The application period for the 2026-2027 OWRF Scholarship Program is NOW OPEN!
Note: If you attempted to apply or submit materials prior to March 27, 2026 you will need to reapply using the current application form below. 

2026 OWRF Scholarship Application Process

Scholarship Award for 2026-2027 Academic Year: $2,500 to $10,000

Application Deadline: May 27, 2026

Application Process: Application and written essay

Eligibility:

• Students must be enrolled or accepted at an accredited college or university located in the United States.
• Open to undergraduate level students who are in their sophomore year or above in 2026-27, and to graduate level students.
• Minimum 3.0 G.P.A (verified by transcripts)
• Demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career related to water and agriculture. Coursework in policy, political science, agricultural science, and other related fields are recommended but not required.

Essay requirements: 300-600 word typed essay describing interest and experience in water and agriculture. Essay must be submitted with application with acknowledgement that the essay is the applicant’s authentic (non-AI generated) work.  The essay can be open structured (and use the space you have as you see fit) but you are encouraged to respond to some or all of the questions below.

• What future role do you see yourself in related to water and agriculture?
• What aspects about a career in water and agriculture are the most interesting or important to you?
• What would you like to accomplish professionally?
• How would a scholarship help you reach your career goals?

Additional Documentation/requirements:
Prior to award disbursement, selected scholarship recipients must provide:

• Transcripts from current college
• Proof of current enrollment
• A brief video message about how the funds will help you meet your goals

Selected recipients will need to provide required documentation in a timely manner or make alternative arrangements in order to receive award.

About OWRF
The Oregon Water Resources Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created in 2022 with the mission to support and provide educational opportunities related to water and irrigated agriculture.  The foundation’s initial focus is a scholarship program to assist students pursuing water and/or agriculture related fields. Scholarship awards will be made annually as funds allow.

The OWRF scholarship program is in honor of past leaders and members of OWRC who contributed their time and wisdom in service of the irrigated agricultural community in Oregon, including Past Presidents and other OWRC board leaders.  The scholarship program will continue the legacy of these leaders by helping support the next generation of leaders in irrigated agriculture.

OWRF Annual Reports
2025 OWRF Annual Report
2024 OWRF Annual Report
2023 OWRF Annual Report

Donations
Charitable donations to the Oregon Water Resources Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  OWRC is administering the foundation. Please contact our office for more information or to make a donation by check. Online or credit card donations can be made below.

Please do not pay for OWRF invoices using the online portal below and instead call the office to make a credit card payment for a pledge or silent auction item.  Donations made using the credit card option below are subject to credit card payment processing fees, which are not recouped by OWRF.  

In 2025, the Oregon Water Resources Foundation (OWRF) awarded $28,000 in scholarships to six outstanding students pursuing careers related to water and agriculture related fields in the 2025-2026 academic year.

• Tegan Macy, from Culver, Oregon, is studying Crop Science at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. “I appreciate the Oregon Water Resources Foundation supporting me in furthering my education. Next spring I will graduate with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho with a major in Crop Science. After graduating I plan to return to my family farm, Macy Farms, and continue the legacy of my family as a seventh generation Oregon agriculturist. I plan to be a part of important agricultural boards and commissions to help advance and advocate for Oregon and American food production.” Tegan previously received an OWRF scholarship in 2024.
• Madalyn Porfily, from Echo, Oregon is studying Civil Engineering and will be attending Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. “I am deeply honored to receive this scholarship and to be recognized by those who understand the vital role that water rights play in shaping Oregon’s future. Water is not just a resource—it is the lifeline of our communities, our environment, and especially our agricultural heritage. As someone committed to advocating for farmers and sustainable land use, I see water rights as a bridge between policy, conservation, and the hardworking individuals who feed our state. This award strengthens my resolve to be a voice for rural communities, to support responsible water management, and to help ensure that future generations inherit a fair, functional, and resilient water rights program.” Madalyn is the first graduate-level student to receive an OWRF scholarship.
• Dru Boyle, from Madras, Oregon is studying Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University (OSU) in Corvallis, Oregon. “As a fourth-generation farmer from Madras and a student at Oregon State University studying Agricultural Sciences, I’m incredibly thankful to receive support from OWRF. This scholarship allows me to continue pursuing my education while staying rooted in the community and land that raised me. Water is everything to our operation, and I hope to use my education to help find solutions that keep Oregon agriculture strong for future generations. Thank you to OWRF for investing in students like me and the future of Oregon agriculture.”
• Macy Mornarich, from Glide, Oregon, is studying Agricultural Business and Agricultural Communications at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. “Water will be the biggest limiting factor on agriculture and global growth in the coming decades. My goal is to represent the agricultural and forestry industries including the people who live their lives as farmers, ranchers, loggers, and others who make a living off the land. This is the community that has helped raise me, and the community I hope to support and serve. I am grateful to the Oregon Water Resources Foundation for their continued support for me and other young agricultural advocates. Thanks to this organization and others like it, we will be able to strive for a better future for the world of agriculture.” Macy previously received an OWRF scholarship in 2024.
• Kailee Macy, from Culver, Oregon, is studying Agricultural Communications at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. “I am a seventh generation Oregon agriculturalist and fourth generation on my family’s irrigated farm. Growing up in the North Unit Irrigation District I have seen the significant impact water curtailments due to environmental regulations have had on my community both financially and emotionally. I have a deep interest in agricultural policy and how it affects producers. The passion, hard work, and love for this way of life is something I have witnessed and want to help ensure this tradition can continue for the many families involved in the agricultural industry for generations to come.” Kailee previously received an OWRF scholarship in 2024.
• Elliana Munk, from Ontario, Oregon, is studying Agribusiness at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. “As I continue my education, my ultimate goal is to return home to Oregon to educate the next generation of agriculturalists. Whether it’s through leading FFA members or mentoring students of all ages, I’m driven by a passion to advocate for this industry, nurture growing minds, and ensure that Oregon agriculture continues to thrive for generations to come.” Elli previously received an OWRF scholarship in 2024.

We are pleased to help support these future leaders in irrigated agriculture and look forward to seeing what they accomplish in college and beyond.

Oregon Water Resources Foundation Scholarship Recipients for 2024-25
In 2024, the Oregon Water Resources Foundation (OWRF) awarded $27,000 in scholarships to five outstanding students pursuing careers related to water, agriculture, and other natural resources fields in the 2024-2025 academic year.

• Tegan Macy, from Culver, Oregon, is studying Crop Science at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. “I am so grateful to receive this scholarship that is helping me obtain my bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho in Crop Science. My ultimate goal is to be an agriculturist in Oregon and provide food for the world by returning to my family’s farm, Macy Farms. I am a seventh generation Oregon agriculturist and hope to continue my family’s legacy and have a positive impact on the agriculture industry by being involved in important organizations, advocating for farmers, and sustainable agricultural practices.”
• Tayleur Baker, from Burns, Oregon, is studying Speech Communication, with a minor in Agriculture Science, at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. “In the years to come, I hope to continue to be an advocate for the agriculture industry and give back to the community that has built me. I look forward to the opportunity to change the world through supporting and serving others! We all have a voice, and I would like to use mine for the betterment of others.” Tayleur previously received an OWRF scholarship in 2023.
• Kailee Macy, from Culver, Oregon is studying Agricultural Communications at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. “I am a seventh generation Oregon agriculturalist and care deeply about the future of agriculture. Through my education I hope to learn more about the agricultural industry and how I can be a better advocate. I was inspired to follow this path after learning more about how water issues have affected my family and other farmers and ranchers. My ultimate goal is to increase ag literacy among the consumer.”
• Macy Mornarich, from Glide, Oregon, is studying Agricultural Business and Agricultural Communications at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. “Water needs are the elephant in the room and the pawn to fight over to ensure the viability of farm businesses and the ability to sustain a growing world population. My goal is represent the agricultural and forestry industries including the people who live their lives as farmers, ranchers, loggers, and others who make a living off the land. I am appreciative of the OWRF for the support they have shown for me, my future, and my career goals.”
• Elliana Munk, from Ontario, Oregon, is studying Agribusiness at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. “In the future, I strive to continue being an advocate for the agricultural industry through both student and adult education. It is my hope that through genuine support and appreciation for this great industry that we can provide a nurturing environment for growing minds, and actively influence the future of agriculture.”

Oregon Water Resources Foundation Scholarship Recipients for 2023-24
In 2023, the Oregon Water Resources Foundation (OWRF) announced the first recipients of the OWRF Scholarship, for the 2023-2024 academic year:

• Tayleur Baker, from Burns, Oregon, is studying Agriculture Science and Agriculture Communications at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. “In the future, I would like to become an advocate for the agriculture industry and be a voice for those in the field. I hope to use my voice to empower others and look forward to working with youth and showing them how they can change the world. I believe that we all have the power to change the world in some way, and I am ecstatic to do so through investing in others. “
• Isabel D’Acquisto, from Central Point, Oregon, is studying Agriculture Science at Corban University in Salem, Oregon. “Isabel is motivated by her genuine love and passion for working with youth in agriculture. It is through this passion that she is pursuing a career as an ag teacher and FFA Advisor, so that she can empower youth in Oregon agriculture—they are the future of our industry!”

We are pleased to help support these future leaders in irrigated agriculture and look forward to seeing what they accomplish in college and beyond.