Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations 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. This year-round program offers technical and financial assistance to improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience, which may benefit grassroots land stewardship efforts.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations can seek McGraw Foundation support for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs, with typical awards of US $2,000 - US $10,000. Although grants generally favor the greater Chicago area, Oregon grassroots groups with relevant programming may be eligible by invitation for the 2026 cycle.

Oregon grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Tribal entities, or fiscally sponsored groups working in educational equity, environmental justice, housing stability, or women’s economic empowerment can access funding through Ninety Nine Girlfriends. Impact Awards of US $50,000 - US $100,000 support general operating or project costs for organizations serving Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, or Clark counties with an equity-focused mission.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, and tribal nations in Oregon can seek up to US $5,000 to build internal capacity through technical assistance, consulting, and staff training. Focused on rural communities and children, the Ford Family Foundation supports strategic planning, board development, fundraising, and mission-relevant professional development for smaller organizations.

Nonprofits, government agencies, and tribal nations in Oregon can seek larger grants to support programs, operations, or capital projects for children, youth, and rural communities. The Ford Family Foundation supports early childhood and family services, youth education and development, and rural community facilities, which may benefit grassroots organizations focused on rural Oregon residents.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and Oregon Tribes can seek up to US $7,500 for projects in arts and culture, education, environment, health, historic preservation, or public safety. With a mission to support community programs, Spirit Mountain Foundation provides Oregon organizations with small grants through a competitive LOI and full application process.

Grassroots and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Oregon can seek funding for programmatic work and capital projects across arts and culture, education, environmental preservation, health, historic preservation, and public safety. Focused on community-serving initiatives, Spirit Mountain Foundation offers up to US $100,000 through a competitive, two-step large grant process beginning with a Letter of Inquiry.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Oregon working in areas like education, basic needs, health, environment, arts, or community development can receive up to US $50,000 to advance their local impact. Grants from BECU Foundation help organizations in eligible Oregon counties strengthen communities through the People Helping People Awards program.

Graduate students conducting research on drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance solutions to current water industry challenges. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association invites applicants whose work may ultimately benefit grassroots and community-based efforts in Oregon and beyond.

Grassroots and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Oregon can seek funding for economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture programs. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, with priority for those led by people of color and addressing multiple Work, Home, and Play pillars.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible schools can receive US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programs focused on decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. American Honda Motor and the Honda USA Foundation fund initiatives like energy upgrades, solar or wind installations, recycling, and composting that benefit Honda communities.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Oregon can seek KeyBank Foundation support for community development, affordable housing, education, and workforce readiness programs, with awards of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help grassroots groups strengthen neighbors’ financial capability, expand small business growth, and improve academic and career outcomes for youth and adults.

Nonprofit organizations, public institutions, and municipalities serving Weyerhaeuser communities in Oregon can seek grants supporting affordable housing, youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, and more. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund awards more than US $1,000 to community-focused projects, with local employee advisory committees helping set priorities for grassroots impact.

Tax-exempt organizations, volunteer groups with a fiscal sponsor, qualified individuals, and ODFW can seek up to US $5,000 for conservation projects in Oregon, including habitat restoration, outdoor education, and pollution prevention. Oregon Wildlife Foundation supports grassroots efforts that restore fish and wildlife habitat, improve public access, manage invasive species, and advance environmental research and resource studies.

Grassroots nonprofits in Oregon supporting women and children can apply for up to US $750,000 to build beneficiaries’ self-sufficiency through education, employment, homelessness services, and related programs. The Father's Table Foundation also considers projects in microfinance, agriculture, humanitarian aid, health care, and disaster relief that combine immediate assistance with a path to long-term sustainability.

Grassroots and other nonprofit organizations in Oregon working on housing, youth development, financial education, or economic and workforce development can apply for Banner Bank’s Community Support Program. Funding prioritizes programs serving low- and moderate-income residents and is also available to similar nonprofits in Washington, California, and Idaho.

Nonprofit organizations in Oregon planning community programs, events, or projects can seek US $500 - US $2,500 to benefit the public and engage diverse residents. Metro supports efforts in areas like affordable housing, community development, natural areas, transit, and recycling that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice in the greater Portland region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest can apply for Foster Foundation grants to support social services, education, medical care, and community engagement programs. Grassroots groups serving underserved children, women, seniors, and other disadvantaged populations may be eligible, especially for projects addressing basic needs, supportive housing, health, arts, or recreation.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Oregon conducting biomedical research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards to support small-scale projects and student research experiences. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health provides up to US $375,000 to institutions that award baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH funding.

Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored grassroots groups can receive US $1,000 - US $15,000 to support community-focused programs selected by student grantmakers. Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Care Foundation matches student fundraising 10:1, with most funds granted to Oregon nonprofits and up to 25% available for projects at participating schools or districts.

The Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology (SNVB) offers scholarships of up to $1500 for two students conducting vertebrate research in Northwestern North America. Eligible applicants include undergraduate, masters, and PhD students who are enrolled in accredited institutions and members of SNVB. The scholarships cover research-related expenses such as travel and supplies. Preference is given to proposals from local institutions, and only one award is granted per applicant each year.

The Oregon Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Grant supports 21st Century Community Learning Centers, aiming to enrich academic and developmental opportunities for students in high-poverty schools. Funded by federal Title IV-B grants, the program emphasizes mental health, K-5 literacy, and career education. With an anticipated funding of $10 million annually, grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 will be awarded to eligible applicants, enabling critical support for students and their families over a five-year period.

The Emerging Global Leader Award (K43) offers essential research support and protected time for early career scientists in low- and middle-income countries. This program, aligned with NIH's clinical trials policy, aims to cultivate independent research careers by providing mentorship and funding over three to five years. Eligible candidates must hold a junior faculty position at an accredited LMIC institution, fostering the growth of research capacity in their regions.

The PacificSource Foundation for Health Improvement, a private foundation, is dedicated to promoting health equity since 1992. With a focus on underserved populations in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and parts of Washington, the foundation supports initiatives that enhance access to healthcare and address health disparities. They provide both one-year and multi-year funding, typically ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, to organizations committed to advancing health equity through diverse community-driven solutions.

PGE Foundation

The PGE Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization, aligns its grantmaking with Portland General Electric’s commitment to the communities it serves.

Founded in 1997, the Foundation was created through an endowment with the purpose of improving the quality of life for all Oregonians.

Since our inception, more than $33 million in investments has helped community-based organizations expand access to education, creative expression, and career pathways that strengthen long-term economic prosperity.

Climate Resilient Communities Fund

The PGE Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its new Climate Resilient Communities Fund. Opening in March 2026, the Climate Resilient Communities Fund will help strengthen community preparedness, protect vulnerable populations, and support long-term environmental and economic vitality across Oregon. This new investment builds on extensive engagement with community partners and reflects the growing urgency of climate-related risks facing Oregon communities today, particularly those historically under-resourced.

Record-breaking wildfires, extreme heat, and other climate-related disasters are challenging our communities like never before—especially those in historically underinvested areas. We support locally driven, community-based programs that address some of the most pressing climate challenges facing Oregonians. We believe solutions rooted in local leadership are best informed by the needs and lived experiences of the communities most affected.

We prioritize organizations and programs that demonstrate elements of the following:

Core Mission

The mission of the organization prioritizes:

• Wildfire Hazard and Preparedness: Supporting community-driven strategies to reduce wildfire hazards, enable preparedness and response, and build long-term recovery capacity in fire-prone areas before fire comes.
• Nature-based Solutions: Investing in community stewardship through habitat restoration, tree canopy, and green infrastructure projects that cool communities, improve water and air quality, and protect ecosystems
• Parks and Public Spaces: Expanding, enhancing, and sustaining equitable access to safe, climate-resilient outdoor community gathering spaces where people connect and find refuge.

Outcomes

The proposed project will result in:

• Increased local community capacity and ongoing stewardship for resilience (especially for small and rural organizations)
• Measurable improvements in wildfire preparedness, canopy cover, restoration and green infrastructure
• Greater access to climate-resilient public spaces
• Stronger collaboration and learning networks across sectors

The Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports early career research scientists from low- or middle-income countries (LMIC) by providing research funding and mentored career development for three to five years. This program encourages LMIC scientists in health-related fields to develop projects aligned with their country's health priorities, fostering independent research careers within their institutions. Applications are welcomed from junior faculty members, enhancing global health research and capacity in LMICs.

The Walters Family Foundation Grant focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that address the needs of at-risk youth, families, and the elderly. The Foundation aims to effect positive change through strategic partnerships, site visits, and grant awards, primarily in Oregon, especially metropolitan Portland. They emphasize energizing nonprofit partners to achieve excellence, ultimately improving the lives of those less fortunate. Eligibility is limited to tax-exempt public charities in good financial standing, with certain exclusions for individuals and non-U.S. entities.