Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Oregon

Native or Indigenous young adults ages 18–24 in Oregon and select Northwest regions can receive fellowship support for environmental justice leadership, food sovereignty, and protection of traditional lands and waterways. The Aspen Institute’s Center for Native American Youth Brave Heart Fellowship offers a 9‑month, youth-led program with culturally grounded training and advocacy opportunities.

Nonprofit organizations working on environmental justice, conservation, education, or sustainable development in the Americas, including Oregon, can seek support for programs and research that protect communities and natural resources. Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas funds 501(c)(3) organizations and international equivalents, with many grants initiated through solicited proposals early in the calendar year.

The Community Enhancement Grants in Sherwood, funded by Metro, aim to uplift neighborhoods impacted by garbage transfer facilities. Since 1986, over $6 million has been invested in local projects, enhancing community well-being through initiatives that support youth, improve environmental quality, and boost recreational opportunities. Each spring, approximately $90,000 is awarded to various projects, fostering collaboration between non-profits, local governments, and community organizations. This program exemplifies a commitment to creating thriving communities in the Sherwood area.

The Wilsonville - Metro Community Enhancement Grants, overseen by the Metro Council, support projects enhancing local communities impacted by solid waste facilities. Funding is available for initiatives that improve environmental quality, promote recycling, and benefit underserved populations. Nominations for projects will be accepted from November 12, 2025, to January 9, 2026, with selections made in spring 2026. Grants aim to rehabilitate and enhance city areas, fostering community enrichment through various programs.

Oregon nonprofits, public agencies, schools, business district associations, and fiscally sponsored community groups can receive up to US $5,000 for outdoor, community-led cleanup projects on publicly accessible property in the Portland metro area. These flexible funds can cover supplies, disposal, transportation, stipends, and related costs, supporting environmental justice and waste reduction efforts in underserved communities.

Nonprofit organizations planning community programs, events, or projects that advance environmental justice and related priorities in Oregon can seek US $500 - US $2,500 in sponsorship support. Metro supports efforts that benefit the public, engage diverse residents, address inequities, and connect with areas like natural areas, parks and trails, solid waste and recycling, and regional planning.

Indigenous-led frontline, grassroots, and community-based groups and organizations in Oregon working on non-violent direct action and movement-building can apply for NDN Collective’s Community Action Fund, with awards up to US $15,000 for supplies, equipment, contractual services, and travel. Eligible efforts defend Indigenous rights and protect land, air, water, and natural resources.

Oregon environmental and food justice organizations working on food access, environmental action, or neighborhood food education can access funding through New Seasons Market to address root causes of food insecurity. Programs that incorporate racial equity and advance environmental justice within regional food systems may be especially well-suited for this community grant opportunity.

Conservation districts, state and territory conservation associations and agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in Oregon can apply for National Association of Conservation Districts technical assistance grants; awards Approximately US $18,000,000 to hire staff and expand conservation outreach, education, and technical assistance, which may support environmental justice and community resilience efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans with environmental justice, conservation, or recreation initiatives in Oregon and other U.S. locations can seek funding for projects. With a mission to empower women’s collective giving, Impact100 Global Veterans provides up to US $100,000 for new or expanding programs that fit one of its veteran-focused priority areas.

Nonprofit arts organizations and individual artists creating solution-focused environmental and climate justice projects in Oregon can apply for support from the Puffin Foundation. With a mission to open doors for underrepresented artists, Puffin provides funding for U.S.-based artistic activism across genres such as film, music, visual arts, and media arts addressing environmental justice and advocacy.

Youth leaders ages 13–23 in Oregon with environmental justice or other kindness-centered social impact projects can apply for Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship, which awards up to US $5,000 for project expenses. Eligible U.S. citizens and DACA recipients receive a 12‑month leadership fellowship with coaching, mentorship, and peer support.

Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and Oregon Tribes seeking support for projects in areas like environmental preservation, health, education, public safety, and related environmental justice work can apply for Spirit Mountain Foundation’s General Purpose Small Grants, with awards up to US $7,500. With a mission to strengthen communities, the foundation uses a two-step LOI and full application process across its Northwest Oregon service counties.

Nonprofit organizations and eligible public agencies in Oregon can seek Spirit Mountain Foundation’s large grants for environmental preservation, health, education, arts, historic preservation, and public safety projects, including capital needs. Focused on environmental work, Spirit Mountain Foundation invites Oregon environmental justice and advocacy efforts to apply for up to US $100,000 through a competitive, two-step LOI and full application process.

Youth-led environmental justice and conservation projects in Oregon and across North America can apply for the Brower Youth Awards, which provide US $3,000 and leadership development support. Earth Island Institute honors six youth leaders ages 13–22 each year with funding, training, and a platform to amplify their environmental impact.

Youth-led environmental projects in Oregon and across the U.S. can seek funding to grow initiatives focused on conservation, sustainability, stewardship, and environmental justice. Grants from Earth Island Institute’s New Leaders Initiative help young leaders advance ambitious environmental efforts, which may include projects addressing environmental justice and advocacy in Oregon communities.

Filmmakers creating short documentaries on climate change can apply for Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Bloomberg Green Docs competition, which offers a US $25,000 grand prize. Grants from Bloomberg Philanthropies help Oregon environmental justice and advocacy storytellers share under-10-minute films that explore climate urgency, restored ecosystems, zero-carbon communities, and the consequences of environmental extremes.

Scientists and engineers interested in environmental policy and justice can apply for a 1–2 year Science Policy Fellowship working with the American Chemical Society’s Government Affairs team in the U.S., including Oregon. Focused on science-informed public policy, fellows work on issues like green chemistry, environmental regulation, and STEM education while completing an individual policy project.

Nonprofit environmental organizations working on environmental justice and advocacy in Oregon can receive US $5,000 - US $20,000 for bold, action-oriented campaigns. Patagonia Org supports grassroots efforts that tackle root causes, protect local habitats and frontline communities, build public involvement, and advance equitable, inclusive movements within its broader U.S. and international funding scope.

About Us

The Youth Climate Justice Fund aims to support climate justice young leaders with trust-based funding, resources, and capacity strengthening, enabling them to amplify their voices and to keep their vision and influence alive.

Collectively, we have the power to ignite meaningful change and build equitable and sustainable futures. Despite the challenges posed by the current crisis, youth climate justice organizers remain determined to address current issues and explore new approaches.

Mission & Purpose

We work to strengthen existing organizing efforts and support emerging youth-led initiatives with a focus on bridging funders and organizers to enable flexible and impactful support. Through capacity strengthening and resource sharing, we empower and support young people to drive change and build a just and sustainable future.

How To Apply

The Youth Climate Justice Fund provides funding to emerging youth-led climate justice and socio-environmental groups through a participatory decision-making process.

Levine Impact Lab

The Levine Impact Lab powers equitable transformation by investing in nonprofit leadership, building community organizations’ capacities, and building their capacity to accelerate positive social and environmental change.

We combine venture-capital expertise and inspired philanthropic thinking to radically amplify the value of giving.

Levine Impact Lab Operational Support Program

The Levine Impact Lab’s Operational Support Program is an 18-month, high-engagement operational partnership designed to help environmental organizations move strategic and financial priorities forward.

At the core of the program is hands-on operational support: our team works side-by-side with your leaders to drive progress on a critical project, whether it’s strengthening your financial infrastructure, increasing earned revenue, or planning for growth.

This is a working partnership. The grant funding and peer-learning community are designed to support and accelerate your momentum.

We are the best fit for organizations that:

• Operate at the intersection of environmental impact and social enterprise
• Are past the startup phase but still in a critical growth stage
• See LIL as a thought partner in unlocking strategy, scale, and sustainability
• Show up with clear goals and a commitment to moving the work forward

More information about participation commitments here.

What is Operational Support?

To get the most out of this program, organizations must come prepared with a specific project, workstream, or organizational challenge they want to tackle over the 18 months with operational support. 

Potential Area(s) of Support: 

• Financial strategy and planning
• Fundraising, development and donor engagement strategy
• Cost structure analysis
• Program development or expansion
• Corporate partnership strategy 
• New location or geographic expansion
• RFP support/capital planning
• Strategic planning
• Board engagement

Find examples of what past cohorts have worked on here.

People

The success of this program relies on having the right organizational leaders at the table. Each organization must commit two senior staff members who are equipped to make key decisions, drive implementation, and stay closely involved throughout the 18-month engagement. These leaders must:

• Have clear decision-making authority and/or strong backing from the Executive Director or CEO
• Be directly involved in the project or challenge the organization is addressing
• Be able to commit time, energy, and focus to move the work forward

There will also be opportunities to include additional staff members in operational projects, as needed, to ensure the right voices and expertise are present. 

Who this might include: Executive Director and Finance Director, Business Development Manager and Operations Lead, or Marketing Manager and Development Director, depending on the nature of your project.

What We Offer

• Tailored 1:1 operational support and strategic advising
• A national cohort of up to 10 organizations
• Peer network of strategic thought partners
• Virtual and in-person workshops and events
• Private Slack channel
• Exclusive alumni programming
• Grant funds over two years
• Supportive peer-learning community
• Accelerated organizational growth and momentum through strategic partnership with LIL

View Program Flyer here.

The Richard L and Freda K Flerlage Foundation

Our Mission

Working to empower underserved populations through small grants in support of literacy, healthcare, reduction of poverty, and the promotion of social and environmental justice.

We are a small family foundation, when possible we aim to support organizations with relatively small operating funds where our small grants will have their greatest possible impact.

Our average grant is $3,800.

The Fund for Wild Nature Grant empowers small non-profit organizations in Canada and the U.S. that prioritize the preservation of native species and ecosystems. With a biocentric approach, this grant supports innovative initiatives combating environmental degradation. Organizations must be tax-exempt and can only submit one proposal annually. Grants do not exceed $3,000, ensuring funding is directed to impactful projects addressing ecological issues often overlooked. Join the Fund in investing in the future of wild nature!

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The IEN-WMAN Mini-Grant Program provides crucial financial support to Indigenous communities and grassroots organizations impacted by mining in the U.S. and Canada. With over $200,000 distributed annually in $4,000 grants, the program aims to address mining-related environmental and health issues. Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate a direct impact on affected communities, particularly Indigenous-led initiatives, ensuring that financial assistance is directed where it is most needed.

The Grassroots Organizing National Grant Program, funded by the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, supports small, community-led organizations in the U.S. working to confront social and environmental injustices. Grants of up to $30,000 per year are available for two years, prioritizing organizations with budgets under $350,000. The program emphasizes grassroots organizing and community empowerment, inspired by the legacy of John Lewis. Eligible applicants must focus on collective action and local leadership to drive social change.

The Harris and Frances Block Foundation, established in 2001, supports small grassroots organizations focused on social and environmental justice. They prioritize equitable solutions and sustainable community development, funding initiatives related to environmental education, justice, and food security. Grants are available to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations in specific geographical areas including Vermont, North Carolina, Virginia, and New York City, excluding funding for lobbying, land acquisition, and scholarships.