Best Multnomah County Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

The Creative Capital Award, established in 1999, provides unrestricted project grants ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 for innovative artistic works in various disciplines. It supports artists in visual arts, performing arts, film, and literature through a democratic, open-call process. Awardees receive professional development resources and mentorship over a five-year relationship. Additionally, recipients are automatically considered for the State of the Art Prize, which offers a $10,000 grant to one artist from each U.S. state.

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.

The NWS Student Travel Grants, offered by the Northwest Scientific Association, provide financial assistance up to $1,000 for students to attend and present at the 2025 NWSA Annual Meeting in Eugene, OR, on March 18-19. Eligible applicants must be current NWSA student members and engaged in research relevant to the Northwest. The funding covers registration, travel, accommodation, and presentation costs, facilitating scholarly exchange and professional development for students in the region.

The Dr. and Mrs. W.C. Culp Student Research Grant supports medical students conducting summer research projects in interventional radiology. With funding of up to $6,000, the grant aims to inspire innovative research ideas and foster advancements in patient care. Eligible applicants include undergraduates and medical students in MD, DO, or PhD programs, including DACA recipients. A designated project advisor is required to guide the student throughout the research process.

The National Fellowship Program, offered by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, invites Ph.D. candidates across various disciplines to apply. The program emphasizes the importance of scholarly leadership and aims to foster intellectual collaboration. Eligible candidates must be nearing completion of their dissertation or have a detailed two-year plan. The fellowship includes mentorship, networking opportunities, and participation in conferences, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and professional growth.

The CAPTRUST Scholarship offers five $2,000 awards to undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.7 or higher, supporting their educational journey. Applications are open for the Spring 2025 semester, and only the first 2,500 eligible submissions will be considered. To apply, students must submit essays for four specified categories, each not exceeding 200 words, totaling a maximum of 800 words. This initiative reinforces CAPTRUST's commitment to empowering future professionals.

The American Heart Association offers $2,000 scholarships for students researching cerebrovascular disease and stroke. These funds are paid directly to the recipient's institution. Additionally, scholarship winners may qualify for a $750 travel grant to attend the International Stroke Conference, provided they present an accepted co-authored abstract. Eligibility includes being a member of the AHA and studying in accredited programs focused on cardiovascular disease.

The MFA Fellowship, funded by the Dedalus Foundation, provides a $15,000 stipend to final-year students graduating from MFA programs in Painting and Sculpture in the U.S. Annually, four fellowships are awarded based on nominations from department chairpersons, allowing institutions to nominate two candidates each. Nominees must graduate in the following spring semester and submit application materials including work samples and a biographical statement. This initiative supports emerging artists in their professional development.

The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Short-Term Institutional Research Training Grant (T35) provides funding to domestic institutions for developing research training opportunities for predoctoral students in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research. This grant supports short-term research training for health professional students and aims to enhance their exposure to health-related sciences, fostering interest in research careers.

The SMSNA Scholars in Sexuality Research Grants Program supports junior investigators in exploring human sexuality and sexual wellness. Funded by the Sexual Medicine Society of North America, this initiative provides $5,000 to undergraduate, medical, and graduate school students. Awards are disbursed in two payments, with specific reporting requirements. This program aims to enhance research in sexual medicine and foster diversity in the field, particularly focusing on historically underserved populations.

The NLN-Health Carousel Foundation Nurse Educator Scholarship Award provides a $8,000 scholarship to nurses who earned their initial nursing degree outside the U.S. and are now licensed in the U.S. This award supports those pursuing advanced degrees to enhance their careers as nurse educators. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an accredited nursing program and have completed at least one academic year by the application deadline, with funds applicable for tuition, books, and research-related expenses.

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 Helen & Jerry Stern Grandchildren’s Fund of OJCF is committed to strengthening the Jewish community in Oregon by empowering organizations that promote Jewish continuity and education. Grants typically range from $250 to $10,000, with an average of about $4,500. This year, the fund is focusing on projects that combat antisemitism while remaining open to diverse proposals that align with its mission.

The Community Endowment Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation supports organizations and initiatives in Oregon and SW Washington that promote community engagement, dialogue, and understanding. For the fiscal year 2025, grants between $5,000 and $20,000 are available for projects addressing antisemitism, intergenerational philanthropy, and Jewish continuity. Priority will be given to innovative collaborations among organizations. Interested applicants should review the FAQs for detailed guidelines.

Small Steps in Speech is offering Individual Grants for Speech Therapy, Therapeutic Summer Camps, or Assistive Devices. Effective February 2, 2024, families with a joint household income of up to $125,000 can apply. Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens aged 3-22. Grants are not solely based on financial need, and previous grant recipients from SSIS may not reapply. Detailed eligibility and application requirements are outlined to ensure fair access to necessary support.

The Special Angels Foundation Grant provides essential support for children with special needs, focusing on accessible therapy within established networks. Due to high demand, applications from outside California are temporarily suspended. The grant covers therapy expenses and requires a letter of medical necessity from a pediatric professional. Applicants must be under 18 and reside in the U.S. The foundation aims to maximize impact by prioritizing in-network resources and ensuring financial clarity for families.

The UHCCF Medical Grant provides financial assistance to families with children under 16 years old who need access to medical services not fully covered by insurance. The grant offers up to $5,000 per year, with a lifetime maximum of $10,000. Families can apply regardless of their insurance provider, and the grant covers a wide range of medical expenses, ensuring children receive essential health care. Applicants must meet specific income and eligibility criteria to qualify for funding.

The Varghese Summersett Autism Scholarship aims to support children diagnosed with autism who require financial assistance for educational or recreational opportunities. Offered by Varghese Summersett, this scholarship reflects the commitment to enhancing the quality of life for autistic children. It can be utilized for camps, tutoring, or educational tools to help them thrive. This initiative is particularly meaningful, as several members of the legal team have personal connections to autism, underscoring their dedication to this cause.

The Autism Care Today Grant provides vital funding assistance to families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders across the United States. Since its inception in 2005, it has supported over 1,562 families with more than $1.85 million in grants. The program focuses on enhancing the quality of life for children with autism through various initiatives, including safety measures, assistive technologies, and behavioral therapy funding, while also addressing the unique challenges faced by military families.

The Autism Care Today SOS Program is dedicated to providing immediate assistance to families affected by autism across the United States. Established in 2005, this program addresses urgent needs for effective treatments and services for autism spectrum disorders. Unlike typical grant cycles that may take up to 12 weeks, the SOS Program prioritizes those in critical situations, ensuring timely support based on available funding. Eligibility includes a family income below $45,000 and a demonstrated immediate need for treatment.