Best Climate Change Grants in Oregon

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Roundhouse Foundation invites proposals for its Open Call for Proposals, focusing on enhancing rural communities in Oregon. Grants, typically ranging from $20,000 to $50,000, support projects in arts, education, environmental stewardship, and social services. Eligible organizations must demonstrate community impact and innovative approaches. Applications are reviewed by external panels, with funding decisions announced within 6-8 weeks. Organizations are encouraged to connect with the Foundation for guidance prior to submission.

The RWN Foundation: Oregon Arts & Culture Grant supports innovative arts and cultural organizations that enhance community well-being. Focused on historically marginalized groups, it promotes access to arts education and cultural programming. The foundation seeks to fund initiatives that celebrate diverse traditions and foster social equity, particularly in Oregon. Grants are typically smaller, averaging $10,000, and are unrestricted, allowing organizations to allocate funds as needed to maximize impact.

The Charlotte Martin Foundation's Wildlife and Habitat Program focuses on promoting biodiversity and habitat conservation in the Northwest. It engages communities in addressing climate change impacts while emphasizing the importance of ecosystem resilience. Through collaboration with local organizations, the program aims to restore critical habitats, enhance landscape connectivity, and support underserved populations in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. This initiative recognizes the vital role of community engagement and sustainable practices in protecting wildlife and natural resources.

The Charlotte Martin Foundation prioritizes funding for rural BIPOC organizations focused on youth programs, emphasizing education, athletics, and cultural expression for ages 6-18. Grants support initiatives that enhance access to diverse experiences, educational opportunities, and sports programs. The foundation is committed to addressing inequities in funding distribution, ensuring resources reach non-dominant communities. Organizations must be based in the Western states and demonstrate a commitment to racial equity and diversity in their leadership and programming.

The PCEF Mini Grants program, funded by The City of Portland, offers up to $5,000 for initiatives that promote racial and social justice while tackling climate change. Organizations can apply on a rolling basis, with the next grant cycle expected in April 2026 after a hiatus in January 2026. Eligible applicants include qualified nonprofits and emerging groups with fiscal sponsors. This program aims to support diverse activities including events, training, and grant writing.

The Metro Planning and Development Grants, specifically for planning inside the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), aim to foster equitable development in the Portland area. Grants of up to $4 million support diverse projects, including community visioning and economic strategies, helping cities and counties implement the 2040 Growth Concept. Since 2006, Metro has invested over $30 million in community projects to enhance housing and employment opportunities, ensuring a sustainable future for over 1.7 million residents.

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.

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 Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

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.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges and universities to cultivate sustainable campus environments. By achieving recognition through five essential standards, institutions can contribute to community health, reduce energy consumption, and enhance mental well-being. Participation fosters pride and involvement in environmental stewardship among students, while providing resources to facilitate tree planting and maintenance. This program not only beautifies campuses but also promotes ecological awareness and responsibility.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Nature in Neighborhoods Capital Grants, provided by Metro, support diverse community projects aimed at enhancing local parks, restoring streams, and promoting nature education. These grants prioritize projects led by community organizations and local governments, focusing on publicly owned capital projects that advance racial equality and climate resilience. With funding available for land acquisition and urban transformations, the program seeks to engage communities and foster connections with nature throughout the greater Portland area.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Metro Nature in Neighborhoods Community Stewardship and Restoration Grants offer funding for projects aimed at enhancing local ecosystems and promoting community engagement in the Portland area. With a total funding pool of $750,000, grants support initiatives that restore fish and wildlife habitats, foster partnerships, and address environmental justice. Priority is given to projects led by historically marginalized communities, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for sustainable environmental stewardship.

The OR Feasibility Study Grants program, managed by the Oregon Water Resources Department, aims to support water conservation, reuse, and storage projects across the state. With around $750,000 available for the 2023-2024 funding cycle, eligible applicants include local governments and tribes. The funding is intended for studies assessing project feasibility, ensuring communities can effectively address their unique water challenges before proceeding with implementation.

Ninety-nine Girlfriends offers annual Impact Awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 to nonprofits in the Portland Metro/SW Washington area. The grants focus on four key areas: educational equity for youth, environmental sustainability, housing stability, and women's economic empowerment. Emphasizing equity and trust-based philanthropy, they seek organizations that demonstrate a commitment to community impact and inclusivity. Applications are open to 501(c)(3) entities and fiscally sponsored groups, requiring a minimum annual revenue of $100,000.

The Social Impact Theatre Grant Program supports innovative theatrical productions that address pressing social issues, fostering dialogue and community engagement. With a focus on sustainability, the program offers production-specific and change capital grants to eligible nonprofit organizations in select states. Grantees are encouraged to explore new models, deepen community connections, and support emerging leaders in theatre. Applications for the next cycle will open in Spring 2025, following the completion of the current funding round.