Best Multnomah County Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

The NLN Cecelia Lou Vriheas Scholarship Award offers an $8,000 scholarship to first-generation nursing students from historically marginalized groups pursuing advanced degrees. This award aims to support those committed to becoming full-time nurse educators. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited nursing programs and demonstrate academic excellence. The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, and related expenses, fostering diversity in nursing education and leadership.

The SMSNA Scholars in Sexuality Research Grants Program supports junior investigators in the field of human sexuality and sexual wellness. With a funding of $7,500, the program aims to attract emerging researchers and clinicians to sexual medicine. Applications are accepted from graduate students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows, with an emphasis on diverse backgrounds. The program promotes ethical research practices and requires mid-term and final progress reports to ensure accountability.

The NLN Steve Cerame Nurse Educator Scholarship Award supports aspiring nurse educators by providing up to $8,000 annually for master's or doctoral students. This award honors the legacy of NLN's former CFO and aims to facilitate the education of future nursing faculty. Eligible candidates must be NLN members and have completed at least one year of their program. The scholarship focuses on enhancing the nursing workforce and advancing educational excellence in nursing.

The NLN Edmund J. Y. Pajarillo Health Informatics and Innovation Scholarship offers up to $5,000 annually to support graduate students in health informatics. This scholarship focuses on advancing nursing education through innovative data analysis and technology. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in accredited programs and have completed at least one year of study. Special consideration is given to nurses of color and those from marginalized communities transitioning to full-time teaching roles.

The Matthew Isakowitz Commercial Space Scholarship, presented by the Commercial Space Federation and the Matthew Isakowitz Foundation Programs, is an annual scholarship aimed at college students passionate about the commercial space industry. Recipients are awarded $1,000 and gain internship consideration and networking opportunities with industry leaders. The program emphasizes the importance of space policy knowledge, encouraging students to follow Matthew Isakowitz's legacy of kindness and generosity while pursuing careers in this evolving field.

The Researcher Connection Program by Uplifting Athletes Inc. supports travel expenses for rare disease researchers and doctoral students, fostering connections within the rare disease community. It emphasizes health equity by reserving at least 20% of funding for underrepresented researchers. Qualified applicants can receive up to $1,450 for travel costs related to attending relevant conferences and events, enhancing collaboration and awareness in the rare disease field.

The Eastern Oregon Border Board Education and Workforce Training Grant aims to enhance economic development and workforce training in the Border Region. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for local educational service providers to implement programs that improve workforce skills, property tax base, and regional competitiveness. Priority is given to projects that leverage additional funding and significantly impact the local economy, ensuring a sustainable growth strategy for the community.

The Latino Partnership Program - Small Grants, initiated by the Oregon Community Foundation, aims to support Latino-led and Latino-serving organizations in Oregon. Established in 2013, this program provides general operating funds of up to $10,000 for organizations addressing education, wealth building, and leadership development. It seeks to empower the Latino/x community by funding initiatives that reflect their needs and aspirations, especially during times of change and uncertainty.

The Darlene Hooley Scholarship for Oregon Veterans supports military veterans who served in the post-9/11 conflict, prioritizing those in the Oregon National Guard and Reservists. This scholarship is designed for students enrolling in higher education institutions across the United States, providing financial assistance to those who have bravely served their country.

The St. Andrew's Society Scholarship is designed for graduating seniors from Oregon or Clark County, WA, who plan to pursue higher education in the United States. Eligible applicants must be born in Scotland, have a parent or grandparent who was born in Scotland, or demonstrate a commitment to Scottish cultural activities such as dancing or music. This scholarship supports students in their academic journey while celebrating their Scottish heritage.

The Coast Fork Scholarship supports graduates or graduating seniors from Cottage Grove or Al Kennedy Alternative High Schools pursuing higher education across the United States. This scholarship is aimed at those who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming challenges, with a focus on applicants dedicated to helping others or improving their communities.

The Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund provides financial support to graduates of Klamath County high schools who wish to pursue higher education across the United States. This initiative aims to empower local students by making education more accessible, thereby fostering academic growth and community development. The fund is managed by The Oregon Community Foundation, a private organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for deserving individuals.

The Pence Contractors Diversity in Leadership Scholarship supports underrepresented students in Oregon pursuing construction engineering. Preference is given to residents of Multnomah County, aiming to foster diversity in the field. This scholarship encourages students to achieve their educational goals and prepare for careers in construction, contributing to a more inclusive workforce. It is a valuable opportunity for aspiring engineers to gain financial assistance and promote equity in the industry.

The Thornton Scholarship, funded by The Oregon Community Foundation, supports economically disadvantaged Black male graduates from Portland-area high schools pursuing higher education across the United States. This initiative aims to empower these students by alleviating financial barriers, thus enabling them to achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The Gray Family Foundation offers Environmental Education Grants aimed at enhancing K-12 environmental education through outdoor experiences. In 2025, the foundation will maintain a budget of $705,000 to support programs that engage youth with both natural and built environments. Applications can be submitted after an initial conversation with the Senior Program Officer, starting January 16, 2026, and will be reviewed biannually. This initiative fosters vital connections between youth and nature.

The Eastern Oregon Border Board Scott Fairley Memorial Edge Grant aims to foster economic and workforce development in the region. With a maximum award of $25,000, it supports projects that enhance prosperity, improve the property tax base, and increase workforce availability. Applicants include residents, businesses, and organizations within the Border Region. This grant prioritizes innovative solutions that demonstrate a clear impact on the community's economic vitality.

The Eastern Oregon Border Board Ready Workforce Mobilization Grant aims to enhance workforce and economic development in the Border Region. Grants up to $100,000 are available for projects that improve education, workforce skills, and competitiveness. Eligible applicants include businesses, nonprofits, and local governments. Matching funds are required, and preference is given to projects demonstrating sustainability and targeting current or potential employees in the region. This grant is a vital resource for fostering regional prosperity.

The Dr. Ernest Hartzog Founder’s Scholarship aims to empower Black/African American high school graduates in Oregon by providing financial support for their educational pursuits. The Oregon Community Foundation, dedicated to philanthropy, administers this scholarship to enhance the lives of all Oregonians. Preference is given to students who are committed to giving back to their communities and fostering the next generation. This initiative exemplifies the transformative impact of strategic giving in diverse communities across Oregon.

The Trail Blazers Foundation Fund – LIVE Greener Grant focuses on enhancing access to outdoor spaces for youth from historically underserved communities in Oregon and SW Washington. This initiative supports organizations that promote environmental education, preservation, and employment opportunities. Grants of up to $25,000 annually are available, with potential for an additional year of funding. Organizations must align with the Foundation's mission to apply, ensuring a positive impact on local youth and their communities.

The Trail Blazers Foundation Fund – LEARN Grant focuses on supporting youth from historically underserved communities in Oregon and southwest Washington. The grant offers up to $25,000 annually for organizations that help youth graduate high school and meet academic benchmarks. After the first year, selected organizations may receive an additional $25,000, totaling $50,000 over two years. This initiative aims to create positive impacts in the lives of young individuals where they live, learn, and play.

The Trail Blazers Foundation Fund – PLAY Grant aims to enhance the lives of underserved youth in Oregon and SW Washington by promoting physical activity. With grants of up to $50,000 over two years, eligible organizations can implement programs that encourage active lifestyles among children and their families. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to community engagement and health, ensuring that all youth have opportunities to thrive through active play.

The Gray Family Foundation Camp Maintenance fund aims to enhance outdoor school camp facilities across Oregon, investing over $500,000 annually since 2014. This initiative focuses on vital repairs, including weatherproofing, roofing, and plumbing systems, ensuring safe and accessible environments for children. Applications are open to non-profit organizations without invitation, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity in selection. However, capital projects for new construction and recreational maintenance are excluded from funding.

The Eastern Oregon Border Board Community Improvement Planning Grant aims to enhance economic development and workforce capacity in the Border Region. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for projects that improve the area's tax base, competitiveness, and workforce skills. Local governments are eligible to apply, focusing on community improvement planning and leveraging additional funding sources. This initiative seeks impactful projects that significantly benefit education and regional prosperity.

The Black Student Success Community Network Grants aim to address educational inequities faced by marginalized Black children and families in Oregon through strategic collaboration. This initiative facilitates partnerships among community organizations dedicated to improving Black student success. In 2022, 24 organizations received $20,000 grants to enhance their capacity to engage in network activities and provide essential services tailored to Black students from early learning through post-secondary education.

This funding opportunity aims to support urgent research evaluating policies that impact health behaviors related to obesity. It is designed for studies that can only be performed with expedited review due to the time-sensitive nature of the research. Applications must demonstrate a compelling need for immediate funding to explore new policies or programs affecting dietary habits and physical activity, with the expectation that successful proposals will receive funding within four months.

The Arnold Ventures RFP invites proposals for causal research on community safety and the criminal justice system. This initiative aims to generate evidence that informs effective policies to enhance safety and fairness in justice. Applicants should propose robust research designs capable of isolating treatment effects, focusing on real-world outcomes in the U.S. Preference is given to interventions with potential for policy adoption and led by early-career researchers or those without previous funding from Arnold Ventures.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance health outcomes by tackling healthcare disparities in non-communicable and chronic diseases across Latin America. It encourages interdisciplinary research teams to collaborate with Latin American institutions, focusing on innovative clinical and community-based interventions. Applications are accepted for various deadlines between 2025 and 2027, with a particular emphasis on addressing significant health burdens experienced by U.S. Hispanics/Latinos. This initiative seeks to foster meaningful partnerships to improve health equity.