Best Grants for Charities in Oregon

This program involves scientists, agricultural producers, and others using interdisciplinary approaches to advance sustainable agriculture at local and regional levels. With the collaboration of producers, projects must integrate rigorous research and education aiming to advance the three components of sustainable agriculture- environmental, economic, and social- and use innovative educational outreach to disseminate new knowledge to students, producers, and stakeholders. It is expected that outcomes of funded projects will result in quantifiable benefits for producers, increase the preservation of the natural resources upon which agriculture depends, and be documented in scholarly journals and disseminated through teaching and educational activities with students, producers, and other agricultural stakeholders. 

The Lester & Annette Goldschmidt Hillel Scholarship, administered by the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation, offers financial support to Jewish students from Oregon attending the University of Oregon. Established by the Goldschmidts' children, this scholarship aims to assist two students each year in pursuing higher education. The foundation promotes philanthropy and community engagement, ensuring that Jewish students have access to resources that empower their educational journeys and foster a thriving Jewish community.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The CHS Foundation's Cooperative Education Grant aims to support educational projects that enhance understanding of the agricultural cooperative business model. With a focus on middle school to college-age students, the program encourages innovative approaches, measurable outcomes, and engagement strategies. It prioritizes initiatives with a national or state-level reach within the CHS trade area, fostering success and growth in cooperative education. Funding will be allocated to programs that align with these goals, ensuring a robust educational framework for future leaders in agriculture.

About the Pacific Northwest Kiwanis Foundation

Through Helping Hands Fellowships, memorial gifts, and bequests, the Foundation provides a variety of ways to leave a lasting legacy for the children and youth of the Pacific Northwest.

Every member of a Kiwanis club in the Pacific Northwest District is also a member of the Pacific Northwest Kiwanis Foundation.

Our Purpose

The Pacific Northwest Kiwanis Foundation is a non-profit charitable corporation founded in 1985 and endorsed by the Pacific Northwest District of Kiwanis International:

• To promote the sponsored youth groups of the Pacific Northwest Kiwanis District. These include: Circle K (college/university students); Key Clubs (high school students); Builders Clubs (middle school students); K Kids (elementary school students); and Aktion Clubs (adults with disabilities).
• To assist needy persons – particularly youth
• To assist worthy youth to attain vocational excellence
• To aid the handicapped and disadvantaged

Specific emphasis is directed to promotion and support of sponsored youth groups particularly through scholarships and leadership training.

Grants

The PNW Kiwanis Foundation provides support for children, youth, and the disabled in the Pacific Northwest through grants designated for Kiwanis-sponsored projects.

During the last 2 years the PNW Kiwanis Foundation gave away over $20,000 in grant money.

PNW Kiwanis Foundation New Club Opening Mini Grant

The PNW Kiwanis Foundation will provide a $500 mini grant to new clubs to help kick start their charitable giving. Clubs are required to provide us with a “bragging-rights” status report and pictures of how these monies were used after completion of their project.

Purpose

Grants provide limited opportunities for Kiwanis clubs to receive financial assistance with a key project benefiting children or youth in their community. Funded projects may also provide an opportunity to generate exposure for the Foundation and its activities.

Grants must be in keeping with the purpose of the Foundation, which generally is to support children and youth in the Pacific Northwest. Projects that fall outside the Pacific Northwest may be quite worthy of support but would not qualify for a grant from the Foundation.

Club Support

The Foundation does not want to support a project that is not supported by the local Kiwanis club. That is why all grant requests must be accompanied by a letter of support from the Kiwanis club.

Oregon Jewish Community Foundation 

Founded in 1989, the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation offers personalized service, cutting-edge investment expertise, flexibility, and focused investment.

We work throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, offering charitable giving opportunities to help individuals and families achieve their heartfelt philanthropic objectives.  The Foundation helps individuals and families achieve their heartfelt philanthropic goals through the most tax-advantaged approaches to charitable giving. As the community's partner in the region, OJCF provides sophisticated giving opportunities and exciting programs expressing the Jewish values of tzedakah (justice) and tikkun olam (healing the world).

Mission

OJCF’s mission is to build and promote a culture of giving in Oregon and Southwest Washington that supports a thriving Jewish community now and for generations to come.

Weitz Family Lunch and Learn Fund

The Weitz Family Lunch and Learn fund is accepting grant applications to support kosher lunch and learn Torah study for groups of passionate and curious community members that are yearning for learning.

This grant application is open on an ongoing basis.

Kuni Foundation

We advance the promise of human potential by investing in cancer research and accelerating the inclusion of individuals experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Imagination Grants: Advancing Opportunity and Inclusion for People Experiencing Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Program Focus

Imagination Grants serve as a catalyst for strengthening or expanding the capabilities of an organization in service to its mission. These one-year grants are intended to fulfill an unmet need or provide a spark to advance initiatives or access additional funding in pursuit of broader community goals. 

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.

Native Arts and Heritage Fund

The Native Arts + Heritage Fund (NAHF) is a community-rooted award program created to support Native American and Alaska Native artists, culture bearers, and cultural practitioners across the Creative West region.

Co-designed with Native-centered artists, advisors, and community leaders, NAHF centers care, cultural continuity, and self-determination. The fund honors Indigenous ways of knowing and values process over product, relationship over compliance, and well-being as a meaningful measure of impact. In addition to unrestricted funding, selected artists will participate in a three-month virtual cohort experience designed for connection, reflection, and shared learning.

NAHF is administered by Creative West, an organization that uplifts artists and culture bearers across the Creative West region by providing funding, mentorship, and culturally rooted support.

This is not a project-based grant.

This is an invitation into funding and relationships.

Applicants must provide a letter of support from an Alaska Native or Native American community member who can speak to their relationship to community and cultural work.

Unrestricted Funds May Be Used For:

• Taking time to create, reflect, or rest
• Purchasing tools, materials, or supplies
• Covering food, rent, childcare, or transportation
• Supporting wellness: physical, emotional, spiritual, or cultural
• Participating in cultural exchanges, mentorship, or learning
• Creating space to gather, teach, or share knowledge

The Oregon Immigrant and Refugee Funders Collaborative Grant Program supports local nonprofits aiding immigrants and refugees in Oregon. With no fixed grant cycle, applications are accepted year-round, allowing flexibility and responsiveness. Funding primarily targets legal services, advocacy, and basic support, with a commitment to equitable outcomes. Organizations eligible for funding include 501(c)(3) charities and those with qualified fiscal sponsors, fostering community-driven initiatives that center immigrant voices.

The FDC Foundation, established in 2008, is a private non-profit dedicated to providing grants to 501(c)(3) public charities across three main areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, and Housing. The foundation supports initiatives that improve nutrition, assist diabetic individuals, enhance early childhood development, and promote housing opportunities for those in need. However, it does not fund for-profit entities or international organizations, nor does it provide grants for specific excluded purposes.

The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarships, offered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, provide financial aid of up to $5,000 for eligible dental assistant students. Applicants must be over 18, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a qualifying program. The scholarship emphasizes mentorship and training, supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Awards are based on financial need and application quality, with multiple cycles each year to support aspiring professionals.

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 Tribal Student Grants

The Oregon Tribal Student Grant provides funding for eligible Oregon tribal students to offset the average cost of attendance at eligible Oregon colleges and universities. Current, new, and continuing students are encouraged to apply for this grant for each academic year. The grant is intended to cover the average cost of attendance after all federal and state grants and scholarships have been applied.

Awarding is prioritized for undergraduate and master's degree students. If funding is available after eligible undergraduate and master's degree students have been awarded, full or partial awards may be made to students in either professional or doctoral programs of study, and/or graduate certificates. Graduate students are not required to have participated in the grant as undergraduate students.

The PERS Student Research Fund supports graduate students in estuarine sciences through grants of up to $250. Established in memory of Pete Eldridge, the fund now allows donations in honor of individuals. Eligible applicants are MS or PhD students, current PERS members, and those studying in the PERS region, which includes Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. Award recipients are recognized at the annual PERS meeting.

Mission

The mission of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations.

Vision

To take the long view to protect Oregon's special places and provide the greatest experience while creating stable future funding.

Oregon Heritage Grant

The Oregon Heritage Grant provides matching grants to non-profit organizations, federal recognized tribal governments, universities and local governments for projects that conserve, develop or interpret Oregon’s heritage.

Oregon Heritage Grant funds are to be used for:

• Support of projects that preserve, develop, or interpret of Oregon's cultural heritage. Priority will be given to projects that preserve, develop, or interpret threatened heritage resources and/or heritage resources of statewide significance.

The grant may fund a broad variety of projects including, but not limited to:

• collections preservation and access,
• exhibits,
• oral history projects,
• public education events,
• organizational archives projects,
• films theatrical performances,
• teaching traditional practices,
• public history interpretation,
• organizational planning that supports heritage resources, and more.

Definitions

• Heritage is the array of significant things, thoughts, and activities associated with the human experiences in Oregon.
• Oregon’s heritage resources include:
  • artifacts and other manifestations of material culture,
  • documents,
  • publications,
  • photographs and films,
  • prehistoric and historic sites,
  • historic buildings and other structures,
  • cultural landscapes,
  • cultural practices,
  • heritage celebrations,
  • festivals and fairs, and
  • songs, stories, and recordings associated with the human experience in Oregon.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The Trail Blazers LIVE Grant, presented by Avangrid Renewables, aims to empower organizations in Oregon and SW Washington that connect youth to environmental education and employment. With grants of up to $25,000 annually, and potential additional funding for a total of $50,000, this initiative supports efforts to engage historically underserved communities in sustainability and environmental stewardship. Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply and contribute to a greener future.

The Community Benefit Initiative Reinvestment (CBIR) Grant supports one-year projects aimed at enhancing healthcare access for Eastern Oregonians, specifically targeting Tribes and Tribal organizations. This initiative, part of EOCCO's funding programs, focuses on improving the health and wellness of tribal members across multiple counties. All applicants must receive prior technical assistance to qualify. For the 2026 cycle, EOCCO offers five unique CBIR opportunities to foster community health improvements.

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

The Metro Central Enhancement Grants aim to support community projects along the Willamette River, focusing on underserved populations, environmental quality, and recreational opportunities. These competitive grants encourage innovative proposals that engage diverse communities, ensuring inclusivity and sustainability. Funded by the Metro Central Enhancement Committee, the grants are awarded annually to initiatives that address critical community needs and enhance local living conditions.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The Honda USA Foundation provides funding to support mobility initiatives that empower individuals, particularly those facing disabilities, by removing barriers and expanding opportunities. Focused on sustainable change in underserved communities, the Foundation encourages applications for programs in education, infrastructure, and technology that align with its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be based in the U.S. with appropriate tax-exempt status and can apply for multiple funding opportunities while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

The Oregon Arts Commission's Sustaining Arts Program - Group B provides vital operating support grants to arts organizations in Oregon with annual expenses over $150,000. These grants, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, aim to sustain high-quality arts programming and outreach services. The funding amounts are determined based on the organization's fiscal size, past awards, and the available program budget, ensuring a fair distribution of resources to enhance community engagement in the arts.

The Oregon Arts Commission's Sustaining Arts Program - Group A provides operating support grants to arts organizations with annual operating expenses under $150,000. Grants range from $1,000 to $3,000, aimed at enhancing community arts programming and outreach. This initiative ensures that small organizations can maintain high-quality artistic services while fostering local culture and creativity. Funding is contingent on the number of eligible applications and available budget, promoting equity in arts funding.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Applied Materials Foundation offers grants focusing on education, arts and culture, civic engagement, the environment, and girls' empowerment. These grants are designed to meet local community needs and support innovative projects that enhance educational opportunities, promote cultural activities, and foster civic participation. The foundation prioritizes collaboration with local organizations in areas where Applied Materials operates, ensuring impactful contributions to community resilience and sustainability.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.