Best Grants for BIPOC in Oregon

The Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.

The Local Government Grant Program (LGGP) is a voter approved, State lottery funded grant program administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Typically, the program awards over $15 million annually to qualified projects, and has awarded over $100 million in grant funding since the program began in 1999. Large, Small and Planning Grants:

Annual grant funds are available upon Legislative approval of OPRD’s budget. Project funding depends on the amount of money available and the project's standing on the small or large project priority list.

• Small Grants – projects with a maximum $100,000 grant request. 
• Large Grant Requests - projects with a maximum grant request of $1,000,000.
• Small Community Planning Grants – projects with a maximum grant request of $50,000.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Oregon support eligible rural communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water availability. Funded by USDA Rural Development, these grants can address issues like droughts, floods, or chemical spills. They offer up to $150,000 for water transmission line projects and up to $1,000,000 for water source construction, ensuring access to clean water in affected areas.

The Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant Program by the Oregon Community Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that aid entrepreneurs, particularly those who are women, people of color, or from under-resourced communities. With $750,000 in funding available, the program focuses on providing flexible support to enhance business growth and sustainability. Organizations with a proven track record or innovative approaches are encouraged to apply for grants up to $25,000, fostering economic vitality across Oregon.

New Seasons Market offers donation requests to 501c3 nonprofit organizations addressing food insecurity through equitable systems and immediate relief. Please allow 4 weeks for processing, as only approved requests will receive responses. Donations are typically provided in the form of gift cards to support community efforts. This initiative emphasizes collaboration with partners focused on policy advocacy and the underlying causes of hunger.

The Cultural Trust envisions an Oregon that champions and invests in creative expression and cultural exchange, driving innovation and opportunity for all. The mission of the Cultural Trust is to lead Oregon in cultivating, growing and valuing culture as an integral part of communities. We do this by inspiring Oregonians to invest in a permanent fund that provides annual grants to cultural organizations.

 Housing Stabilization Program

The Housing Stabilization Program assists low-income families who are receiving a state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grant and are homeless or are unstably housed and at risk of becoming homeless. 

HSP funds can pay for:

• Housing-related costs
• Case management and program delivery costs 

HSP is funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through a grant from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. ODHS allocates funds to Oregon Housing and Community Services biennially. Oregon Housing and Community Services allocates funds to community action agencies annually.

The Community Services Grant Program, offered by the City of Hillsboro, Oregon, supports local nonprofit agencies aimed at enhancing the mental and physical well-being of community members. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) social service agencies that address diverse needs such as aging, child care, and mental health. Agencies receiving $3,000 or more must submit a Six-Month Progress Report to qualify for future funding, ensuring accountability and effective use of resources.

Out of School Time

Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) has identified out-of-school time as an opportunity to combat socioeconomic, geographic, and racial inequities in student success. Research has shown that quality out-of-school time programs that have a robust SEL focus can support positive youth development and increase engagement with school, thus improving attendance, boosting academic performance, and increasing the likelihood of high school graduation and post-secondary attainment. 

OCF seeks proposals from out-of-school time programs in Oregon that wish to participate in a three-year, highly structured SEL program quality improvement Learning Community. Interested organizations should already be familiar with continuous program quality processes and wish to deepen their SEL program quality.   Programs must serve youth from low-income families, youth of color and/or youth from under-resourced rural communities. 

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

The Wilburforce Foundation Conservation Grants aim to enhance the conservation of vital lands, waters, and wildlife in Western North America. By 2025, their vision is to ensure native wildlife thrives across connected landscapes. The foundation supports organizations dedicated to strategic conservation efforts, focusing on habitat security and wildlife linkages. Grants are available to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities, fostering initiatives that protect critical wildlife habitats and promote ecological integrity.

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

Cambia Health Foundation is dedicated to enhancing healthcare experiences through its RFP, which aims to support older adult kinship and grand-family caregivers. By promoting strategies that strengthen social connections and improve access to mental health services, the foundation seeks to address the unique challenges faced by these caregivers. The initiative encourages tailored proposals that reflect the diverse needs of kinship families, ultimately fostering a more interconnected and supportive community for aging individuals.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for students in the Dietetic Technician Program, with over 250 scholarships available. Ranging from $500 to $25,000, these scholarships help support aspiring dietetic professionals. Applicants need to complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships based on eligibility. Membership in the Academy is encouraged but not mandatory for applying.

The Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.

The Miller Foundation: Education Grant aims to ensure equitable opportunities for all Oregon students. It provides funding for K-12 education organizations that create supportive learning environments and prioritize student engagement, especially for those from underserved communities. The grant encompasses a variety of programs, including arts education and early childhood initiatives, while emphasizing the importance of family and community involvement. Organizations may apply for single or multi-year grants, fostering long-term partnerships to enhance educational equity across the state.

The Garden Club of America Award in Coastal Wetlands Studies supports graduate students engaged in coastal wetlands research. Established through the Rockefeller Environmental Education Fund, this scholarship promotes conservation by funding field work in tidal and nontidal wetlands across coastal states, including the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program and can propose their own wetlands study. The award aims to foster environmental education and scientific inquiry in this vital ecosystem.

Lillian & Paul Petri Music Study Fund

Lillian and Paul Petri taught music at OSU and via private instruction, and had profound involvement in supporting young musicians. Their influence continues today. Although the Petris had no children, they were very interested in supporting young people, and they bequeathed their entire estate to Benton Community Foundation to help young musicians.

Almost without exception, all of the Petri award winners have gone on to distinguished careers. The Lillian & Paul Petri Music Study Fund grants one of the most generous music scholarships offered in the United States. Since the Petri Award was first given in 1962, grants have gone to thirty-two top Oregon musicians. The first scholarship award made from the Lillian & Paul Petri Music Study Fund in 1962 to Miss Edith Kilbuck, a pianist and instructor of music at Lewis and Clark College and the University of Portland. She traveled to Vienna, Austria, to study under Professor Seidlhofer. When Miss Kilbuck was asked once what this award meant to her, she conveyed her “strong sense of gratitude” in the following statement:

“The Petri Award provided an opportunity for both focus and diversification in my education and professional career. After having practiced my profession several years as teacher, performer, and coach/accompanist, I recognized those areas in which I wanted to concentrate my efforts. To be free to do this additional work without the necessity of earning a living at the same time was a real privilege. Living in Vienna and traveling elsewhere in Europe provided such an immediate and first-hand experience of so much of our cultural heritage — general history, music history, German language and literature, painting, sculpture, architecture, etc. I feel I took a ‘giant step’ toward becoming truly educated during that year as recipient of the Petri Award.”

As expressed in his letter to the board written before his death, Dr. Petri’s vision was to provide scholarships to enable young Oregonian musicians to study music for a year in a foreign country. However, recognizing that circumstances change over the years, Dr. Petri gave BCF’s Board of Directors wide discretion in meeting his vision. Considering the increased cost of foreign travel since the fund was first establish, and in light of the many good music schools which have prospered in the United States since the mid-20th century, the Board has determined that the scholarship may be used for study domestically, as well as overseas.

The determination of whom shall be granted a scholarship from the Lillian & Paul Petri Music Study Fund is made on the basis of a musical performance competition judged by notable professionals in the field. BCF currently partners with Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA) to plan and facilitate the competition.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy’s scientists in California are working to inform, influence, and inspire conservation in today’s human-dominated world, to build a future in which people and nature thrive together.

Oren Pollak Memorial Research Fund

The Oren Pollak Memorial Research Fund was established in 2000 in memory of Dr. Oren Pollak, a leading grassland ecologist and restoration pioneer, as well as an ardent champion and mentor for grassland ecology students. As The Nature Conservancy’s lead ecologist in California in the early 1990s, Dr. Pollak established the grassland research program that continues today. He later became Director of Science in the Conservancy’s Oregon Chapter. Since 2000, the Pollak Fund has granted more than $170,000 in grasslands research funding for student scientists. 

The Nature Conservancy will be granting up to $20,000 for assistance to two or three student grantees to conduct research on grasslands in California or Oregon. Preference will be given to projects explicitly focused on grasslands and relevant to TNC’s conservation efforts in California or Oregon.

Proposed projects may include, but are not restricted to, research on grassland management practices (e.g., restoration, grazing), habitat value for rare and threatened species, and community ecology. Studies conducted on TNC preserves and coordination with TNC preserve managers is desirable but not mandatory. 

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The Peter E. Palmquist Memorial Fund Grant provides vital support for research into under-researched women photographers and Western American photographers from the Great Depression era. Open to both individual researchers and nonprofit institutions, this grant emphasizes the importance of quality proposals and the ability to execute projects efficiently. Recipients will contribute their findings to the Humboldt Area Foundation, thus enriching the Peter Palmquist Archive and promoting the legacy of photography history.

The Oregon Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, funded by the USDA through the Oregon Department of Agriculture, aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, and nursery crops. Eligible applicants include non-profits, government entities, and producer groups. Projects must demonstrate potential benefits to U.S. specialty crops, and funds cannot be used for research proposals or to benefit a single entity. This initiative supports diverse agricultural advancements in Oregon.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.