Best Grants for Charities in Oregon

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

The Formula Grants for Rural Areas program, managed by the Oregon Department of Transportation, enhances public transportation in rural communities with populations under 50,000. It funds operations, capital projects, and planning efforts, distributing funds every two years based on a formula that considers base amount, passenger trips, and service miles. Eligible recipients include local governments and non-profits dedicated to improving mobility management and transit services in these underserved areas.

The Outdoor School Grant provides immersive outdoor education experiences for Oregon’s 5th and 6th graders, promoting learning in the state's natural landscapes. It aims to empower youth through community-building and high-quality resources, ensuring equitable and culturally responsive programs. With a focus on fostering personal and environmental awareness, the grant supports programs that are a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 6 days, encouraging schools to maximize outdoor learning time.

The Spark Award for Oregon Artists, launched by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, is a three-year pilot program offering direct support to 60 midcareer artists across various disciplines each year. This initiative invests in the creative development of artists, acknowledging their essential role in enriching Oregon's cultural landscape. The program particularly focuses on individual artists creating original work in media and literary arts, fostering growth during a pivotal phase in their careers.

The Fence Authority Scholarship offers a $1,000 award to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fields that enhance community beautification, such as architecture, civil engineering, and environmental sciences. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, and involved in community service. This scholarship aims to empower students to contribute positively to society while furthering their education in impactful disciplines.

OnPoint Community Credit Union offers grants and sponsorships to nonprofit organizations that align with their focus areas of Economic Opportunity and Community Vitality. They support various initiatives including financial education, workforce development, and community development. Funding ranges from $100 to $10,000, with a priority on organizations demonstrating diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to events and organizations must have a 501c3 status or an active fiscal sponsor.

About

Mission

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

Vision

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

Scholarships

Charlies F. & Elaine Mellen Sutherland Education Fund

The Charles F. and Elaine Mellen Sutherland Education Fund will provide scholarships to one student each in the College of Forestry and the College of Public Health and Human Services.

The Black United Fund of Oregon (BUF-OR) provides Community Impact Grants to support the social and economic development of underserved communities in Oregon. Annually, BUF-OR awards grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations that align with its mission and focus on BIPOC communities. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and operate within Oregon or SW Washington. This initiative aims to empower grassroots organizations and enhance community well-being.

About Us

The Oregon Cultural Trust is Oregon’s unique engine for fueling culture. We do that by inspiring Oregonians to participate in the cultural tax credit.

Organizational & Professional Development Grant Program

The Organizational & Professional Development Grant Program is an opportunity available to cultural nonprofits in Oregon as well as Cultural Trust County and Tribal Cultural Coalitions and their members. Applying organizations must have an annual operating budget of under $1.5 million.

The Organizational & Professional Development Grant is a program developed by the Cultural Trust Partners. The purpose of the program is to strengthen cultural non-profit leadership and organizational effectiveness to better serve Oregon’s cultural community. This program is focused on cultural organizations and coalitions with operating budgets under $1.5 million to provide access to development opportunities not otherwise available. 

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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 Small Projects and Community Events (SPACE) Grants support local groups in funding short-term, community-led initiatives that protect natural resources and promote conservation education. These grants aim to be accessible and prioritize projects benefiting Black and Indigenous communities, communities of color, and low-income groups. Eligible projects include native plantings, community gardens, and conservation workshops. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and should be submitted at least 45 days prior to the event.

The Eastern Oregon Border Board Scott Fairley Memorial Edge Grant aims to foster economic and workforce development in the region. With a maximum award of $25,000, it supports projects that enhance prosperity, improve the property tax base, and increase workforce availability. Applicants include residents, businesses, and organizations within the Border Region. This grant prioritizes innovative solutions that demonstrate a clear impact on the community's economic vitality.

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.

Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps.

2025-2026 AmeriCorps Formula Grant Opportunity

As the AmeriCorps State Service Commission in Oregon, OregonServes (OSC) administers state AmeriCorps Program Grants. The AmeriCorps Formula Funding Grant Opportunity is funded through OSC’s AmeriCorps State Formula Funding Allocation and provides grant funding for two types of AmeriCorps program models: (i) Formula Cost-Reimbursement Grants and (ii) Formula Fixed Amount Grants. These grants are awarded to organizations that propose to place AmeriCorps members in service solely within Oregon.

• New AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
  • New Applicants may apply for a new three-year award under this RFA (Cost Reimbursement only, new programs are not eligible for Fixed Amount Grants).
• Continuation AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
  • Organizations that have current AmeriCorps awards that do not end in the 2025-26 program year must submit a continuation Application to be eligible to receive funding for the following year.
• Recompeting AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
  • Current OSC-funded programs with a three-year funding cycle that ends in the 2025-26 program year are considered to be in “recompete” status. These Applicants may apply for a new three-year award under this RFA. 

Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps.

2027-2028 AmeriCorps State Competitive Funding

Competitive State grants help place members in service in Oregon and will be part of the AmeriCorps Oregon portfolio. Oregon considers applications for submission to AmeriCorps as part of a national competition.

Increase your organization's impact and reach in the community with an AmeriCorps program.

AmeriCorps provides program grant funding to eligible organizations to address their community's most pressing needs. Competitive grant applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

• Be a nonprofit, government agency, school, or community and/or faith-based organization 
• Request AmeriCorps members to serve only in Oregon 
• Be able to support the equivalent of 5 full-time members in the first year of operation, with a plan to increase it to 10 full-time members by the fourth year. 

The Great American Cleanup Grants, offered by Keep America Beautiful, aim to enhance community beautification and environmental efforts across the U.S. This initiative encourages KAB affiliates to remove litter, plant greenery, and restore public spaces, contributing to the larger goal of cleaning up 25 billion pieces of litter by 2026. With cash grants available, this program fosters collaboration among communities, promoting sustainable practices and a cleaner, greener future for all.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Wildlife Management and Research

RMEF funds wildlife management and research to keep big game healthy and thriving, including disease surveillance, big game-friendly fencing, road management, and scientific studies that expand our understanding of big game habitat, movement, interactions, and overall herd health.

RMEF’s 2026 priorities include:

• Research on migration + connectivity, critical habitat + nutrition, big game population trajectories, challenges to big game populations, and big game management solutions
• Big Game-Friendly Fencing

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Lillian S. Edelstein Scholarships

Up to two students receiving these scholarships hail from or will be attending college in Washington, Idaho, or Oregon.

The Franz Bakery Foundation Grant supports local charitable organizations focused on family support, youth development, and hunger reduction in areas served by Franz Bakery. With an average grant amount of $3,000, the Foundation aims to foster respect, equity, and inclusion within communities. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofits located in specific states and align with the Foundation's mission. Organizations can reapply annually, although applications do not roll over to the next year.

The Singer Foundation Scholarship, offered by the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation, empowers Jewish public high school graduates in Oregon to pursue full-time post-secondary education. This renewable scholarship supports students for up to four years, promoting academic success with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The foundation aims to foster philanthropy and strengthen Jewish community values, providing vital financial assistance to ensure that deserving individuals can continue their educational journeys.

The WAEF Scholarships, provided by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, support over 300 students this year with more than $1 million in educational awards. These scholarships are primarily for children of employees in the tree fruit industry, particularly those working in specific locations in Washington and Oregon. Recipients can utilize the funds at accredited colleges and universities, including vocational schools, for a variety of degree paths.

The Gus and Lola Rosenblatt Memorial Scholarship, provided by the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to Jewish male-identifying students from Oregon attending accredited colleges within the state. Established through Lola Rosenblatt's estate, this scholarship supports students pursuing higher education while emphasizing the values of philanthropy and community support. Eligible recipients can renew the scholarship for up to three additional years, ensuring continued educational opportunities for those who maintain a 3.0 GPA and meet residency criteria.

The Community Storytelling Fellowship, sponsored by Oregon Humanities, empowers Oregonians to share community narratives across various mediums, including journalism and photography. This annual fellowship awards $5,000 to underrepresented storytellers, fostering true stories that highlight diverse experiences. Each selected fellow will create multiple stories over an eleven-month period, supported by mentorship and editorial guidance. This initiative aims to amplify voices, bridge information gaps, and promote civic engagement within Oregon's diverse communities.

HOME Tenant-Based Assistance (HTBA)

The HOME Tenant Based Assistance Program assists very low-income families to stabilize their housing. 

HTBA funds can pay for: 

• Refundable security deposits, 
• Utility deposits, and 
• Monthly rent and utilities.

The HOME Tenant-Based Assistance Rental Program (HTBRA) provides subsidies to very low- and low-income families in the form of monthly rental assistance and security deposit assistance to stabilize their housing. Oregon Housing and Community Services grants funds to community action agencies throughout the state. These lead agencies are responsible for coordinating the use of the funds to serve their communities.

HTBRA is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to Oregon Housing and Community Services annually. Funds are allocated by Oregon Housing and Community Services to community action agencies annually.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.