Best Multnomah County Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

The GSF Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that enhance the lives of children and families in need. Applications must be submitted by a current GSF Associate who nominates the organization and its project. Since 2002, the foundation has funded over 600 organizations nationwide. It emphasizes personal involvement and contributions from associates, focusing on essential needs such as education tools, food, and shoes for children. Grants are reviewed at local and national meetings.

Metro's Nature Education Grants aim to foster connections between communities and nature in the Portland area. These grants support projects that enhance environmental education, promote cultural equity, and engage diverse populations. By prioritizing programs that address racial equity and climate resilience, the grants seek to create partnerships that improve local ecosystems and community engagement. Offered every two years, they encourage innovative projects that restore habitats and provide hands-on educational experiences for all ages.

The ASPET Travel Awards aim to support the professional development of young scientists attending the ASPET Annual Meeting. Eligible participants include undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers who are ASPET members. Awards cover registration and lodging, with additional funding available for international applicants from developing countries. This program fosters networking and learning among emerging pharmacologists, enhancing their contributions to the scientific community.

The Dolores C. Shockley Poster Awards for undergraduates honor Dr. Dolores C. Shockley, a pioneer in pharmacology and advocate for diversity. Established by ASPET in 2010, these awards are part of the ASPET Annual Meeting's poster competition. They recognize outstanding research by undergraduate students and aim to support underrepresented groups in the biomedical sciences. Winners receive cash prizes, with 1st place awarded $150 and 2nd place $50, promoting academic excellence and diversity in the field.

The Portland Arts & Culture General Operating Support program provides essential funding for local arts organizations that enhance the cultural ecosystem of the city. With a focus on accessibility, these grants support a wide range of activities including community events and arts education. Eligible organizations must be based in Portland, hold IRS 501(c)(3) status, and demonstrate a commitment to serving diverse communities. Over 1.5 million attendees benefit from these programs annually, bolstering the local economy.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

The OFB Rapid Response Grant provides up to $5,000 for organizations to address food insecurity and inequities faced by marginalized communities. Eligible applicants include organizations working to become Partner Agencies with the Oregon Food Bank, as well as existing Partner Agencies. The grant prioritizes projects expanding access to food services, particularly for BIPOC, immigrants, LGBTQIA2S+, and single caregivers. This funding aims to enhance operations, improve accessibility, and support urgent needs in food distribution.

The Oregon Food Bank's Capacity Building Grants aim to empower organizations addressing food insecurity, particularly among underserved populations such as BIPOC, immigrants, and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. These grants support projects that enhance advocacy efforts, expand access to food programs, and improve infrastructure. By prioritizing equity and community engagement, the initiative seeks to dismantle systemic barriers to food security and promote lasting change across Oregon.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

Multnomah County, Oregon nonprofits seeking event-based or general operating support for education, workforce, and community development programs can access funding through KeyBank’s Community Sponsorships. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving areas where KeyBank operates may request support for fundraising events or broader community initiatives; sponsorships are reviewed within 90 days, January through October.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The ASPET Poster Awards recognize outstanding poster presentations by graduate and post-baccalaureate students at the ASPET Annual Meeting. These awards aim to highlight exceptional scientific work among young scientists. Participants must be ASPET members and present their research if selected. Prizes include cash awards, with amounts varying by category. This competition encourages students conducting pharmacology-related research to showcase their findings, fostering professional development in the scientific community.

The ASPET Poster Awards for Postdoctoral Scientists recognize exceptional poster presentations at the ASPET Annual Meeting. Open to members in good standing, the competition highlights outstanding scientific research from young scientists. Awards include cash prizes, with $300 for first place, $200 for second, and $100 for third. Eligible applicants must submit one abstract and be presenting authors. This opportunity encourages participation from those engaged in pharmacology-related research, fostering innovation and excellence in the field.

The Metro Central Enhancement Grants aim to support community projects along the Willamette River, focusing on underserved populations, environmental quality, and recreational opportunities. These competitive grants encourage innovative proposals that engage diverse communities, ensuring inclusivity and sustainability. Funded by the Metro Central Enhancement Committee, the grants are awarded annually to initiatives that address critical community needs and enhance local living conditions.

First Tech Education Grants focus on innovative solutions for children and families, primarily in education and fundamental needs. They support nonprofits in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California with grants aimed at enhancing STEM education, early childhood literacy, and financial education for underserved communities. By partnering with local organizations, First Tech aims to build capacity and provide essential resources to help these communities thrive. Organizations can apply for support through an online application process.

The Tsagaglalal (She Who Watches) Scholarship offers a renewable $10,000 award for non-graduating Indigenous students pursuing art or architecture at Portland State University. Established in 2022 to honor Lillian Pitt, this scholarship supports students who identify as Indigenous from U.S. states and territories. Recipients must be enrolled full-time or three-quarters time and are expected to attend a spring event for award presentations, fostering opportunities for Indigenous youth to excel in their studies.

The Awesome Foundation offers Local Chapter Grants of $1000 to individuals and groups for innovative projects that enhance community engagement. Each chapter operates independently, focusing on unique interpretations of 'awesome' across various fields such as arts and technology. Grants are awarded monthly, emphasizing no-strings-attached support. This initiative encourages creativity and experimentation, aiming to inspire and delight communities worldwide. For more details, applicants can explore individual chapter preferences and restrictions through the foundation's website.

The PCC Architecture + Interior Design Scholarship offers $5,000 to first-generation students pursuing degrees in Architectural Design and Drafting or Interior Design at Portland Community College. This scholarship, supported by the Architecture Foundation of Oregon, aims to enhance access to these fields. It prioritizes students enrolled in at least six credits, ensuring that dedicated learners can advance their education and career opportunities in architecture and interior design.

The A.J. Ladman Exemplary Service Award, presented by the American Association for Anatomy, recognizes members who have demonstrated exceptional service and mentorship in anatomical sciences. With a funding of $2,000 towards travel to the AAA Annual Meeting, this award aims to honor individuals who have significantly contributed to the association and the discipline. Nominations must include a nomination form, a letter of recommendation, and the nominee's CV.

The Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award recognizes a member of the American Association for Anatomy who fosters inclusive teams and promotes diversity within the anatomical sciences community. This award highlights initiatives that create equitable environments and showcases the positive impacts of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Recipients receive a $1,000 honorarium and an additional $1,000 for travel to the Annual Meeting, where the award is presented.

Anatomy researchers who are primary caregivers presenting at Anatomy Connected can receive up to US $1,000 to offset eligible child or dependent care costs, including certain travel and extra caregiver hours. Grants from American Association For Anatomy help Multnomah County, Oregon anatomical science professionals with need-based, reimbursable dependent-care support tied to conference participation.

The EUReka EDI Undergraduate Research Award, offered by the American Association for Anatomy, supports underrepresented minority undergraduate students pursuing research. This award provides a $3,000 research stipend, along with $2,000 for travel to present research at an annual meeting. The initiative aims to enhance graduate training opportunities and facilitate entry into science and health research fields, ultimately contributing to a more diverse scientific community.

Early-career health science faculty teaching human or veterinary gross anatomy, including those in Multnomah County, Oregon, can apply for the American Association for Anatomy’s Basmajian Award, which provides US $3,500 plus professional benefits. Awards recognize excellence in gross anatomy teaching and significant biomedical or education scholarship; nominators must be AAA members.