Best Multnomah County Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs

As part of the executive branch of the State of Oregon, ODVA is responsible for veteran advocacy, state programs, access to federal benefits and policy on behalf of Oregon veterans. The major and direct programs that exist within ODVA includes Statewide Veteran Services, Aging Veteran Services, Oregon Veterans' Homes, Oregon Veteran Home Loans, Educational and Emergency Aid, Conservatorship and Representative Payee Services.​

Veteran Services Grant

The purpose of the Veteran Services Grant Program is to fund eligible proposals that provide direct services to veterans that help improve outcomes in areas such as health or behavioral health care, housing security and houselessness, employment opportunities or stability, education and training opportunities, transportation accessibility and availability, or other critical services within a community, region, or statewide basis. 

The Veteran Services Grant is a reimbursement grant.

Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network Grant

How the Public Exchange Network Works

No single university – even a large R1 – has enough faculty expertise available to meet the needs of every partner. The Public Exchange Network was designed to help universities work together seamlessly to build robust partnerships and generate more collective impact. Universities joining the network are independent but affiliated members, with full control over their own program and project portfolios. As a national network with local, on-the-ground capacity, Public Exchange Network members can also share approaches that work, scale solutions to common problems, and build cross-regional partnerships together. 

As an institutional partner in the Public Exchange Network, universities will build capacity to develop, test and implement solutions to the most urgent problems in their regions and beyond. Universities joining the Public Exchange Network get:

• The tools, templates and training they need to start right away;
• A shared brand they can plug into on day one;
• A network of faculty, past and potential partners and philanthropic relationships, benefitting everyone in the network. 

Public Exchange Network Expansion grants will cover 75-80% of the minimum estimated annual costs for two years to launch a new Public Exchange. To launch a Public Exchange, universities must have the following in place: (1) a staff executive director with experience launching and leading social impact partnerships, (2) a project seed fund, and (3) a modest operations budget. We also recommend some in-kind project management support from an existing university staff member. The grant includes a two-year Public Exchange Executive Director (ED) compensation subsidy of $300,000 to launch the Public Exchange on campus, and a 2-year license to use the Public Exchange brand. New Public Exchange Network members will also receive ongoing support and guidance from current Public Exchange leadership and staff at USC and WashU, including recruitment support and intensive training for hiring and onboarding an executive director, a sub-site on the Public Exchange website, incubation and project management support from current Public Exchange staff, and a suite of tools for developing and implementing Public Exchange projects.

The FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Program's Synergistic Idea Award supports innovative research on neurofibromatosis (NF) through collaborative efforts of two or three Principal Investigators (PIs). By leveraging their unique perspectives, these PIs will tackle significant questions in NF research. Applicants must provide relevant preliminary or published data to support their proposals, ensuring a strong foundation for impactful research outcomes.

The DoW Neurofibromatosis Investigator-Initiated Research Award addresses critical needs in neurofibromatosis research, aiming to enhance patient care through innovative projects. It supports various research phases, excluding clinical trials, and encourages collaboration between scientists and clinicians. The funding mechanism includes two levels based on participation in optional features, such as the Open Science Initiative and collaboration with qualified partners, promoting data sharing and collaborative research efforts.

The FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award supports early-career independent investigators focusing on neurofibromatosis research. Scholars are required to be within 10 years of their terminal degree and must designate a Career Guide for mentorship, fostering collaboration. This initiative aims to advance impactful research and develop skilled researchers in a supportive environment, addressing critical areas of emphasis in neurofibromatosis research.

The FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Program's Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award encourages innovative, high-risk research concepts in neurofibromatosis (NF). This award aims to support groundbreaking studies that will pave the way for future scientific inquiries. Proposals should present a well-defined, testable hypothesis grounded in sound scientific rationale. While preliminary data is encouraged, it is not a prerequisite for submission, allowing researchers to explore novel paradigms and perspectives in NF research.

The NIH Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hubs (REACH) program aims to facilitate the translation of biomedical discoveries into marketable products to enhance patient care. By funding five new academic entrepreneurship hubs, NIH will provide essential resources such as funding, mentorship, and expertise in product development. These hubs will address high-priority technologies and foster public-private partnerships, ultimately supporting the goals of federal research initiatives and addressing local health needs in underserved areas.

State Library of Oregon

Provides specialized information services to state government employees and the public and maintains several collections including Federal and Oregon documents.

LSTA Grants: Strong Libraries Mini Grant

The State Library is offering small grants to strengthen libraries in Oregon and enable them to more fully support their communities. Projects must address one or more of the following focal areas:

Collections: Make Reading Relevant to Your Community

• Enhance a nonfiction collection with recent titles or a specialty section (ex: travel).
• Engage reluctant readers with manga and/or graphic novels.
• Acquire books by Oregon authors and/or Tribal Nations.
• Purchase Spanish-language or bilingual materials.
• Complete incomplete series or add additional copies of popular titles.

Community: Get Involved in Your Local Area

• Bring services out of the building and into the community (ex: pop-up library, lending collection in laundromat, booth at farmers’ market).
• Perform outreach to communities that are underserved.
• Collaborate with local organizations to host public events or classes on topics of interest to the community (ex: civics workshops, language learning, seed exchange).
• Host or participate in a cultural festival.

Economy: Help Foster a Prosperous Community

• Collaborate with local organizations (such as WorkSource, OSU Extension Service, small businesses, community financial or entrepreneur groups, or chambers of commerce) to host public programs or training.
• Curate a set of resources that support Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at local high schools or community colleges.
• Host and/or participate in a local job fair.
• Add products to a makerspace that support local business needs.
• Establish a work area for job seekers, remote workers, and/or small business owners.

Staff: Encourage Growth and Engagement

• Organize a learning opportunity for staff.
• Coordinate staff visits to other area libraries and/or community organizations.
• Conduct a workforce analysis and create a plan for implementing improvements.
• Bring in a facilitator to host activities that build staff morale.
• Pilot a mentoring or peer-to-peer training program.

Technology: Support Digital Access and Skills Training

• Lend devices to eliminate barriers to technology.
• Update public and/or staff computer workstations.
• Acquire assistive technology that enhances access for individuals with disabilities.
• Collaborate with a local organization to host computer skills training workshops.

There can only be one application per organization (meaning, one application per public school district, per university or college, per public library, etc.).

Spending must adhere to Allowable Costs.

Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) compliance is required for public libraries and K-12 school libraries using funds for devices that access the Internet and/or for costs associated with accessing the Internet.

Entities may include indirect costs in the budget, as outlined in 2 CFR 200.414.

About Henry L. Hillman Foundation

Henry L. Hillman Foundation inspires, invests in, and leverages great ideas to improve the quality of life in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania.

Backup Power When Your Community Needs It

The Powered & Prepared Initiative seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies without disruption.

Southwestern Pennsylvania is increasingly impacted by severe weather events that cause widespread power outages and disruptions. The Powered & Prepared Initiative, supported by Henry L. Hillman Foundation, seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies without disruption.

APA Mission Statement

The American Philosophical Association promotes the discipline and profession of philosophy, both within the academy and in the public arena. The APA supports the professional development of philosophers at all levels and works to foster greater understanding and appreciation of the value of philosophical inquiry.

APA: Nicholas Rescher Prize

The Prize winner will receive a $1,000 award upon delivering the prize lecture. If travel funding presents a financial hardship to the selected winner, and if funds in the Prize endowment are, in the APA’s sole discretion, sufficient to do so, up to $1,000 in travel funding may be provided.

The Nicholas Rescher Prize Lecture will be published in the Proceedings and Addresses of the American Philosophical Association or any other publication where the APA regularly publishes the other prize lectures. The Nicholas Rescher Prize winner will be recognized by a letter and certificate from the APA, the usual APA announcement of prizes, and appropriate recognition in an APA prize reception.

Nature of the Prize

Winners of the Prize will have made substantial, outstanding contributions to systematic metaphysics, broadly construed, during the course of their careers. The Prize winner must agree to present a lecture (to be named “The Nicholas Rescher Prize Lecture”) on a topic in systematic metaphysics, broadly construed; the lecture should be accessible to a broad philosophical audience. The lecture will be presented at an APA divisional meeting, normally a meeting within one year following the selection of the Prize winner. The lecture will be presented biennially, and will rotate among the divisional meetings on a regular schedule set by the APA.

Nominations

Any APA member may nominate any other APA member for the Nicholas Rescher Prize; self-nominations are not permitted. Nominations must include a brief statement of support from the nominator.

Only members may submit nominations; please sign in to access the nomination form.

To submit a nomination, fill out the nomination form.

Selection Process

The selection committee may provide additional nominees for the Prize during the selection process. Members of the selection committee are appointed by a process determined by the APA, in its sole discretion, consistent with other prizes the association awards.

Award

• Frequency: Every other year in odd years
• Next Award: 2029
• Next Deadline: April 20th, 2028

The Karim Thomas Ziyad Memorial Engineering Scholarship Fund supports students from Washington County or nearby areas pursuing a career in engineering, especially in Mechanical Engineering. Established in memory of Karim Thomas Ziyad, this scholarship aims to empower deserving students to achieve their educational goals. The fund is part of the Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland, which offers numerous scholarships to enhance educational opportunities for local students.

The Carver, We’ll Find a Way Scholarship Fund, established by the Carver Family, offers scholarships to local students passionate about helping others. This fund is part of the Community Foundation of Washington County, Maryland, which manages over 100 scholarships aimed at supporting both high school graduates and non-traditional students pursuing further education. The foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life in Washington County through educational support and community engagement.

The Art Richards Scholarship Fund of Children In Need, Inc. offers scholarships to graduating clients of Children In Need, empowering them to pursue secondary education in academics or trades. Established in 1998, this fund was inspired by Art Richards' vision to uplift children living in poverty in Washington County, MD. Through local partnerships, the fund supports educational opportunities and honors community values, ensuring every child has the resources needed to thrive.

The Artist’s Palette Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, supports students pursuing careers in cosmetology, aesthetics, barbering, nail technology, and massage therapy. This fund is designed to assist deserving individuals from Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania in achieving their educational goals. Scholarships are made possible by local families and organizations dedicated to enhancing community welfare and honoring significant contributions to the community. Applications open annually from January to April.

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) focused on the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genomics. This initiative aims to explore how genomics can enhance health and well-being while addressing its broader societal impacts. The NHGRI encourages applications from diverse academic disciplines to promote innovative and replicable research approaches that effectively analyze the consequences of genomic advancements.

The Samuel Hunter Agricultural Education Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, aims to support students graduating from WCPS high schools, especially those from Smithsburg High School. This scholarship is designed for students pursuing post-secondary education in agricultural fields, with a preference for FFA/4-H participants. With its commitment to enhancing local education, this scholarship not only honors community contributions but also promotes vital career paths in agriculture.

The Saint James School Scholarship Fund provides essential financial assistance to deserving students in the greater Washington County area. Established by local families and organizations, this fund aims to honor individuals and promote education. With over 100 scholarships available through the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, it supports both high school graduates and non-traditional students pursuing continuing education. This initiative strengthens the community and fosters educational opportunities for all.

The Ryan Myers Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, supports graduating seniors from various educational backgrounds in Washington County. This scholarship honors Ryan Myers' legacy, encouraging students pursuing higher education, trade schools, or apprenticeships. Ideal candidates reflect Ryan's positive spirit and aspirations, aiming to make a meaningful impact in their communities while achieving their academic and career goals.

The Rotary Club of Hagerstown Sunrise Foundation Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to graduating high school students and non-traditional learners pursuing a degree or certificate in various fields. This initiative, supported by the Community Foundation of Washington County, aims to honor local contributions and foster educational opportunities. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to community service and leadership. Scholarships open annually in January and close on April 1st, benefiting the community for generations.

The Robert and Jenilie Palla Education Fund offers scholarships to graduating WCPS seniors who have participated in Cross Country and/or Track & Field Teams. This initiative, supported by the Community Foundation of Washington County, Maryland, aims to honor local students and encourage their academic pursuits. With a commitment to enhancing the community's quality of life, the fund exemplifies the importance of education and athletics in shaping future leaders.

The Richard and Mary Myerly Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, supports low-income students pursuing careers in photography or fine arts at accredited institutions. Established in memory of Richard and Mary Myerly, this scholarship invites applications from students in Washington County and surrounding areas, promoting educational opportunities and honoring community values. With over 100 scholarships available, this initiative aims to empower the next generation of artists and photographers.

The Remsberg-Trout Scholarship Fund supports local students pursuing STEM degrees. One scholarship assists a senior from Williamsport High School, while two additional scholarships are available for graduates from other Washington County public high schools. All applicants must be members of the National Honor Society. This initiative, part of the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, aims to foster educational opportunities and enhance the community's future.

The Quinn Alec Hoover Legacy Scouting America Scholarship Fund supports graduating seniors from Scouting America in the Mason Dixon District, encompassing Washington County, MD, and parts of Pennsylvania. Established by the Community Foundation of Washington County, this scholarship honors the legacy of Quinn Alec Hoover, aiming to recognize and assist students who embody the values of scouting. Applications open annually in January, closing by April 1st, promoting community engagement and educational advancement.

The Paul Lawson Memorial Aviation Scholarship is dedicated to supporting deserving students aged 15-25 from Maryland and West Virginia who are pursuing aviation lessons. Established in memory of Paul Lawson, this scholarship aims to empower young individuals to achieve their dreams in aviation. Offered by the Community Foundation of Washington County MD, it reflects the commitment of local families and organizations to enhance educational opportunities in the community.

The Jon Christopher Gauss, Jr. Wrestling Scholarship Fund, established by his parents, supports high school wrestlers pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. This initiative, part of the Community Foundation of Washington County MD, aims to honor Jon's legacy while empowering students to achieve their educational goals. The scholarship enhances community engagement and provides vital financial assistance to promising athletes, ensuring that their dedication to wrestling translates into academic success.

Materials Management

DEQ is committed to advancing environmental protection and justice for all communities and ecosystems in Oregon, now and for future generations.

Reuse, Reduce, Reimagine, Materials Management Grants Program

Following a successful relaunch in 2024, Oregon DEQ's Materials Management program is now accepting applications for the 2026 Reduce, Reuse, Reimage Grant Program cycle. Up to $2 million are available for eligible applicants. The first step of the solicitation period is a simple pre-application. Following an eligibility screen, the most competitive projects will be invited to submit a main application. We are seeking applicants from all across Oregon state and strongly encourage projects that address inequities in BIPOC, rural, and underrepresented communities to apply.

To align with DEQ's 2050 Vision and Framework for Action, the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grant Program previously adopted a dedicated funding priority for each grant cycle. The 2026 grant cycle will have up to $2 million available to disburse across eligible projects.

The 2026 annual funding area is: Built for Well-Being: Reducing Exposure to Toxic Substances in Building Materials    

Many building materials — such as carpet, paint, furniture, insulation, and contract textiles —contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to people and to the environment. The 2026 grant cycle will fund projects that help reduce exposure to these toxic chemicals. A helpful framework for identifying chemicals of concern is the Six Classes approach (more info below). Projects can focus on other chemicals and methods of reducing exposure to toxics in building materials with compelling rationale.

The Paul Calabresi Career Development Award for Clinical Oncology aims to enhance the training of clinician-scientists in clinical and translational cancer research. This funding opportunity encourages the career growth of researchers but does not permit Scholars to lead independent clinical trials. Instead, it allows participation in clinical trials under the mentorship of an experienced researcher, fostering a collaborative approach to cancer research.