Best Early Childhood Development Grants in Oregon

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, government agencies, and tribal nations in Oregon can seek larger grants to support early childhood development programs, operations, and capital projects. The Ford Family Foundation funds initiatives like parenting support, childcare centers, and early education as part of its Strong Starts, Bright Futures, and Thriving Communities priorities for rural children and families.

Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting early childhood development, family stability, or related youth programs can apply for Community Possible funding to advance economic opportunity, housing, and community arts. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities that address multiple pillars (work, home, and play) and prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, including leaders of color.

Nonprofits and other organizations expanding, diversifying, or training the behavioral health workforce in Oregon can seek funding to improve early childhood and family mental health. With a mission to advance whole-person health, Cambia Health Foundation provides US $30,000 - US $60,000 for projects that reduce disparities, strengthen caregivers, and address social isolation for children and families.

Nonprofits, government agencies, and tribal nations in Oregon can seek up to US $5,000 to build internal capacity for early childhood and family-focused work. Focused on technical assistance, the Ford Family Foundation supports consulting, strategic planning, board development, and staff training for organizations serving rural children and their families.

Nonprofit organizations in Oregon working on early childhood development, youth services, housing, or economic opportunity can apply for Banner Bank’s Community Support Program. Grants prioritize programs serving low- and moderate-income populations, including efforts around affordable housing, youth academic and social-emotional development, and financial education that benefit young children and their families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations advancing health equity and early childhood development in Oregon can apply for PacificSource Foundation for Health Improvement grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000 to expand programs and capacity. With a mission to improve access to quality healthcare, the foundation supports clinical and community solutions, including infant and maternal health, parent education, and related support services.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with 3+ full-time staff and budgets between $500,000 and $10 million can seek L.B. Research and Education Foundation support for proven education or health programs, including in Oregon. Funding backs expansion of successful adolescent, post-secondary, and adult vocational education initiatives, as well as innovative, research-informed health and mental health programs addressing opportunity gaps.

U.S. nonprofit professional development providers serving at least five early childhood programs can seek up to US $500,000 over three years to strengthen the early educator workforce, especially for low-income children. With a mission to improve early childhood development, Stranahan Foundation provides Oregon and other U.S. organizations with funding for scalable coaching, leadership development, and substitute teacher pool models.

Graduate students conducting early childhood language development research at U.S. speech-language programs, including those in Oregon, can seek funding for preschool or early school–age studies. Focused on early verbal language and speech-language disorders, the American Speech Language Hearing Foundation offers US $4,000 awards, with up to three grants available in the current cycle.

Grants from 15 and the Mahomies Foundation help Oregon 501(c)(3) organizations improve the lives of children through health, wellness, and community-based programs, including early childhood development. Eligible U.S. nonprofits may request up to US $15,000 to support initiatives serving children, especially those in communities needing additional resources.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) social service agencies serving Hillsboro residents can apply for City of Hillsboro’s Community Services Grant Program, offering up to US $20,000 for programs improving mental or physical well-being, including early childhood development. Oregon organizations providing child care, early education, or family support in Hillsboro may benefit from this funding.

Early childhood and special education programs in Oregon serving special needs, disabled, or at-risk children from birth to age 21 can seek funding for projects and materials. Grants from Northwest Regional Education Service District Foundation help organizations in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, and Washington counties advance early learning, kindergarten readiness, English language learner support, and inclusive regional services, with awards of US $100 - US $2,500.

Focused on early childhood development, nonprofits in Oregon can seek funding to improve school readiness for children from birth to age five. The PNC Foundation supports high-quality programs in areas like vocabulary, social-emotional learning, math, science, and the arts through its Grow Up Great initiative in eligible Oregon counties.

Oregon nonprofits and other organizations supporting early childhood development and school readiness can apply for grants up to US $20,000 to serve at-risk children ages 0–5. Ohio Children’s Foundation funds quality early learning, literacy, parent engagement, and policy advocacy initiatives that build brain and language development and reduce toxic stress for vulnerable young children.

Nonprofit organizations supporting early childhood development in Oregon can access free On My Way to Kindergarten kits to strengthen school readiness for children ages 3–5. Grants from The Molina Foundation help providers offer bilingual (Spanish-English) activity books and online songs, games, crafts, and stories that engage families and caregivers in preparing children for kindergarten.

Local and national charities in Oregon serving the needs of children, including early childhood development, can seek funding for programs that improve children’s health, welfare, and opportunities. CAPTRUST Community Foundation offers one large Charity of Choice grant plus multiple national partnership grants each year for organizations aligned with its mission to support children.

Tribal governments and tribal organizations in Eastern Oregon can receive funding for one-year projects that improve access to quality care and community health, including early childhood development services. With a mission to improve health and healthcare access, Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization provides up to US $30,000 for programs serving EOCCO members in 12 eastern Oregon counties.

Public health departments in Eastern Oregon counties can apply for Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization’s Community Benefit Initiative Reinvestment grants, awarding US $8,000 - US $50,000 for one-year projects improving access to quality care. Projects may address early childhood trauma, parenting support, non-billable perinatal care, data systems, and broader early childhood development needs in Oregon.

Organizations improving health and early childhood development in Oregon can apply for Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization’s Community Benefit Initiative Reinvestment Opt-In grants. Grants from Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization help fund one-year projects in its Eastern Oregon service counties, including kindergarten readiness for ages 0–6 and wellness and preventive care for youth 7–21, with awards up to US $65,000.

Oregon students pursuing careers in early childhood development and related early learning fields can access scholarship support through the Dr. Chao-ying & Sue Wu Early Learning Scholarship. Administered by Chuckanut Health Foundation, this academic scholarship helps remove financial barriers for future early educators and child-focused professionals, which may benefit those committed to early childhood development work.

$20K for changemakers with transformative ideas & firsthand insight in early childhood

About the Imagine Award

The Imagine Award by the Promise Fund offers $20,000 in flexible funding (see definition in FAQs) and a six-month cohort-based learning experience for community-rooted early childhood leaders with ideas for transformative impact. ​​Award recipients are at the idea stage and will launch a pilot within six months, testing their solutions with real users, gathering feedback, and refining their approach.

Imagine Award recipients will learn strategies for designing and executing lightweight tests for rapid learning while gaining clarity on their idea's direction using impact and business models. They will craft a compelling story about their work to build future partnerships and run a focused pilot with strong feedback loops for gathering data, all while growing alongside a supportive peer community.

What We Provide

Our grant dollars are flexible and meant to be used at award recipients’ discretion for the pursuit of tests or a pilot of a transformative idea. Read the FAQ for more information.

Direct, one-on-one support from our team to help you learn, get tailored help, and make relevant connections.

Multi-day gathering for peer connection, learning, and pilot design.

Access to a bench of mentors to guide you as you transition out of the program and navigate next steps with your pilot.

Light, tailored coaching to support pilot preparation, launch, and implementation.

Ongoing peer community and resources to continue learning and collaboration

The Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program seeks applications for Development and Implementation Grants to support evidence-based home visiting programs for expectant families and young children. Funded by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, these grants aim to enhance maternal and child health, improve parenting practices, and foster early childhood development within tribal communities, ultimately promoting better socio-economic outcomes and reducing instances of child maltreatment.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The CDV5 Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations, churches, and government entities that meet IRS 501(c)(3) requirements. This grant aims to nurture successful children, foster stronger families, and cultivate healthier communities. Through partnerships, the foundation provides resources to help individuals reach their full potential. Applicants may submit one request annually for operating, capital, or program support, while event sponsorships are also considered. The foundation encourages applicants to consider their budget and history with the foundation when requesting funding.

The Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation, established by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, aims to enhance community well-being through strategic grants up to $15,000. Focused on youth education, health, and basic needs, the foundation serves nonprofit organizations in several Oregon counties. Organizations must apply by March 1 or September 1. The foundation encourages impactful projects and requires a final report from grantees before reapplication, while also emphasizing that it will not be the sole funding source for projects.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

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.