Best Corporate Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

The Leonard and Lois Schnitzer Charitable Supporting Foundation, part of OJCF, focuses on enhancing local Jewish projects in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Since its inception, it has awarded nearly $677,000 to over 30 organizations, emphasizing Jewish welfare, community building, and education. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the foundation aims to foster collaboration and innovation while addressing critical community needs, benefiting a broad segment of the population.

The TA-1 Technical Design and Engineering grant, offered by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), supports projects aimed at creating technical designs for restoration efforts. Eligible applicants include non-profits, tribes, and educational institutions, with a required 5% match. This funding is crucial for addressing the impacts of wildfires on local habitats and ensures compliance with preservation regulations. Projects must demonstrate clear benefits to watershed health and community resilience.

About

Mission, Vision & Values

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

Jay and Kelleigh Killen Military Excellence Endowed Scholarship

About the fund

Jay Killen and his wife Kelleigh established the Jay & Kelleigh Killen Military Excellence Endowed Scholarship with Benton Community Foundation in 2012. Jay is a former Navy Aviator and NROTC instructor at OSU. Each year the Scholarship is awarded to a Navy Midshipman who displays excellence in ROTC and academics. 

The Justin D. Cole & Donald R. Meeks, Jr. ROTC Scholarship, established by Benton Community Foundation, aims to recognize dedicated ROTC cadets at Oregon State University and its extension campuses. This scholarship supports students who demonstrate strong leadership, financial need, and good academic standing, ensuring they can continue their education and service. Priority is given to upperclassmen and those nearing graduation, fostering a sense of community and commitment among future leaders.

The Society for Ecological Restoration Northwest Chapter offers Student Research Grants up to $3,000 to support research that enhances ecosystem restoration in the Cascadia bioregion. Eligible applicants include social or natural science graduate students and upper-level undergraduates. The grant can cover various project expenses, fostering innovative approaches to restore natural systems while promoting the diversity of life in the region.

The LTC David & Dorothy Blasen Memorial Scholarship supports ROTC students at Oregon State University and its extension campuses. Established in 1997 by Lieutenant Colonel David Blasen and his wife, Dorothy, this endowed fund aims to enhance educational opportunities for future military leaders. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic performance, and leadership. Priority is given to upperclassmen and those who have completed ROTC classes. This scholarship fosters a commitment to military service and community leadership.

The Major General Julie Bentz ROTC Scholarship supports ROTC students at Oregon State University and Western Oregon University, honoring Major General Bentz's distinguished military career. Awarded based on financial need, leadership, and academic performance, this scholarship emphasizes the importance of good standing in both the university and the ROTC unit. Eligible candidates must be full-time ROTC students with a minimum GPA. Priority is given to juniors, seniors, and those completing ROTC courses.

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

The Transformation Grants program addresses the urgent need for quality, affordable housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the U.S. By providing funding for innovative, community-based housing solutions, the program aims to enhance the lives of those with IDD. Grants up to $300,000 per year support initiatives that focus on inclusivity and sustainability. Organizations in Oregon and Washington serving this population are encouraged to apply for funding to create impactful housing opportunities.

The NRP Research Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for healthcare professionals to explore optimal neonatal resuscitation methods. It encourages innovative research addressing gaps in transitional physiology and effective teaching of resuscitation skills. Applications must focus on evidence-based practices and demonstrate potential for meaningful impact in delivery room care. Researchers from Canadian and US institutions are eligible, though applications primarily focused on quality improvement without a research emphasis will not be considered.

Higher Education Coordinating Commission

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is a State of Oregon agency and Commission working to improve equitable access to and success in higher education and workforce training for Oregonians statewide. We coordinate funding and policy, and convene partners across the public and private higher education and workforce landscape. 

Oregon Student Child Care Grant

The Oregon Student Child Care Grant Program helps parents enrolled in postsecondary education to obtain safe, dependable care that supports their children's development while allowing completion of the parent's academic programs.

The Oregon Arts Commission offers Career Opportunity Grants to support artists at all stages in taking advantage of unique opportunities that enhance their careers. Grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 help cover costs, ensuring artists can participate without financial strain. These grants are awarded based on the potential for significant career impact, such as introducing work to new audiences or developing new skills through various activities. Additional funding may be available for established visual artists.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.

The ASP Conservation Small Grants program is dedicated to supporting primate conservation efforts. It invites proposals for conservation research or related projects, including education, with awards up to $3500. This initiative encourages ASP members, especially those in habitat countries, to submit impactful projects that contribute to broader conservation goals. The program emphasizes funding for local salaries, research supplies, and educational materials, ensuring the sustainability of primate conservation efforts.

The Marine Navigation Improvement Fund Grant (OR) provides essential funding for port projects in Oregon, supporting both federally and non-federally authorized navigation improvements. The program aims to enhance navigation facilities, ensuring they meet safety and operational standards. Eligible projects may receive loans or grants, with funding determined by project type and readiness. Ports interested in applying must adhere to specific criteria and provide necessary documentation to secure funding. This initiative is crucial for boosting local economies and maintaining vital transportation routes.

The TourWest Grants, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, aim to support presenters and organizations in the Western region by providing flexible funding for touring artists. This competitive grant encourages community engagement and outreach, fostering collaboration between artists and local communities. It prioritizes accessibility to the performing arts, especially in underserved areas. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or local government units and demonstrate a commitment to community needs through their projects.

The Ball Foundation Skilled Trades SkillPointe Scholarship offers $2,500 for educational or training programs in Arizona and Oregon, addressing the skills gap in America. With a mission to upskill workers without requiring a four-year degree, the program has funded over 1,000 scholarships nationwide, resulting in a 95% training completion rate and a median income increase of $32,000 in the first year post-training. This initiative empowers individuals and strengthens the economy.

The Western Society of Malacologists offers Student Research Grants in Malacology to support research in the study of mollusks. Grants of up to $1000 are available for full-time students engaged in relevant projects. Applicants from all countries are welcome, with no citizenship restrictions. This initiative encourages students to present their findings at WSM meetings, promoting academic growth and collaboration within the malacological community.

The Van Evera Bailey Fellowship, awarded by the Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO), supports the professional development of design and building professionals. With an annual grant of $50,000, since 2001, it encourages individuals to explore innovative ideas that benefit both their careers and the community. Eligible activities include sabbaticals, teaching, collaborations, and research projects that promote creativity and public engagement in architecture.

The Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

The Oregon Museum Grant, offered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, supports museums across the state in their efforts to collect, preserve, interpret, and promote Oregon's rich history. This funding opportunity encourages projects that enhance heritage collections, foster heritage tourism, and provide education. Museums of all sizes are invited to submit proposals that meet eligibility requirements, ensuring a comprehensive representation of Oregon's diverse cultural narratives.

Oregon Housing and Community Services 

Oregon Housing and Community Services is Oregon's housing finance agency, providing financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of lower and moderate income.

Our Mission: We provide stable and affordable housing and engage leaders to develop an integrated statewide policy that addresses poverty and provides opportunities for Oregonians.

Housing Development Grant Program

The Housing Development Grant Program (HDGP) “Trust Fund” was created to expand Oregon’s housing supply for low- and very low-income families and individuals. HDGP is designed to provide grants to construct, acquire and/or rehabilitate existing structures, or operate affordable rental housing for low-income households in Oregon.

Preference will be given to projects with resident services geared towards the needs of the residents (i.e. daycare, job counseling, emergency assistance, finance management). HDGP dollars are allocated throughout Oregon based on regional unmet needs.

Affordability Requirements

75% of annually allocated HDGP funding is reserved for housing serving very low-income residents. These households earn 50% of the area median income (AMI) or below as determined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The remaining 15% of annual funds may be given to housing that serves residents earning 80% AMI or lower. The project will be restricted to serve at this affordability level for 60 years. Annual compliance reporting will be required to ensure affordability requirements are being met.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The TBF: Teen Pregnancy Prevention program offers financial support to 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington and Oregon focused on reducing teen pregnancy. Eligible projects must utilize evidence-based methods and can include health education initiatives and community clinic services. The program encourages applications from organizations with a clear budget and success criteria, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to this critical issue.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Jack Handford Summer Internship

The Western Region actively supports student members who show promise as new professionals and encourages institutions and students to apply for the Jack Handford Summer Internship offered every other year, i.e. 2026 and 2028. The internship is appropriate for students with majors such as costume studies, material culture, museum studies, fashion history, or similar. The internship is intended to average duration of six weeks or a total of 120 hours. The grant may change depending on the budget; the 2024 winner received $3,000.

Student applicants must be current CSA Western Region members to apply. Check the forms: Institution Application and Student Application. All forms and other materials stated in the form should be submitted to Naomi Arnst, CSA-Western Region, Student Awards and Summer Internship Chair.