Best Grants for BIPOC in Oregon

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Oregon can apply for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program to fund conservation practices on working lands. This program offers technical and financial assistance that may benefit BIPOC farmers and land stewards seeking to improve soil, water, air quality, and wildlife habitat.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations can access McGraw Foundation support for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs, typically awarding US $2,000 - US $10,000. Although grants generally go to the greater Chicago area, Oregon groups serving BIPOC communities with similar programs may be eligible if they meet location expectations.

Oregon nonprofits and tribal entities working on educational equity, environmental justice, housing stability, or women’s economic empowerment can access funding through Ninety Nine Girlfriends, with awards from US $50,000 - US $100,000. Eligible 501(c)(3)s or fiscally sponsored groups must serve Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, or Clark Counties and may use funds for general operating or project support benefiting underserved communities, including BIPOC residents.

Nonprofits, government agencies, and tribal nations in Oregon can seek technical assistance funding to build internal capacity, such as strategic planning, board development, or staff training. Focused on rural child- and family-serving work, the Ford Family Foundation offers up to US $5,000, and organizations supporting BIPOC communities may be especially well positioned to apply.

Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and tribal nations supporting children, youth, and rural communities in Oregon can seek larger grants for programs, operations, and capital projects. The Ford Family Foundation supports early childhood and family services, youth education and development, and rural community facilities; BIPOC-focused initiatives in rural areas may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and Oregon Tribes seeking support for community programs across arts, education, environment, health, historic preservation, or public safety can apply for Spirit Mountain Foundation’s small grants, with awards up to US $7,500. With a mission to strengthen Northwest Oregon communities, Spirit Mountain Foundation provides flexible, competitive funding that may benefit BIPOC-focused initiatives within its 11-county service area.

Nonprofit organizations and eligible public agencies in Oregon can seek large grants for programmatic work or capital projects supporting arts, education, environment, health, historic preservation, and public safety. Focused on education, environmental preservation, and health, Spirit Mountain Foundation invites applicants serving Northwest Oregon counties and the nine federally recognized Tribes of Oregon to apply for awards up to US $100,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in eligible Oregon counties on education, basic needs, health, environment, economic opportunity, arts, or community development can receive up to US $50,000 to advance their programs. Grants from BECU Foundation help Oregon community-focused nonprofits, including those serving BIPOC residents, through the People Helping People Awards nomination process.

Graduate students pursuing research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with timely, actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association invites students, including those from BIPOC communities in Oregon, to apply for this scholarship opportunity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Oregon working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for grants that advance racial and economic equity. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help BIPOC-led and BIPOC-serving groups address work, home, and play priorities in designated U.S. Bank communities.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, nonprofits and schools in Oregon can receive US $25,000 - US $100,000 for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource-use programs; American Honda Motor provides this support. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and public or private schools serving Oregon communities, particularly where Honda associates live and work, may benefit, including BIPOC-led or BIPOC-serving initiatives.

Nonprofit charitable organizations running education, workforce, or community development programs in Oregon can apply for KeyBank Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help improve affordable housing, financial literacy, small business growth, and academic and career success, and may benefit organizations serving BIPOC communities.

Nonprofit charities, public education institutions, and government entities serving Weyerhaeuser communities in Oregon can seek funding for affordable housing, education and youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, civic and cultural growth, workforce development, and diversity, equity and inclusion projects. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund awards more than US $1,000, with applications accepted year-round and a 2025 deadline of September 30.

Tax-exempt organizations, ODFW, volunteer groups with a fiscal sponsor, and qualified individuals in Oregon can seek up to US $5,000 for conservation projects such as habitat restoration, outdoor education, and pollution prevention. Oregon Wildlife Foundation supports projects that may benefit BIPOC communities through improved public access, environmental research, and work on Oregon Conservation Strategy habitats or species.

Nonprofit organizations in Oregon working on housing, youth development, financial education, or economic and workforce development can apply for Banner Bank’s Banner Gives Community Support Program. Programs serving low- and moderate-income communities, including BIPOC residents, may be especially competitive, with funding available year-round and a review period of approximately 45–60 days.

Nonprofit organizations serving women, children, and families in Oregon can apply for up to US $750,000 to support humanitarian aid, education, homelessness, job readiness, and related services. The Father's Table Foundation provides highly selective funding for programs that build self-sufficiency and resilience, which may benefit BIPOC communities through adult readiness, child welfare, health care, and disaster relief initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Oregon hosting community programs, events, or projects can request US $500 - US $2,500 in sponsorship funding to benefit the public and engage diverse residents. Metro supports efforts that address inequities, advance racial justice, and connect with its work in housing, land use, natural areas, transportation, and solid waste and recycling.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest can apply for Foster Foundation grants to support social services, education, medical research and care, and community engagement programs. BIPOC-led or BIPOC-serving groups may be eligible if their work addresses these priority areas and serves communities in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska.

Undergraduate-focused colleges and universities conducting biomedical research in Oregon can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support small-scale research projects and student research experiences. NIH provides Oregon higher education institutions with up to US $375,000 to enhance their research environment, provided they meet NIH’s limits on prior institutional research support.

Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups can receive US $1,000 - US $15,000 to support community-focused programs selected by student grantmakers. Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Care Foundation provides Oregon organizations with matching funds through its CommuniCare program, which may benefit groups serving BIPOC communities across issues like education, housing, health, and youth services.

The Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology (SNVB) offers scholarships of up to $1500 for two students conducting vertebrate research in Northwestern North America. Eligible applicants include undergraduate, masters, and PhD students who are enrolled in accredited institutions and members of SNVB. The scholarships cover research-related expenses such as travel and supplies. Preference is given to proposals from local institutions, and only one award is granted per applicant each year.

The Oregon Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Grant supports 21st Century Community Learning Centers, aiming to enrich academic and developmental opportunities for students in high-poverty schools. Funded by federal Title IV-B grants, the program emphasizes mental health, K-5 literacy, and career education. With an anticipated funding of $10 million annually, grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 will be awarded to eligible applicants, enabling critical support for students and their families over a five-year period.

The Emerging Global Leader Award (K43) offers essential research support and protected time for early career scientists in low- and middle-income countries. This program, aligned with NIH's clinical trials policy, aims to cultivate independent research careers by providing mentorship and funding over three to five years. Eligible candidates must hold a junior faculty position at an accredited LMIC institution, fostering the growth of research capacity in their regions.

The PacificSource Foundation for Health Improvement, a private foundation, is dedicated to promoting health equity since 1992. With a focus on underserved populations in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and parts of Washington, the foundation supports initiatives that enhance access to healthcare and address health disparities. They provide both one-year and multi-year funding, typically ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, to organizations committed to advancing health equity through diverse community-driven solutions.

PGE Foundation

The PGE Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization, aligns its grantmaking with Portland General Electric’s commitment to the communities it serves.

Founded in 1997, the Foundation was created through an endowment with the purpose of improving the quality of life for all Oregonians.

Since our inception, more than $33 million in investments has helped community-based organizations expand access to education, creative expression, and career pathways that strengthen long-term economic prosperity.

Climate Resilient Communities Fund

The PGE Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its new Climate Resilient Communities Fund. Opening in March 2026, the Climate Resilient Communities Fund will help strengthen community preparedness, protect vulnerable populations, and support long-term environmental and economic vitality across Oregon. This new investment builds on extensive engagement with community partners and reflects the growing urgency of climate-related risks facing Oregon communities today, particularly those historically under-resourced.

Record-breaking wildfires, extreme heat, and other climate-related disasters are challenging our communities like never before—especially those in historically underinvested areas. We support locally driven, community-based programs that address some of the most pressing climate challenges facing Oregonians. We believe solutions rooted in local leadership are best informed by the needs and lived experiences of the communities most affected.

We prioritize organizations and programs that demonstrate elements of the following:

Core Mission

The mission of the organization prioritizes:

• Wildfire Hazard and Preparedness: Supporting community-driven strategies to reduce wildfire hazards, enable preparedness and response, and build long-term recovery capacity in fire-prone areas before fire comes.
• Nature-based Solutions: Investing in community stewardship through habitat restoration, tree canopy, and green infrastructure projects that cool communities, improve water and air quality, and protect ecosystems
• Parks and Public Spaces: Expanding, enhancing, and sustaining equitable access to safe, climate-resilient outdoor community gathering spaces where people connect and find refuge.

Outcomes

The proposed project will result in:

• Increased local community capacity and ongoing stewardship for resilience (especially for small and rural organizations)
• Measurable improvements in wildfire preparedness, canopy cover, restoration and green infrastructure
• Greater access to climate-resilient public spaces
• Stronger collaboration and learning networks across sectors

The Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports early career research scientists from low- or middle-income countries (LMIC) by providing research funding and mentored career development for three to five years. This program encourages LMIC scientists in health-related fields to develop projects aligned with their country's health priorities, fostering independent research careers within their institutions. Applications are welcomed from junior faculty members, enhancing global health research and capacity in LMICs.

The Walters Family Foundation Grant focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that address the needs of at-risk youth, families, and the elderly. The Foundation aims to effect positive change through strategic partnerships, site visits, and grant awards, primarily in Oregon, especially metropolitan Portland. They emphasize energizing nonprofit partners to achieve excellence, ultimately improving the lives of those less fortunate. Eligibility is limited to tax-exempt public charities in good financial standing, with certain exclusions for individuals and non-U.S. entities.