Best Social Justice Grants in Oregon

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Oregon working on social justice, housing, education, environmental sustainability, and related community initiatives can seek sponsorship funding for programs, events, or capital campaigns. Beneficial State Foundation, through Beneficial State Bank, offers up to US $1,000 to organizations advancing transformative social justice and environmental work in its target sectors.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs can seek funding to develop or expand their work, including those serving Oregon communities. Grants from Creag Foundation help organizations that are pioneering new approaches to societal issues, including social justice and human rights, once they have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare in Oregon can apply for grants up to US $15,000 to run direct-service programs. The Dan Paul Foundation funds child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, environmental education, and related social justice and human rights efforts for children and youth worldwide.

Early-stage social impact nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Oregon tackling social justice and human rights issues can seek up to US $300,000 over three years for scalable solutions. With a mission to support bold, impact-first models, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides capital, deep capacity-building, and community for organizations serving underserved populations.

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 Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Social Justice Fund Northwest- Sponsorship

At Social Justice Fund Northwest (SJF), we utilize sponsorships as a way of building bridges. Our sponsorships are only available to recent and current SJF grantees (within the past two years) in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming. We hope that organizations utilize this resource to fund their most ambitious, innovative projects that are often not supported by other funders.

Overview

Grant Awards: One-year sponsorship of $1,000

Focus:

• Ambitious and innovative projects that are often not supported by other funders in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and/or Wyoming.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation on social, racial, economic, or environmental justice can apply for recoverable grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000 from Impact Fund. These grants, available in Oregon and nationwide, cover out-of-pocket litigation costs like expert fees and discovery to advance systemic law reform.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and local governments in Wilsonville, Oregon can receive Metro support for community enhancement projects that improve environmental quality, safety, recreation, or community enrichment. Projects must be within city limits and can include efforts benefiting youth, seniors, low-income, or underserved residents, including social justice and educational initiatives, to be completed within one year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Oregon working on basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven initiatives can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, adult self-sufficiency, economic and neighborhood revitalization, small business and nonprofit support, and arts and cultural enrichment that benefits underserved or economically vulnerable residents.

Qualified 501(c) or 521(a) nonprofits in Oregon, including fiscally sponsored emerging groups, can apply for the City of Portland Oregon’s PCEF Mini Grants; awards up to US $5,000 for activities advancing racial and social justice while addressing climate change. Funding can support grant writing, small projects, events, and training on a rolling, quarterly basis.

Oregon social justice and human services nonprofits can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation to support projects in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental work. 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily in the U.S., may receive US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project-based support.

Oregon social justice and human rights organizers can access funding through Social Justice Fund Northwest’s Emerging Justice Fund, which offers US $10,000 one-year general operating grants. Nonprofits, 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) groups, tribal agencies, and fiscally sponsored organizations working on grassroots community organizing in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming may be eligible.

Oregon community groups, nonprofits, neighborhood and faith-based organizations can access funding for habitat restoration, environmental justice, and community stewardship projects benefiting residents of Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties. Metro’s Community Stewardship and Restoration Grants offer up to US $100,000 to improve water quality, support fish and wildlife, build equitable partnerships, and expand nature access for marginalized communities.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities addressing health equity, poverty, and related social determinants in Oregon and beyond can apply for the Ronald W Naito Foundation’s unrestricted grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $40,000 for programs and advocacy. Organizations advancing social justice and human rights through improved health outcomes and reduced inequities may benefit.

Ronald W Naito MD Foundation provides Oregon social justice and human rights nonprofits with unrestricted US $10,000 - US $40,000 grants to advance sustainable, equitable communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities with a U.S. office, including those working globally, may apply for initiatives in environmental justice, economic mobility, and health equity for under-resourced communities.

Grassroots nonprofit organizations, tribal agencies, and fiscally sponsored groups working on tenant and housing justice organizing in Oregon and the broader Northwest can apply for the Tenant and Housing Justice Grant, with awards up to US $25,000. Grants from Social Justice Fund Northwest prioritize BIPOC-led, rural, and small-budget groups advancing equitable, affordable, and supportive housing systems.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving quality of life in Oregon communities can seek project, operating, or capital support for programs serving underserved people. With a mission to strengthen economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding to local, non-discriminatory charities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

Nonprofits, schools, and local government entities in Sherwood can seek funding for community enhancement projects, including social justice, environmental, educational, and economic initiatives. Metro supports programs in Oregon that benefit underserved residents, improve neighborhood safety and cleanliness, expand recreation, enhance art and culture, and increase reuse, recycling, and environmental quality within city boundaries.

Oregon 501(c)(3) public charities running safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability programs can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Giving Program. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building in Union Pacific–served communities, and organizations advancing equity and inclusion or social justice within these focus areas may be especially competitive.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Oregon Department of Justice Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division

Oregon Department of Justice Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division (CVSSD) helps victims cover crime-related costs, protects victims’ rights and helps fund local service providers. Through our advisory committees and partnerships, we help shape best practices statewide and bring a diverse collection of voices to the issue of victims’ rights.

Connecting many different programs with a single goal: to serve victims effectively and compassionately.

Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP)

Purpose

The purpose of the SASP Formula Program is to provide intervention, advocacy, accompaniment (e.g., accompanying victims to court, medical facilities, police departments), support services, and related assistance to:

• Adult, youth, and child victims of sexual assault;
• Family and household members of such victims; and
• Those who were collaterally affected by the victimization (e.g., friends, co-workers, classmates) except for the perpetrator of such victimization. 

SASP Formula Program funds may be used to support the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of rape crisis centers and nongovernmental, Tribal and some governmental programs and projects. All must provide direct intervention and related assistance to those victimized by sexual assault without regard to the age of the individual (Per 34 U.S.C. § 12511(b)(1)). 

Intervention and related assistance may include:

• 24-hour hotline services providing crisis intervention services and referral;
• Accompaniment and advocacy through medical, criminal justice, and social support systems, including medical facilities, police, and court proceedings;
• Crisis intervention, short-term individual and group support services, direct payments, and comprehensive service coordination and supervision to assist sexual assault victims and nonoffending family or household members;
• Information and referral to assist the sexual assault victim and non-offending family or household members;
• Community-based, culturally specific services and support mechanisms, including outreach activities for underserved communities; and
• Development and distribution of materials on issues related to the services described in the previous bullets. 

Nonprofits, public agencies, Tribal organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects in Oregon can seek general operating support for arts and culture, education, environment, child welfare, health equity, and equity-focused work. The Collins Foundation supports organizations advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, which may include social justice and human rights initiatives benefiting Oregon residents.