Best Bend Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

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.

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 Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

Nonprofit organizations in Central Oregon seeking support for education, community service, arts and culture, youth activities, or historic preservation projects can apply for grants up to US $15,000. This Trust Management Services program serves counties including Deschutes, so Bend-area 501(c)(3)s with eligible, project-based initiatives may benefit.

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.

Public, volunteer, community college, and tribal libraries in rural or rural-serving areas of Bend, Oregon can apply for Oregon Humanities’ Mini Grants for Rural Libraries, with awards up to US $3,000 for humanities events. Grants from Oregon Humanities help libraries host community dialogues, speaker programs, storytelling, and other Fear and Belonging–themed activities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.​

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.

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.

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.

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.

Non-metropolitan cities and counties in Bend, Oregon and rural areas can fund community development and public infrastructure projects through Business Oregon’s Community Development Block Grants, with awards from US $100,000 - US $2,500,000. Eligible projects include public works, community facilities, regional housing rehabilitation, and microenterprise training that benefit low- and moderate-income residents or address urgent community needs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

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 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.