Best Grants for Charities in Oregon

The Gray Family Foundation offers Environmental Education Grants aimed at enhancing K-12 environmental education through outdoor experiences. In 2025, the foundation will maintain a budget of $705,000 to support programs that engage youth with both natural and built environments. Applications can be submitted after an initial conversation with the Senior Program Officer, starting January 16, 2026, and will be reviewed biannually. This initiative fosters vital connections between youth and nature.

The Latino Partnership Program - Small Grants, initiated by the Oregon Community Foundation, aims to support Latino-led and Latino-serving organizations in Oregon. Established in 2013, this program provides general operating funds of up to $10,000 for organizations addressing education, wealth building, and leadership development. It seeks to empower the Latino/x community by funding initiatives that reflect their needs and aspirations, especially during times of change and uncertainty.

Definition

A Focused Investment Partnership is an OWEB investment that:

• Addresses a board-identified Focused Investment Priority of significance to the state; 
• Works towards achieving clear and measurable ecological outcomes;
• Uses integrated, results-oriented approaches as identified through a strategic action plan; and 
• Is implemented by a high-performing partnership.

Implementation Grants

Implementation funding supports partnerships with up to $12 million over 3 biennia (6 years). Initiatives must demonstrate clear and measurable restoration outputs and ecological outcomes that support limiting factors outlined in a federal recovery and/or state conservation plan(s).

Strategic Action Plan

Partnerships applying for FIP Implementation funding must have a strategic action plan (SAP) that addresses all components detailed in OWEB's Strategic Action Plan Guidance. A SAP defines the geographic extent, timeframe, and range of strategies and actions that will lead to the long-term goals of a partnership. The scope of an Implementation conservation initiative is determined by the partnership and constitutes the portion of the SAP that the partnership believes it can accomplish in the proposed timeframe with the proposed funding.

The OWEB Land Acquisition Grant Program, administered by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, supports projects aimed at acquiring land for conservation and restoration efforts. Applicants must consult with OWEB staff prior to submission, ensuring a comprehensive and competitive application process. This program aims to enhance Oregon's natural resources and promote sustainable land use practices. With a focus on collaboration, it encourages applicants to align with OWEB's statutes and guidance for successful project outcomes.

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 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 Ford Opportunity Scholars Program offers scholarships to parents and adult learners over 25 with financial barriers to education in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Annually, up to 90 scholarships are awarded, providing up to $40,000 per year based on need and costs. Support includes financial assistance, academic guidance, and a connection to the Ford Family alumni community, aiming to empower students in their pursuit of an associate or bachelor’s degree.

The Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation Grant supports civic and cultural institutions in the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on gardens, horticulture, and the region's history. Established in 1994, the foundation has distributed over $12 million to various organizations. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, including those named in Mrs. Miller's will or that support the study of Northwest history through literature. The foundation aims to continue the Millers' philanthropic legacy.

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 Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing dietetics. Applicants complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000. Eligibility includes enrollment in an ACEND-accredited program and various special criteria. This initiative supports students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging future professionals in nutrition and dietetics. Membership in the Academy is recommended but not mandatory for application.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for graduate and doctoral students pursuing degrees in nutrition and dietetics. With scholarship amounts ranging from $500 to $25,000, applicants can utilize a single application to be considered for multiple opportunities. Eligibility includes enrollment in accredited programs and other criteria such as experience in education or dietetics. Membership in the Academy is encouraged, although not required, for most scholarships.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for dietetic interns, allowing a single application to apply for multiple awards. Scholarships range from $500 to $25,000, with eligibility for interns enrolled through June 30, 2024, including those with off-cycle matches. Applicants should consider their career goals in areas like clinical dietetics, culinary arts, and nutrition education. Academy membership is encouraged but not required. Fundraising determines the number of scholarships available each year.

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 Sabbatical Research and Education Grant, offered by Western SARE, enables faculty worldwide to collaborate with farmers and researchers in the Western U.S. This program focuses on conducting innovative research and educational outreach in underserved regions, with an emphasis on unexplored topics. Grants up to $75,000 are available for projects spanning one year, promoting agricultural sustainability and community involvement.

The Pat Sanchez Women’s Fellowship, established in 2022 by the Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO) in collaboration with Opsis Architecture, supports mid-career women in architecture. This fellowship provides up to $3,000 for professional development opportunities such as conferences and specialized seminars focused on firm management and leadership. AFO encourages Oregon-based women architects to apply, emphasizing the importance of advancing their skills and leadership roles within the profession.

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.

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.

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

John & Carol Dinges Medical Scholarship

The John and Carol Dinges Medical Scholarship is intended to provide financial support for the education of an individual who desires to enter a medical field for the first time. The funds will be sent directly to the college for the student’s tuition. 

The scholarship is to be used for one of the following programs of study, which are listed in order of preference:

1. Nursing

2. Nursing Assistant

3. Diagnostic Imaging

4. Pharmacy Tech

5. EMT

6. Medical Assistant

7. Medical Office Specialist

8. Other LBCC medical field classes

The Camp Maintenance Fund Grant Program, supported by the Gray Family Foundation, aims to enhance outdoor school camp facilities across Oregon. Since 2014, the foundation has invested over $500,000 annually to improve existing camps, focusing on those hosting outdoor school programs. Priority is given to organizations demonstrating a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, while ensuring accessibility for all students, teachers, and parents. This initiative encourages collaboration and the sharing of best practices among grantees.

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

Julietta A. Pape Scholarship

The Julietta A. Pape Scholarship Fund was designed to help residents of Brownsville, Cascadia, Crabtree, Crawfordsville, Foster, Halsey, Lacomb, Lebanon, Scio, Shedd, Sweet Home, Tangent and Waterloo who are attending medical school. Applicants must be attending College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest in Lebanon or Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland.  

The Mabel and Allan Mackenzie Scholarship supports Black or African American student athletes from Deschutes County attending community college in Oregon. This scholarship is aimed at those who demonstrate academic or vocational potential but face financial challenges in covering their college costs. Awards vary, and students must reapply annually, with the possibility of renewal for up to two years, making it a valuable opportunity for deserving students.

About Oregon Humanities

Oregon Humanities is committed to bringing people together across differences of background, experience, and belief. Each year, we offer hundreds of public conversations and programs across the state, train and support dozens of discussion facilitators, and award grants and fellowships that help people connect, reflect, and cultivate a stronger sense of agency in their communities. In our magazine and on our website, we publish stories that explore the thoughts, perspectives, and experiences of Oregonians. Our long-term hope is that the work of Oregon Humanities will make broad and significant contributions to a more cohesive, inclusive, and imaginative democratic culture.

Mini Grants for Libraries

A grant for Oregon libraries to create and host events in their communities.

Purpose of this grant

Our Mini Grants for Libraries enable Oregon libraries to create and host events in their own communities around an annual theme that corresponds to our Consider This Conversations.

For 2027, Oregon Humanities will award $40,000 in funding to enable Oregon libraries to create and host events in their own communities. 

Events should reflect our 2027 theme: What Do We Trust? We live in a time of declining trust. According to the Pew Research Center, most Americans now say they do not trust government, media, or one another. Grantees are welcome to interpret this theme and develop topics that are relevant to their communities. Potential topics include, but are not limited to the following:

• Why is trust so scarce? 
• How do we decide who or what to trust? 
• How is our trust in others affected by our circumstances, such as wealth, race, and where we live? (Oregonians are more likely than residents of other states to say that most people can be trusted. Why is that?) 

Applicants are encouraged to think about the concept of trust from various perspectives, including family, the economy, technology, civic life, and faith. 

Notes about grant funded activities

• Programs can be in multiple languages or be in a language other than English. Grant reporting must be in English.
• Programs can be hosted online or in-person.

Some activities that are commonly funded by this grant include: 

• Community dialogues
• Speaker events that include audience engagement
• Interactive author presentations
• Storytelling
• Programming that connects exhibits to current experiences
• Community-engaged interpretation of history, art history and theory, cultural history, or philosophy

The Juliet Ashby Hillman Foundation Grant supports organizations that help young people in the Portland, Oregon area thrive. With a focus on cultural vibrancy and sustainability, the Foundation aims to mitigate risk factors affecting youth potential. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of October 1, 2025, for this year. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that foster a healthier, more stable future for the community.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

Elda Washer Scholarship Fund

The Elda Washer Scholarship Fund is providing scholarships for deserving students. The Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc. (CSA), a non-profit, independent organization is the facilitator of the scholarship fund.

The institution must be an educational organization that normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of pupils or students in attendance at the place where its educational activities are regularly conducted.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.