜
03/20/2026

We are so very grateful when the community offers to do a benefit concert for DTMFA 🥰💜

URGENT MESSAGEWe sadly have to inform our supporters who planned to attend our 2025-26 New Years Eve Fundraiser at The H...
12/26/2025

URGENT MESSAGE
We sadly have to inform our supporters who planned to attend our 2025-26 New Years Eve Fundraiser at The Heights that this event is canceled due to the venue being forced to close its doors. We tried without success to find a last minute venue. We are very so sorry for any inconveniences this may have caused. The venue is responsible for reimbursing any early ticket sales as we were asked to use their ticket sales system, ticket tomato.

DTMFA is tabling at crafty wonderland this weekend. Having a great time. Come check it out and support local artists a...
12/13/2025

DTMFA is tabling at crafty wonderland this weekend. Having a great time. Come check it out and support local artists and non-profits

Work Samples: Quotes from Schools Out Rock Out staff"The more fun they have, the more they retain the information. Week ...
10/17/2025

Work Samples: Quotes from Schools Out Rock Out staff

"The more fun they have, the more they retain the information. Week by week you would see the confidence go up and the level of attention and respect too! I think we have a great team with clear communication and vision, hoping we can all continue to help build this beautiful program! Thanks for letting me be a part of it. Can’t wait for next year."
- Scot Cowherd, Drums Instructor


“I love sharing art and music with everyone, especially those with not as many opportunities to be involved in art. My project as a senior in high school was to bring music workshops to the students. I went to a very diverse school with not a lot of funding but a lot of passion.”
- Koko Kalon, former youth board member and Program Coordinator of our spring program at Parkrose High Schoolkalon

“This organization has a special place in my heart. Through them I have gained crucial teaching experience and they provide teaching and supplies for students in Portland. Let's make the world a better place together!”
- Ama Yari, Guitar Instructor


"The last day in the classroom before the performance, their rehearsal moved me to tears. I am saddened I didn't think to record it. The experience of self expression through music and songs of their choice, along with having the opportunity to let their parents see their gifts and talents recognized by others and then performed on center stage, means a LOT to them. It also builds their self-esteem and gives them memories they will never forget."
- FIYA, Vocals Instructor


Ready to get involved? Become a donor today - visit our profile for a link to donate (and get your tix to !)

Our 2025 programs are funded in part by grants from , and

Special thanks to and our wonderful grassroots donors. Thank you for making a difference!

ANNOUNCING DANAFEST 2025!December 31, 2025 (New Year's Eve) at 7 pmThe Heights Lounge and Event Space 8000 SE Foster Rd,...
10/12/2025

ANNOUNCING DANAFEST 2025!

December 31, 2025 (New Year's Eve) at 7 pm
The Heights Lounge and Event Space
8000 SE Foster Rd, Portland OR

It's our annual New Year's Eve party and rock n roll fundraising gala!

A night of music, celebration, and community.

$15 advance, $20 day of show

ALL AGES!

Tickets: https://www.tickettomato.com/event/9723

Featuring:

Thee Day Walkers
Dartgun and the Vignettes
Systemic Collapse ( FLAM )
The Wild Jumps
Travvy Packer
Fiya's Place Production

Remembering Dana Thompson on her birthday.

Raise a glass with us to ring in the new year and help keep Dana's memory alive by joining us at DANAFEST!

All proceeds will support our culturally specific programs. We offer after school classes at two local majority-BIPOC schools where the youth are taught by people who look like them, and we give musical instruments, equipment and lessons to youth from all around the Portland area.

If you're out of town or can't make it to the show, please make a donation to our year-end fundraiser: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/dana-thompson-memorial-fund-of-awesome/danafest-2025-year-end-fundraiser

Many thanks to our amazing funders Oregon Community Foundation, Regional Arts & Culture Council, Biamp and folks like you who give what you can!

Special thanks to Diversify Portland, Self Enhancement, Inc. and Trade Up Music

Thank you!

Congratulations to the three winners! 🎸🏆🎉 Have fun and turn it up!Thank you for welcoming us back to Black Community Sc...
10/11/2025

Congratulations to the three winners! 🎸🏆🎉 Have fun and turn it up!

Thank you for welcoming us back to Black Community Science Night!

Address

Portland, OR
97239

Website

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In honor of a rock & roll queen

Dana Thompson was an artist, activist and advocate. Her work in music, film, theater, and public health enriched many lives. For nine years, Dana sang with Portland band Dartgun & the Vignettes. She was known for her role as Lt. Uhura in Trek in the Park, and she contributed her unforgettable presence and voice to various podcasts, films, and recording projects with local musicians. The Dana Thompson Memorial Fund of Awesome (DTMFA) was established to honor Dana's passion for music and art, and her courageous fight for racial justice and equity in every aspect of life.

We believe that music is an integral tool in the lives of young people, especially those who are marginalized. The mission of DTMFA is to provide scholarships for young people of color to participate in the music and empowerment programs of Rock ’n’ Roll Camp for Girls (RNRC4G).

DTMFA funds will also help provide support to adults of color who volunteer at RNRC4G, which may come in the form of training, stipends, or other solutions as needed. We seek to listen to the experiences of volunteers and parents of color within our community and to work with them on identifying how funds can support their involvement with RNRC4G in order to provide the best possible experiences for our student scholarship recipients.

As a charitable organization, we seek to be actively anti-racist in our work toward relief of poverty; advancement of education; empowerment for women, girls, and transgender people; and elimination of prejudice and discrimination.