Best Bend Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and qualifying government arts and culture organizations in Bend, Oregon can seek support for festivals, museums, music, theater, visual arts, and cultural heritage projects. Grants from PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation provide up to US $10,000 for initiatives benefiting communities within the Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power service areas.

U.S.-based nonprofit, tax-exempt schools and similar educational entities in Bend, Oregon and other communities with participating Figaro’s Pizza locations can apply for H.E.L.P. Grants to support academic success and enrichment. This program from H.E.L.P., The Charity backs local educational programs, including school groups, bands, and athletic teams, where its supporting restaurants operate.

Purpose

The STIF Formula Fund is intended to expand, improve, and maintain public transportation services in Oregon.​​​​  

Eligible Projects

STIF funding may be used to finance investments and improvements in public transportation services, except for light rail capital expenses. STIF may be used for public transportation purposes that support the effective planning, deployment, operation, and administration of public transportation programs.

STIF moneys are not intended to supplant local funding sources to maintain existing services. A STIF Plan that proposes to use STIF funding to replace local funding to maintain an existing service may result in denial of the funding request.​

Individuals, groups, and nonprofit organizations in Bend, Oregon can apply for The Awesome Foundation’s local chapter micro-grants, awarding US $1,000 for creative, “awesome” projects. Funding can support arts, technology, community development, or other novel, inspiring ideas. Applicants should apply to the chapter nearest them or one with a thematic interest in their project.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth development and leadership in Bend, Oregon may be eligible for funding to enrich the lives of children and their families. Grants from Lithia Motors help Deschutes County nonprofits strengthen local communities through programs that build confidence, foster positive choices, and support thriving futures for young people.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations and public entities in the Deschutes River Watershed, including Bend, Oregon, can seek $1,000 - $15,000 for arts, education, social services, community programs, and environmental stewardship projects. Helen M Clabough Charitable Foundation prioritizes recreational and educational initiatives with cultural, environmental, or similar community-wide benefits.

OnPoint Community Credit Union offers community grants aimed at supporting organizations aligned with their focus areas of Economic Opportunity and Community Vitality. Established in 1932, OnPoint is Oregon's largest credit union and is committed to community engagement through grants for programmatic and general operating support. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities located within the OnPoint region of Oregon and SW Washington. One grant request per organization is allowed annually.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

The PGE Foundation's Career Pathways Grant Program aims to enhance economic mobility for Oregonians by providing support for programs that facilitate access to family-wage jobs and entrepreneurship. This initiative prioritizes nonprofit organizations focused on skill development, mentorship, and wrap-around services. The foundation is particularly interested in proposals that address barriers faced by underrepresented communities, including BIPOC and women-owned businesses, and encourages collaborative efforts among nonprofits to achieve measurable outcomes.

The St. Charles Health System Basic Needs Grant supports initiatives that serve medically underserved populations in Central Oregon. This grant prioritizes projects that address unmet needs, promote collaboration, and demonstrate innovation to improve community health. Organizations must provide detailed project descriptions and plan for self-sufficiency. Applications are accepted year-round, with reviews occurring in February, May, and October. This funding aims to enhance the quality of life and ensure sustainable development in the region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and foundations in Bend, Oregon can seek event sponsorships that advance economic opportunity and community vitality. Onpoint Community Credit Union provides US $100 - US $10,000 for eligible events and activities, including financial literacy, small business support, workforce development, housing stability, food security, youth education, and related community programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and K–12 schools in Bend, Oregon can receive US $250 - US $2,500 for education-related programs and school support. Onpoint Community Credit Union funds projects that advance Economic Opportunity and Community Vitality within its Oregon and SW Washington service area, including Deschutes County schools, PTAs, and school-based associations.

St. Charles Health System offers sponsorships to support charities that align with its mission of promoting community health and well-being. Proposals can be submitted year-round, with reviews occurring three times annually. Events must provide visibility for St. Charles and be vetted for inclusivity. Special consideration is given to health-related projects and those involving St. Charles caregivers. This initiative reflects a commitment to community engagement and enhancing the quality of life in Central Oregon.

Nonprofit organizations providing community services or addressing health disparities in Bend, Oregon can receive small project support up to US $500. St Charles Health System provides Bend nonprofits with quick-turnaround funding for modest needs, with priority for groups demonstrating substantial employee engagement and applications reviewed monthly on the second Tuesday.

Private forest landowners and partners in Bend, Oregon can seek funding to conserve at-risk working forests through conservation easements or fee-title acquisition. With a mission to protect forest resources, Oregon Department of Forestry provides up to US $20,000,000 to keep private forests intact and sustainably managed under approved Forest Stewardship Plans.

The PGE Foundation offers an Education Grant aimed at enhancing educational outcomes through community collaboration. The foundation prioritizes programs that connect students with real-world experiences, foster essential skills, and promote diversity and inclusion. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and based in Oregon, focusing on communities historically facing barriers. By supporting innovative education initiatives, the foundation strives to create pathways to higher education and career opportunities for young people.

The PGE Foundation offers Creative Expression Grants aimed at enhancing educational outcomes through arts programs. These grants support organizations that foster critical thinking and socio-emotional skills via arts engagement. Priority is given to nonprofits based in Oregon that collaborate with the community and address systemic barriers to equity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations focused on youth development and integrated arts curricula, while ensuring compliance with non-discrimination policies.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations raising money for community programs in Bend, Oregon can use this fundraiser to support local causes. With a mission to help community services and environmental efforts, Abby’s Legendary Pizza Foundation provides coupon-based fundraising where your group earns cash back for each redeemed pizza discount coupon at participating locations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Bend, Oregon seeking support for arts, culture, education, or environmental projects can apply for capital and start-up funding that enriches local residents’ lives. With a mission to enhance community livability, Bend Foundation provides grants for public art, cultural and intellectual enrichment, and conservation-focused initiatives in Central Oregon.

Grants from BECU Foundation help Bend, Oregon nonprofits working in areas like education, basic needs, health, environment, arts, and community development access up to US $50,000 in funding. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations with direct impact in Deschutes County, nominated by a BECU member who supports their work.

Health, safety, and wellness 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible public agencies can apply for PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation grants up to US $10,000 to support health and human services programs. Focused on community wellbeing, this funding can assist Bend, Oregon organizations in Deschutes County working on addiction, mental health, first responders, food insecurity, and related services.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions can seek funding for community enhancement and environmental respect projects from Pacific Power Foundation, including those serving Bend, Oregon. Grants up to US $10,000 support affordable housing, community centers, parks and trails, natural resource conservation, waste reduction, and water management in communities within the Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power service areas.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and education institutions in Bend, Oregon can seek funding for K–12 and higher education, STEM initiatives, literacy, workforce development, and youth development programs. Pacific Power Foundation’s Education/STEM Grants offer up to US $10,000 for projects serving communities within the Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power service areas.

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.