Best Grants for Environmental Conservation in Oregon

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Oregon can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program to fund conservation practices on working lands. Support covers technical and financial assistance to improve water and air quality, soil health, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience on eligible agricultural and forest lands.

Eligible Oregon tribes, watershed councils, conservation districts, schools, nonprofits, and local governments can access approximately US $2,000,000 to implement large-scale ecological restoration initiatives. Focused on environmental conservation, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board supports high-performing partnerships with strategic action plans and measurable restoration outcomes that may advance long-term conservation priorities in Oregon.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Oregon working on environmental conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, or health can seek capital or special project support through the James M Cox Foundation. Eligible U.S. organizations must operate in a Cox business service area, with those outside metropolitan Atlanta needing a local Cox management endorsement letter.

Nonprofit and government organizations working on environmental conservation and sustainability in Oregon can access funding through Marathon Petroleum, supporting programs that protect natural resources, improve air and water quality, and expand green spaces. Eligible 501(c)(3)s and public agencies may also be considered for related workforce development and community resilience initiatives in company service areas.

Educators at public or private schools in Klamath, Lake, Modoc, and Siskiyou counties can receive funding for environmental and wildlife education projects through the Scott Education Grants. Klamath Basin Audubon Society supports hands-on conservation activities, recycling and natural resource projects, and class field trips to Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges, with awards up to US $400.

Grants from Schlesinger Family Foundation help Oregon nonprofit organizations working on environmental conservation, medical research and care, higher education, and community welfare. Eligible nonprofits in Oregon and Southwest Washington may seek support for conservation of the environment and related community-focused initiatives through a mailed letter of inquiry followed by a full proposal.

Environmental conservation nonprofits, charities, municipalities, Indigenous groups, and other community organizations in Oregon near TC Energy operations can seek funding for safety, education, environment, and resilient community projects. Focused on measurable community impact, TC Energy Foundation invites proposals that address local needs, promote equity, and create shared value with its energy infrastructure presence.

Nonprofit organizations and community projects working on environmental conservation and outdoor access in Oregon can apply for Superfeet Foundation’s local grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $10,000. With a mission to support healthy communities and the planet, it prioritizes efforts in Washington but also funds work in Oregon and Idaho across basic needs, recreation, and sustainability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Oregon can seek funding for environmental conservation, ecosystem restoration, and community green space projects that strengthen local natural environments. Schwemm Family Foundation also supports related work in local history, culture, and healthy communities; grants up to US $8,000 are available for projects with clear, measurable outcomes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation and related causes in Oregon can seek US $2,500 - US $10,000 to support programs benefiting Douglas County residents. C Giles Hunt Charitable Trust supports projects that protect natural resources, wildlife, and local environments, with preference for organizations operating in or directly serving Douglas County, Oregon.

Oregon environmental conservation nonprofits hosting fundraising events can access in-kind transportation and sponsorship support through Alaska Airlines Foundation. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations working in areas like environmental sustainability, youth success, and community resiliency may receive one-time support; requests must be submitted at least six weeks before the event and be in communities served by Alaska Airlines.

Tax-exempt organizations, ODFW, volunteer groups with a fiscal sponsor, and qualified individuals in Oregon can seek up to US $5,000 for conservation projects such as habitat restoration, outdoor education, pollution prevention, and invasive species control. Oregon Wildlife Foundation offers cost-reimbursement, dollar-matched grants, prioritizing projects benefiting Oregon Conservation Strategy habitats or species.

Nonprofits, tribes, and government entities in Oregon and southwest Washington that engage youth with outdoor and environmental programs can seek $25,000 to $50,000 in funding for education, preservation, or employment pathways. Focused on environmental conservation, The Oregon Community Foundation’s Trail Blazers Foundation Fund LIVE Greener Grant supports access to nature for historically underserved youth.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools with environmental programs in Oregon focused on decarbonization, clean energy, or efficient use of natural resources can seek US $25,000 - US $100,000 in programmatic support. With a mission to reduce environmental impact, Honda provides funding for education, awareness, and infrastructure projects in communities where its associates live and work.

Environmental conservation 501(c)(3) organizations in Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest can seek funding for wilderness protection, trail maintenance, environmental education, and forest preservation projects. With a mission to protect vulnerable mountain environments, Mazamas provides grants up to US $2,500 to qualified nonprofits, with a particular focus on Mt. Hood and surrounding regions.

Oregon environmental conservation and recreation organizations in Oregon can access funding through the Oregon Department Of Fish And Wildlife to support projects benefiting fish, wildlife, habitats, and outdoor access. Grants up to Up to US $25,000 may support drought-impact work or other conservation and recreation initiatives aligned with Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund priorities, including outdoor equity and habitat restoration.

Nonprofit organizations headquartered in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska with missions centered on wildlife and habitat preservation can apply for Charlotte Martin Foundation’s Wildlife and Habitat Program, with awards up to US $20,000. Funding supports biodiversity conservation, climate-informed habitat protection, community engagement, and restoration projects that may benefit Oregon environmental conservation efforts.

Nonprofit conservation organizations working on land, water, and wildlife protection in Oregon and other Western North America priority regions can seek funding for strategic conservation initiatives. With a mission to help conserve important lands, waters and wildlife, Wilburforce Foundation provides support for habitat protection, connectivity, threat reduction, better management, science, policy, and capacity building.

Focused on environmental conservation, Keta Legacy Foundation invites Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for competitive funding supporting conservation, preservation, and restoration projects, with awards up to US $25,000. Organizations working on ecosystem protection, natural resource conservation, or habitat and ecosystem restoration in Oregon may be eligible.

The National Park Service (NPS) invites applications for Master Cooperative Agreements from participants in the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) network across various regions. This initiative fosters collaboration among federal agencies, tribes, academic institutions, and conservation organizations to enhance resource stewardship. With 390 non-federal partners and 15 federal agencies, the CESU network supports interdisciplinary projects addressing diverse environmental and cultural heritage issues. Applications are continually accepted until the announcement's closing date.

The Richard King Mellon Foundation invites innovative proposals that align with their 2021-2030 Strategic Plan, aiming to invest over $1.2 billion to enhance opportunities in southwestern Pennsylvania. Their funding focuses on conservation, economic development, economic mobility, health and well-being, organizational effectiveness, and social-impact investments. The General Application offers flexibility without deadlines, allowing for a variety of support types, including project-specific and general operating funding, aimed at enriching community vitality and environmental stewardship.

The Gresham Community Enhancement Grant, initiated in 2017, supports various projects aimed at improving neighborhood appearance, enhancing public safety, and preserving local wildlife. Funded by Metro's solid waste collection fees, it prioritizes initiatives that benefit under-served populations and promote community engagement. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, and local government entities, making it a vital resource for enhancing livability in Gresham.

The John Goddard Prize offers microgrants to empower youth-led environmental initiatives across the nation. This competitive cash prize supports ambitious young leaders seeking funding for innovative projects that promote environmental sustainability. Applications are welcomed from young people dedicated to making a positive impact on the planet. By fostering creativity and action, the prize aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Community Action Fund

A grant for Indigenous frontline organizations, groups, and individuals for direct action initiatives.

The Community Action Fund (CAF) grants support non-violent direct actions and organizing efforts that are often urgent and time sensitive. CAF prioritizes frontline, grassroots and community-based efforts that defend Indigenous peoples rights, communities and Nations.

Community Action Fund Intent

This grant supports Indigenous frontline, grassroots, community-based groups and organizations, Tribes, communities and villages, and individuals leading non-violent direct action or movement-building work in their effort to DEFEND Indigenous People’s rights, and protect their land, air, water, and natural resources.

The Brower Youth Awards for Environmental Leadership honors young leaders aged 13 to 22 in North America who excel in environmental initiatives. Awardees receive a $3,000 cash prize, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact. This prestigious program fosters youth leadership and amplifies diverse voices within the environmental movement, encouraging innovative solutions to pressing ecological challenges. Over the past 25 years, the awards have celebrated over 100 emerging leaders dedicated to making a difference in their communities.

The Spirit Mountain Foundation offers General Purpose - Large Grants, which support 501c3 nonprofit organizations and government agencies in an 11-county service area in Oregon. Grant amounts can reach up to $50,000 for programmatic work or $100,000 for capital projects. The application process involves a Letter of Inquiry followed by a full application if selected. Priority is given to projects in Education, Environmental Preservation, and Health, aligning with the foundation's funding priorities.

The Spirit Mountain Foundation offers the SMF: General Purpose - Small Grants program, which supports 501c3 nonprofits in 11 Oregon counties. With a maximum funding request of $7,500, this program emphasizes flexibility across various sectors, including education and environmental preservation. Eligibility is limited to organizations that haven't completed previous grants and do not exceed 50% of the total project budget. Priority is given to projects aligning with the foundation's key areas.