Best Deschutes County Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public institutions offering arts and culture programming in Deschutes County, Oregon can seek up to US $10,000 to support festivals, museums, music, theater, visual arts, and cultural heritage projects. Grants from PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation prioritize communities served by Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power.

U.S.-based nonprofit, tax-exempt schools and similar educational entities in Deschutes County, Oregon can apply for H.E.L.P., The Charity’s grants to support academic success and educational access programs. Eligible groups include schools, bands, and athletic teams in communities served by participating Figaro’s Pizza or related restaurants.

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 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Deschutes County, Oregon can apply for The Awesome Foundation’s micro-grants; awards US $1,000 for creative, community-minded “awesome” projects. Funding can support arts, technology, community development, or other surprising, inspiring ideas, with applicants choosing the local or thematic chapter that best fits their project.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on youth development and leadership in Deschutes County, Oregon can apply for Lithia Motors’ Lithia 4Kids support. Grants help enrich the lives of children and their families and strengthen local communities. Deschutes County nonprofits working with children and teens may benefit from these locally managed partnerships.

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.

Helen M Clabough Charitable Foundation provides Deschutes County, Oregon nonprofits and public entities with funding for social services, community-based programs, arts and culture, education, and environmental stewardship. 501(c)(3) organizations in the Deschutes River Watershed can request US $1,000 - US $15,000 for projects that create broad public benefit and support recreational or educational endeavors.

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 Deschutes County, Oregon can seek event sponsorships supporting economic opportunity and community vitality programs. Onpoint Community Credit Union provides US $100 - US $10,000 for eligible events, with one sponsorship per organization every 12 months and applications due at least 90 days before the event.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and K–12 public or charter schools in Deschutes County, Oregon can receive US $250 - US $2,500 for education-related needs from Onpoint Community Credit Union. Onpoint Community Credit Union provides Deschutes County, Oregon education organizations with support for programs that advance Economic Opportunity and Community Vitality, including classroom projects, school-based initiatives, and related educational activities.

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.

St. Charles Health System provides Deschutes County, Oregon nonprofits and community groups with small grants up to US $500 for community services and projects addressing health disparities and social determinants of health. Organizations in Crook and Jefferson Counties are also eligible, with priority for those demonstrating substantial St. Charles employee engagement.

Private forest landowners in Deschutes County, Oregon can seek funding to conserve working forests and prevent development conversion 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 support sustainable management under a State Forester approved Forest Stewardship Plan.

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 or environmental causes in Deschutes County, Oregon can partner with Abby’s Legendary Pizza Foundation through its $2/$1 Fundraiser Coupon program. With a mission to support local causes, the foundation helps groups earn $1 per redeemed coupon while offering supporters a discount on giant pizzas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Deschutes County, Oregon seeking support for cultural, educational, environmental, or community enrichment projects can apply for grants from Bend Foundation. With a mission to enrich Bend residents’ lives, Bend Foundation prioritizes one-time capital and start-up initiatives that enhance livability, public art, intellectual enrichment, and conservation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Deschutes County, Oregon can receive up to US $50,000 for community-focused programs in areas like education, health, basic needs, environment, and community development. Grants from BECU Foundation help Deschutes County nonprofits advancing local well-being through direct-impact services within BECU’s People Helping People giving areas.

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.

Health, safety, and wellness 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible public agencies in Deschutes County, Oregon can apply for Pacific Power Foundation grants up to US $10,000 to support health and human services programs. Focus areas include addiction, mental health, domestic violence, first responders, food insecurity, senior services, youth services, and preventative healthcare within the utility’s service area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and other eligible charitable entities in Deschutes County, Oregon can apply for PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation grants up to US $10,000 to support community enhancement and environmental respect projects. With a mission to strengthen local communities, the foundation funds housing, recreation centers, parks, trails, conservation, resource stewardship, and related initiatives.

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.

Deschutes County, Oregon local governments seeking funding for community development and public infrastructure can access funding through Business Oregon’s Community Development Block Grants, awarding US $100,000 - US $2,500,000. Eligible rural cities and counties can support low- and moderate-income residents through projects like water and wastewater systems, community facilities, housing rehabilitation, microenterprise training, and emergency needs.

Deschutes County, Oregon Catholic school educators and diocesan leaders seeking professional development in K–12 religious education can access funding through Catholic Extension for graduate-level leadership training. This one-year online certificate in Catholic school administration builds mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership capacity, with participants committing to two years of service in their local Catholic schools.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, and youth groups in Deschutes County, Oregon can seek funding for education and STEM programs, including K–12, higher education, literacy, workforce readiness, and youth development. The PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation offers grants up to US $10,000 for projects serving communities in its local service area.