Best Grants for Solar Panels for Nonprofits in Oregon

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Oregon can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s EQIP support to implement conservation practices on working lands. Funding and technical assistance may help operations that include or complement solar or other energy-related improvements as part of broader resource conservation plans.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(a)(2) organizations can receive McGraw Foundation support for conservation, education at all levels, and human services, mainly in the greater Chicago area. Grants from US $2,000 - US $10,000 may benefit nonprofits, including those in Oregon, that work in areas like environmental education, literacy, health, housing, and cultural programs.

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 for general operating or project support. Organizations serving Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, or Clark Counties may be eligible for US $50,000 - US $100,000 Impact Awards that prioritize historically underserved communities and equity-focused work.

Nonprofits, government agencies, and tribal nations in Oregon working to benefit rural children can apply for Technical Assistance grants up to US $5,000 to strengthen internal capacity. Focused on organizational development, the Ford Family Foundation invites smaller organizations (generally under $1 million budgets) to fund consulting or staff training that supports their mission and programs.

Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and tribal nations in Oregon seeking support for children, families, or rural community projects can apply for larger grants funding programs, operations, or capital projects. The Ford Family Foundation supports early childhood and youth development, child welfare, rural health and community facilities, and other initiatives that strengthen rural communities and families.

Nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Oregon seeking support for arts, education, environment, health, historic preservation, or public safety projects can apply for Spirit Mountain Foundation’s General Purpose Small Grants, with awards up to US $7,500. With a mission to support these program areas, the foundation provides competitive, project-based funding through a two-step LOI and full application process.

Nonprofit organizations and eligible public agencies in Oregon seeking up to US $100,000 for programmatic or capital projects can apply for Spirit Mountain Foundation’s large grants. Focused on broad community programs, the funder invites applicants working in areas like education, environmental preservation, health, arts and culture, public safety, or historic preservation, including solar-related initiatives that fit these priorities.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status working in Oregon on education, health, environment, basic needs, or community development may be eligible for grants up to Up to US $50,000. Grants from BECU Foundation help Oregon nonprofits, including those with solar or energy-related projects, that directly impact local communities within eligible counties.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related environmental research, the American Water Works Association invites applicants, including those studying clean energy or green infrastructure topics that may intersect with solar or sustainability efforts in Oregon.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Oregon working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for funding that supports work, home, and play initiatives. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help groups, especially those led by people of color, advance equitable community development and related programs in designated U.S. Bank communities.

With a mission to support environmental programs, American Honda Motor provides Oregon nonprofits and schools with US $25,000 - US $100,000 for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use projects. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and public or private schools installing onsite solar or other renewable energy infrastructure in Honda communities may be strong candidates.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Oregon can seek funding to support community development, education, and workforce programs that build thriving futures. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help expand affordable housing and homeownership, financial literacy, small business growth, academic success, and job readiness, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $25,000.

Nonprofit charities, public education institutions, and government entities serving Weyerhaeuser communities in Oregon can seek funding for community projects, including environmental stewardship and green infrastructure. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund awards more than US $1,000 for initiatives such as environmental conservation, education and youth development, affordable housing, and related community services in eligible U.S. and Canadian locations.

Nonprofit organizations in Oregon working on housing, youth development, financial education, or economic and workforce development can apply for Banner Bank’s Banner Gives grants. Programs serving low- and moderate-income residents, including those that may incorporate energy or facility improvements like solar, may be especially competitive within this broader community support program.

Nonprofit organizations serving women, children, and families with humanitarian, education, or self-sufficiency programs in Oregon can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation, with awards up to US $750,000. Projects that build long-term self-sufficiency—such as employment assistance, homelessness services, microfinance, or basic needs like food and water—may be eligible alongside sustainability or disaster relief efforts.

Nonprofits, ODFW, volunteer groups with fiscal sponsors, and qualified individuals in Oregon can seek up to US $5,000 for conservation and outdoor projects. Oregon Wildlife Foundation supports habitat restoration, public access improvements, natural resource education, pollution reduction, invasive species control, and related research, which may include components of solar or other infrastructure within broader environmental initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations planning community programs, events, or projects in Oregon that benefit the public and address local inequities can request US $500 - US $2,500 in sponsorship support. Metro supports efforts in areas like natural areas, parks and trails, land use, solid waste and recycling, and related regional initiatives that may include sustainability or clean energy components.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status 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. Projects serving under-resourced children, women, seniors, or other disadvantaged groups may be especially competitive, including initiatives that strengthen community well-being alongside other program goals.

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 matches student-raised funds 10:1, with up to 25% available for school or district projects. Organizations with solar or other community initiatives may be eligible.

NIH provides Oregon higher education institutions with funding for small-scale biomedical research projects that engage undergraduate students. Eligible baccalaureate-granting institutions must have received no more than $6 million annually in NIH support in 4 of the last 7 fiscal years. Campus-based labs exploring areas like public health, neuroscience, or genetics may be eligible for up to US $375,000.

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 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 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.

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 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.

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

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.