Best Grants for Charities in Oregon

Transportation and Growth Management (TGM) Grants help local jurisdictions plan for transportation systems and land use patterns that create livable, sustainable, and economically vital communities. The resulting plans increase opportunities for transit, walking and bicycling. TGM awards grants in two categories:

• Category 1: Transportation System Planning. Grants for Transportation System Plan work, that meet the requirements of the Oregon Transportation Planning Rules, including complete or updated TSPs; TSP refinement plans; individual TSP elements (like bike and pedestrian or transit plans); and Safe Routes to School-related infrastructure plans. 
• Category 2: Integrated land use and transportation planning. This includes area plans, downtown plans, and concept plans for areas being brought into an urban growth boundary. 

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 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.

NRCS Farm Bill Technical Assistance Grant Program

The goal of this grant program is to provide funding for technical assistance (TA) to help implement local Farm Bill conservation programs. The Farm Bill has generated more need for technical assistance than the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can provide to landowners. The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) in partnership with NRCS seeks to award funding to partners to provide technical assistance for local conservation efforts.

Total Available:

• $436,011

Required Match:​

• 5%​​

The Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in natural resources, including fisheries and wildlife. This scholarship is available for applicants attending any public or private college or university. The fund was established to honor community contributions towards environmental preservation and is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Apply once for all scholarships you may qualify for to streamline your application process.

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 Collins Foundation GO Grants support organizations in Oregon focused on advancing equity and justice. These responsive grants prioritize arts, education, health equity, and environmental protection, while emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in their operations. Eligible organizations must have been operating for at least one year, with a budget of $20,000 and an independent board. Notably, the foundation does not fund religious activities or certain educational institutions.

The Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund's Emerging Contaminants Program in Oregon provides low-cost financing for public water systems to improve drinking water quality. Funded by the EPA, it focuses on addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS and prioritizes projects in disadvantaged communities. Applications are accepted year-round, with funding contingent on available grants and eligibility criteria. This initiative highlights a commitment to enhancing public health and ensuring safe drinking water access for all communities.

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 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.

The Asian Cultural Council's New York Fellowship offers a transformative six-month program for artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Participants engage deeply with New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops while building networks with local communities. This unique opportunity fosters peer-learning and individual artistic development, encouraging fellows to incorporate their experiences into their practices and contribute to their home cultures. The fellowship emphasizes exploration, exchange, and support, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance program was established by the LWCF Act of 1965 (Section 6, Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, as amended; Public Law 88-578; 16 U.S.C 4601-4 et seq.) to stimulate a nationwide action program to assist in preserving, developing, and assuring to all citizens of the United States of present and future generations such quality and quantity of outdoor recreation resources as may be available and are necessary and desirable for individual active participation. The LWCF State Assistance Program provides matching grants to States, and through the States to local governments, for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.  The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is intended to create and maintain a nationwide legacy of high-quality recreation areas and facilities and to stimulate non-federal investments in the protection and maintenance of recreation resources across the United States.

The Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Grants support agricultural producers in developing innovative, sustainable practices through research and outreach. Eligible applicants include farmers or ranchers who collaborate with technical advisors to implement projects focused on addressing specific agricultural needs. Grants can provide funding up to $25,000 for 1-2 producers and up to $29,900 for larger collaborations. The program aims to enhance profitability, environmental quality, and community well-being while sharing knowledge among producers.

The H. Wayne & Edna M. Schultz Scholarship, supported by the Benton Community Foundation, aims to assist Benton County high school graduates with financial need who wish to pursue pharmacy education at Oregon State University. Established to honor the legacy of H. Wayne Schultz, a dedicated professor, this scholarship fund will help students transition from their pre-pharmacy studies to the professional program. Recipients will be selected based on financial need and their commitment to the pharmacy field.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

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 Schlesinger Family Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Oregon and SW Washington, emphasizing contributions to medical research, higher education, and environmental conservation. Founded in 1981 by Ralph and Bunny Schlesinger, the foundation has a rich legacy of funding reputable organizations and promoting community welfare. To apply, interested parties must submit a letter of inquiry detailing their funding needs. This grant aims to enhance the future prosperity of the region through collaborative efforts.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The Roundhouse Foundation's Capital Grants program offers funding for building maintenance and new construction projects aimed at enhancing rural Oregon communities. Grants of up to $25,000 are available for essential repairs, while new construction projects can receive up to $100,000. Emphasizing sustainability and community impact, the foundation seeks innovative proposals that foster economic resilience, improve safety, and expand organizational capacity in arts, culture, and social services.

The Restore Grant, funded by Zero Foodprint and supported by the USDA National Resources Conservation Service, aims to sequester atmospheric carbon through improved soil health. By incentivizing regenerative agricultural practices, the program promotes climate resilience and enhances nutrient density in food systems. It facilitates equitable funding distribution while engaging the public in climate action. Through competitive grants, it empowers farmers and ranchers to adopt sustainable practices, thereby contributing to regional food security and environmental benefits.

The Oregon Brownfields Redevelopment Fund, managed by Business Oregon, provides essential financing for environmental actions related to brownfields. This program supports property owners in conducting cleanup and assessments to facilitate redevelopment, particularly in economically distressed areas. Eligible applicants include individuals, businesses, and municipalities, while grants may be awarded based on public benefits. The program aims to revitalize communities by addressing contamination issues and promoting economic development.

The 2026 Carceral Systems Organizing Grant seeks to support organizations working to eradicate carceral systems, create alternative justice solutions, or pursue system reform by addressing systemic criminalization that disproportionately targets Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and low-income/poor communities across our five-state region.

This grant will fund organizations that meet SJF’s community organizing framework and prioritize communities underrepresented in traditional grantmaking.

We define carceral systems organizing broadly to include all systems that criminalize people’s lives based on race, poverty, gender, immigration status and/or disability. Examples include but are not limited to: 

• Abolition, transformative justice, and alternatives to incarceration
• Ending racial profiling and police brutality
• Addressing racial inequities in drug laws
• Child welfare, foster care, child protective services
• Youth incarceration and the school-to-prison pipeline
• Detention and deportation of immigrant communities
• Homeless encampment sweeps and criminalization of survival needs
• Re-entry organizing by and for folks who were recently incarcerated

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 Roundhouse Foundation offers small grants to support innovative, grassroots projects that benefit rural Oregon communities. With a focus on creativity, sustainability, and community connection, this grant program encourages organizations to explore new approaches and collaborate effectively. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated non-profits or government entities dedicated to enhancing rural life. The foundation values partnerships that demonstrate community support and a commitment to equity, aiming to stimulate economic resilience and foster long-term growth in the region.

The Park Foundation Grants for Animal Welfare focus on advancing the protection and conservation of wildlife, particularly through policy and advocacy efforts for threatened species. The foundation supports innovative, solution-oriented models that foster systemic change and compassion. Key areas include organizing for endangered wildlife, indigenous management practices, and supporting sanctuaries for great apes. Additionally, the foundation is committed to local efforts, including support for the Tompkins County SPCA, ensuring a compassionate society for all living beings.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

Creative West

Established in 1974 as a nonprofit U.S. Regional Arts Organization (USRAO), Creative West was founded on the belief that place matters to the creative process. Fifty years later, communities of place, practice, experience, and identity remain fundamental to our work, framing our understanding of how culture is creatively produced and collectively experienced.

Creative West empowers artists and culture-makers with direct, practical resources, delivered regionally.

We offer practical, equity-centered learning experiences and funding opportunities that connect and inspire artists, culture-bearers and communities to build a more inclusive sector, strengthen the arts field, and catalyze change.

National Arts Futures Fellowship

The National Arts Futures Fellowship (NAFF) is a six-month virtual leadership development program rooted in democracy, wellness, and belonging. It calls on early and mid-career arts and culture professionals from all backgrounds to step into their power as civic leaders and cultural innovators—building the skills, networks, and vision needed to shape a future where creativity drives justice, care, and connection.

Fellows join a national network committed to strengthening public life, nurturing collective wellness, and fostering deep belonging across communities. Together, they learn, experiment, and act—advancing a shared vision of leadership that is sustainable, community-rooted, and future-focused.

Each fellow enters NAFF with a Personal Action Project (PAP)—a concrete idea they will develop and implement with support from peers, coaches, guest experts, and flexible seed funding of $250–$1,000. Projects may include launching a cultural initiative, organizing a community campaign, supporting artist-led advocacy, seeking a public leadership role, or piloting another form of civic or community action. Throughout the fellowship, each project evolves through coaching, peer feedback, strategy sessions, and real-world experimentation. Fellows conclude the program by sharing their project, leadership growth, and next steps at the National Fellows Summit.

What’s New in Cohort Two?

• Cohort Two expands NAFF from six to seven monthly sessions and adds two new elements that support fellows in moving their Personal Action Projects from development into implementation:
• Seed Funding: Fellows may request $250–$1,000 in flexible funding to test, pilot, or implement their projects during the fellowship.
• Artists Thrive Framework: Fellows will use the framework to assess their work, identify opportunities for growth, and strengthen artist-led advocacy, collaboration, and community impact.

Guiding Principles

• Democracy — Use the arts to strengthen civic participation, expand public trust, and make decision-making more accessible and inclusive.
• Wellness — Treat care, rest, and healing as strategic leadership tools for sustaining movements and communities.
• Belonging — Create spaces where leaders can thrive together across differences, build trust, and celebrate shared humanity.

What kinds of projects are supported?

Examples: Running for office, launching cultural programs, organizing campaigns, supporting policies. Projects can be local, regional, or national in scope.