Best Wildlife Grants in Oregon

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The OR Forest Stewardship Program aims to support landowners in creating effective Stewardship and Tree Farm Plans. Collaborating with state forestry agencies, it provides essential resources to manage forests sustainably, ensuring timber production, wildlife habitat preservation, and recreational opportunities. The program offers up to 75% cost-share for professionally written plans, promoting responsible forest management while enhancing environmental quality. This initiative not only benefits private landowners but also contributes to healthier landscapes adjacent to National Forest System lands.

The OWEB Small Grant Projects support local restoration initiatives across Oregon, offering up to $20,000 for on-the-ground projects that enhance water quality, aquatic species, and wildlife habitats. This competitive program encourages community engagement and prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate watershed benefits and adhere to specific project guidelines. Eligible applicants include tribes, watershed councils, and local agencies committed to sustainable practices that align with the Oregon Conservation Strategy.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Oregon State Weed Board Grant Program, administered by the Oregon Department of Agriculture and OWEB, focuses on controlling noxious weeds to protect water quality and restore watershed health. Eligible applicants include tribes, colleges, and conservation districts, with an emphasis on integrated weed management strategies. Projects must prioritize on-the-ground control efforts and demonstrate clear site management objectives. This funding opportunity aims to enhance fish and wildlife habitats and support native salmonid populations.

The Wilsonville - Metro Community Enhancement Grants, overseen by the Metro Council, support projects enhancing local communities impacted by solid waste facilities. Funding is available for initiatives that improve environmental quality, promote recycling, and benefit underserved populations. Nominations for projects will be accepted from November 12, 2025, to January 9, 2026, with selections made in spring 2026. Grants aim to rehabilitate and enhance city areas, fostering community enrichment through various programs.

The Oregon Wildlife Foundation Grants support the conservation of fish and wildlife and the enjoyment of natural resources in Oregon. These small grants are available to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, tax-exempt organizations, and qualified individuals for projects focused on habitat restoration, public access improvement, education, pollution reduction, and invasive species control. Priority is given to projects that align with the Oregon Conservation Strategy.

The Nature in Neighborhoods Capital Grants, provided by Metro, support diverse community projects aimed at enhancing local parks, restoring streams, and promoting nature education. These grants prioritize projects led by community organizations and local governments, focusing on publicly owned capital projects that advance racial equality and climate resilience. With funding available for land acquisition and urban transformations, the program seeks to engage communities and foster connections with nature throughout the greater Portland area.

The OWEB Restoration Grants support watershed projects aimed at protecting and restoring watershed functions. Eligible applicants include tribes, watershed councils, and educational institutions. Projects can involve improving fish passage, enhancing habitat, and managing invasive species. However, ineligible projects include those focused solely on water storage or routine maintenance. This program fosters collaboration among various stakeholders in Oregon to enhance ecosystems and promote sustainable practices.

The TA-1 Technical Design and Engineering grant, offered by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), supports projects aimed at creating technical designs for restoration efforts. Eligible applicants include non-profits, tribes, and educational institutions, with a required 5% match. This funding is crucial for addressing the impacts of wildfires on local habitats and ensures compliance with preservation regulations. Projects must demonstrate clear benefits to watershed health and community resilience.

The TA-2 grant from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board focuses on resource assessment and planning for restoration projects, particularly in response to impacts from wildfires. Eligible applicants include non-profits, tribes, and educational institutions. With no cap on funding requests but a required 5% match, the program encourages development of implementation plans that align with environmental regulations. Review Teams prioritize projects that demonstrate watershed benefits and feasibility.

Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board

The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board is a state agency that provides grants to help Oregonians take care of local streams, rivers, wetlands, and natural areas. Community members and landowners use scientific criteria to decide jointly what needs to be done to conserve and improve rivers and natural habitat in the places where they live. OWEB grants are funded from the Oregon Lottery, federal dollars, and salmon license plate revenue. The agency is led by an 18-member citizen board. The board includes representation from the public, tribes, and federal and state natural resource agency boards and commissions.

Technical Assistance (TA) Grants

Technical Assistance grants support resource assessment and planning, technical design and engineering, and organizational technical assistance that is necessary to carry out restoration and acquisition projects or programs that lead to the development of projects that protect or restore fish and wildlife habitat and/or natural watershed functions to improve water quality and/or stream flow.

Eligible Projects

​Technical Assistance grants include two types of Technical Assistance grants: Type 1 - Technical Design and Engineering; Type 2 - Resource Assessment and Planning

These types cannot be combined into a single application; a separate grant application must be submitted for each type of project.

Type 1: Technical Design and Engineering

Support the development of project feasibility reports, designs, or engineering materials that directly lead to site-specific restoration or acquisition projects within a specified timeframe.

Required Match:​ 5%

Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board

The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board is a state agency that provides grants to help Oregonians take care of local streams, rivers, wetlands, and natural areas. Community members and landowners use scientific criteria to decide jointly what needs to be done to conserve and improve rivers and natural habitat in the places where they live. OWEB grants are funded from the Oregon Lottery, federal dollars, and salmon license plate revenue. The agency is led by an 18-member citizen board. The board includes representation from the public, tribes, and federal and state natural resource agency boards and commissions.

Technical Assistance (TA) Grants

Technical Assistance grants support resource assessment and planning, technical design and engineering, and organizational technical assistance that is necessary to carry out restoration and acquisition projects or programs that lead to the development of projects that protect or restore fish and wildlife habitat and/or natural watershed functions to improve water quality and/or stream flow.

Eligible Projects

​Technical Assistance grants include two types of Technical Assistance grants: Type 1 - Technical Design and Engineering; Type 2 - Resource Assessment and Planning

These types cannot be combined into a single application; a separate grant application must be submitted for each type of project.

Type 2 - Resource Assessment and Planning

Support the development of information about existing water quality or habitat conditions and processes at an identified scale, and relate those conditions and processes to actions that will directly lead to desired future conditions within a specified timeframe.

Required Match:​ 5%

The Oregon Conservation & Recreation Fund Grant aims to safeguard Oregon's fish and wildlife habitats through funding of up to $100,000 for drought-related projects, totaling $800,000 available. Additionally, $250,000 is allocated for other conservation and recreation initiatives with a maximum of $50,000 per project. The grant prioritizes support for smaller organizations, especially those from underserved communities, ensuring long-term ecological benefits and recreational opportunities for future generations.

The Metro Nature in Neighborhoods Community Stewardship and Restoration Grants offer funding for projects aimed at enhancing local ecosystems and promoting community engagement in the Portland area. With a total funding pool of $750,000, grants support initiatives that restore fish and wildlife habitats, foster partnerships, and address environmental justice. Priority is given to projects led by historically marginalized communities, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for sustainable environmental stewardship.

The OWEB Operating Capacity Grants support watershed councils and soil and water conservation districts in their operational costs. These biennial grants foster community engagement in voluntary watershed restoration efforts. By funding 45 districts, the program aids in conserving natural resources and enhances water quality through collaborative practices. The Council Capacity Grants specifically empower councils to restore native fish habitats and improve watershed functions, ensuring sustainable water management and healthier ecosystems.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Jubitz Family Foundation's Forest and Freshwater Habitat Preservation grant program focuses on the conservation and restoration of natural forests and freshwater habitats in the Mount Hood region of Oregon. Through creative environmental initiatives, the program aims to ensure resilient ecosystems that benefit both current and future generations. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based nonprofits with missions aligned to the foundation's goals, committed to sustainable practices and quantifiable outcomes.

The Community Enhancement Grants in Sherwood, funded by Metro, aim to uplift neighborhoods impacted by garbage transfer facilities. Since 1986, over $6 million has been invested in local projects, enhancing community well-being through initiatives that support youth, improve environmental quality, and boost recreational opportunities. Each spring, approximately $90,000 is awarded to various projects, fostering collaboration between non-profits, local governments, and community organizations. This program exemplifies a commitment to creating thriving communities in the Sherwood area.

Klamath Water Quality Improvements Grant Program

Interim Measure 11 from the Amended Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement (KHSA), includes funding to address water quality improvements in the Klamath River via restoration and conservation actions in the Klamath Basin in Oregon. The emphasis of Interim Measure 11 (IM11) is nutrient reduction projects. PacifiCorp, in consultation with the Interim Measures Implementation Committee, developed a list of project categories to be implemented to fulfill the objective of IM11. PacifiCorp has provided funding of up to $6,433,500 for design/engineering and implementation of projects. This funding is administered through the Klamath Water Quality Improvements Grant Program.

After two grant cycles, a total of $4.9 million remains for future restoration and technical assistance projects. The next solicitation for grant applications will be in February 2026.

A Steering Committee, facilitated by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), was established to assist OWEB with the program implementation. OWEB is the Fiscal Agent and will award IM11 funds for projects approved by the Steering Committee until the funds are exhausted.

The Steering Committee is comprised of members from the following organizations: Oregon Water Resources Department, ODEQ, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Bureau of Reclamation, Yurok Tribe, Karuk Tribe, Klamath Tribes, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board and Aquatic Ecosciences.

Funding

• ​Total Remaining Available: $4.9 million
• ​Max Request:​ None
• ​Required Match: 5% Technical Assistance & Restoration (25% is encouraged for Restoration)

The Klamath Basin Forests and Watersheds Restoration RFP aims to enhance critical fish habitats in the Klamath River Basin following the historic removal of four dams. With up to $11,553,000 in funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, this initiative seeks to restore populations of native fish species and improve habitat conditions. The program will support various conservation projects, ensuring the ecological integrity of this vital ecosystem is preserved for future generations.

The Community Enhancement Grant Program in Oregon City aims to improve the quality of life by funding projects that enhance cleanliness, promote recycling, and upgrade community spaces. Supported by Metro's funding, these grants target organizations that can demonstrate community benefit. Eligible applicants include non-profits and educational institutions. Projects must secure matching resources and comply with guidelines to ensure inclusivity and avoid discrimination. This initiative fosters community engagement and environmental awareness.

The Pacific Power Foundation offers Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power service areas. Since 2019, the foundation has contributed over $13 million to promote community resilience, affordable housing, and environmental conservation. Eligible candidates include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions. Grants aim to address local needs while ensuring responsible environmental stewardship, enhancing community vitality, and fostering sustainable development.

The Kinsman Foundation offers conventional grants exceeding $5,000 for projects focused on historic preservation and wildlife rehabilitation in Oregon and southern Washington. These grants support public benefit activities, especially for 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of August 1 for annual review. The Foundation prioritizes architectural preservation and licensed wildlife rehabilitation, while no matching funds are required and there are no limits on reapplications.

The Kinsman Foundation Small Grants program supports projects that benefit the public in Oregon and southern Washington, focusing on historic preservation and native wildlife rehabilitation. Grants, typically under $5,000, are awarded to tax-exempt nonprofits and government agencies without matching fund requirements. Applications are reviewed every 6-8 weeks, with no specific deadlines for inquiries under $5,000. The foundation emphasizes project support while considering general administrative support valuable for nonprofits.

The OWEB Water Acquisition Grant Program aims to enhance instream flows by facilitating the acquisition of water rights from willing sellers. This program addresses critical conservation needs for habitats and species while improving water quality in Oregon's water-limited areas. Eligible applicants include tribes, non-profits, and local governments, with a focus on projects that implement strategic planning and monitoring for sustainable water use. Priority is given to partnerships that align with ecological priorities.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.