Eugene bike nonprofit Shift working to raise $75,000 after losing grant

A Eugene bicycle nonprofit hopes to raise $75,000 to preserve programs now threatened by a loss of grant funding.

Shift Community Cycles, founded in 2021, offers refurbished bikes at low or no cost. When the organization received a $250,000 two-year state grant in 2024, it expanded to offer youth programs like cycling summer camps, after-school clubs and family bike rides.

This year, Shift reapplied for the Oregon Health Authority’s Health Modernization Grant for Environmental Public Health and Climate Change, but did not receive the funding. Over the last few months, the nonprofit has let go three program staffers — a quarter of its workforce — and scaled back its educational programming.

“It was state funding that was like a federal pass-through, and so with all of the changes in the federal administration, we didn’t receive the funding this year that we expected to,” said Kendsie Channing, the organization’s executive director.

Shift wants to raise $75,000 to keep its Free Bikes 4 Kidz program going. It’s a national effort to collect, repair and give away free bicycles to children. Shift became home of the Eugene-Springfield chapter of Free Bikes 4 Kidz last year.

Channing said the money would go toward purchasing tires, tubes, chains, helmets and locks; paying the program’s manager; and funding its space at 190 W. Eighth Ave. The organization has given away 410 bikes this year and hopes to hit 600 by the end of the year.

“Our hope is that if we can provide a tool, then we can find ways to continue the additional support after that tool is given,” she said. “Without a bike, what’s the purpose of learning how to ride a bike?”

The organization also hopes to collect donations and find community partners to fund its summer camps, after-school programs, family rides and bike buses, which are all on pause, Channing said. Repair pop-ups and workshops will continue, she said.

“We have a lot of awesome bike infrastructure and a lot of really fantastic ways to encourage people to ride bikes, but once you’re on the bike, having someone to go through the motions with you is a way to really make it more comfortable for people,” Channing said. “Without that funding, we really can’t be that resource.”

Shift offered half-day, week-long camps for youths between 8 and 14 years old from June through August. Channing said this summer’s camps, which cost $200 at full price or $150 for families with financial limitations, drew about 100 children total. 

“This was our third year of summer camp that we were able to do with this funding, and it was also our last year until we find another solution,” she said.

Channing said Shift’s space on Eighth Avenue was donated to the organization, which rents the property month-to-month, but the building owner may soon need it back. The nonprofit is now looking for another local donated space to call home.

She said affordable bicycles unlock “so much opportunity” for residents, in part by cutting out transportation costs. Shift wants to continue being the go-to resource for not only buying a cheap bike, but learning skills that make new riders safer and more comfortable on the road, Channing said, encouraging community members to consider making a monthly donation. 

“We definitely don’t want to have to remove any more positions or any more programs, and we really hope we can be here for the long term,” she said.