Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Oregon

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

The Kuni Foundation's Imagination Planning Grant focuses on addressing the urgent need for quality, affordable housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Oregon and Washington. With funding ranging from $15,000 to $75,000, the grant supports organizations dedicated to developing inclusive housing solutions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits committed to serving the IDD community, ensuring that innovative and sustainable housing options are explored and implemented.

Bristol Myers Squibb is dedicated to enhancing healthcare and advancing scientific knowledge through its Corporate Giving program. By supporting various organizations, BMS aims to improve health equity and access to essential medicines for underserved populations. Their focus includes charitable donations, medical education, and community support initiatives. This commitment reflects BMS's goal to make a positive impact on patients' lives and foster strong communities where their employees work and live.

The Inukai Family Foundation, established in honor of Richard Michael “Dick” Inukai, supports nonprofit organizations that enhance community welfare in Oregon, Idaho, and Southwest Washington. With a focus on positive youth development, educational grants, and healthcare support, the foundation promotes Japanese culture and provides scholarships for children of Dick's Auto Group employees. Through initiatives that address needs in education, senior care, and community outreach, the foundation continues to honor Dick Inukai's legacy of hard work and community service.

The Rosendin Foundation Emergency Grant provides financial support for unplanned expenses due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Grants up to $5,000 are available for community-focused non-profit organizations in states where Rosendin and MPS operate. The foundation prioritizes emotional, occupational, and nutritional health initiatives, aiming to positively impact communities and empower individuals through financial support and volunteer efforts.

The Transformation Grants for Research on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities aim to address the increasing prevalence of developmental disabilities among American children. This initiative focuses on advancing early diagnosis and impactful therapies while removing barriers to equitable access to care. Organizations eligible for funding must primarily serve individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and be 501(c)(3) registered nonprofits based in Oregon or Washington, ensuring support for the most affected communities.

The Fence Authority Scholarship offers a $1,000 award to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fields that enhance community beautification, such as architecture, civil engineering, and environmental sciences. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, and involved in community service. This scholarship aims to empower students to contribute positively to society while furthering their education in impactful disciplines.

OnPoint Community Credit Union offers grants and sponsorships to nonprofit organizations that align with their focus areas of Economic Opportunity and Community Vitality. They support various initiatives including financial education, workforce development, and community development. Funding ranges from $100 to $10,000, with a priority on organizations demonstrating diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to events and organizations must have a 501c3 status or an active fiscal sponsor.

About

Mission

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

Vision

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

Scholarships

Charlies F. & Elaine Mellen Sutherland Education Fund

The Charles F. and Elaine Mellen Sutherland Education Fund will provide scholarships to one student each in the College of Forestry and the College of Public Health and Human Services.

The Black United Fund of Oregon (BUF-OR) provides Community Impact Grants to support the social and economic development of underserved communities in Oregon. Annually, BUF-OR awards grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations that align with its mission and focus on BIPOC communities. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and operate within Oregon or SW Washington. This initiative aims to empower grassroots organizations and enhance community well-being.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

About Us

The Oregon Cultural Trust is Oregon’s unique engine for fueling culture. We do that by inspiring Oregonians to participate in the cultural tax credit.

Organizational & Professional Development Grant Program

The Organizational & Professional Development Grant Program is an opportunity available to cultural nonprofits in Oregon as well as Cultural Trust County and Tribal Cultural Coalitions and their members. Applying organizations must have an annual operating budget of under $1.5 million.

The Organizational & Professional Development Grant is a program developed by the Cultural Trust Partners. The purpose of the program is to strengthen cultural non-profit leadership and organizational effectiveness to better serve Oregon’s cultural community. This program is focused on cultural organizations and coalitions with operating budgets under $1.5 million to provide access to development opportunities not otherwise available. 

The Eastern Oregon Border Board Scott Fairley Memorial Edge Grant aims to foster economic and workforce development in the region. With a maximum award of $25,000, it supports projects that enhance prosperity, improve the property tax base, and increase workforce availability. Applicants include residents, businesses, and organizations within the Border Region. This grant prioritizes innovative solutions that demonstrate a clear impact on the community's economic vitality.

The Eastern Oregon Border Board Community Improvement Planning Grant aims to enhance economic development and workforce capacity in the Border Region. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for projects that improve the area's tax base, competitiveness, and workforce skills. Local governments are eligible to apply, focusing on community improvement planning and leveraging additional funding sources. This initiative seeks impactful projects that significantly benefit education and regional prosperity.

The Small Projects and Community Events (SPACE) Grants support local groups in funding short-term, community-led initiatives that protect natural resources and promote conservation education. These grants aim to be accessible and prioritize projects benefiting Black and Indigenous communities, communities of color, and low-income groups. Eligible projects include native plantings, community gardens, and conservation workshops. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and should be submitted at least 45 days prior to the event.

The Eastern Oregon Border Board Ready Workforce Mobilization Grant aims to enhance workforce and economic development in the Border Region. Grants up to $100,000 are available for projects that improve education, workforce skills, and competitiveness. Eligible applicants include businesses, nonprofits, and local governments. Matching funds are required, and preference is given to projects demonstrating sustainability and targeting current or potential employees in the region. This grant is a vital resource for fostering regional prosperity.

Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps.

2025-2026 AmeriCorps State Competitive Funding

Competitive State grants help place members in service in Oregon and will be part of the AmeriCorps Oregon portfolio. Oregon considers applications for submission to AmeriCorps as part of a national competition.

Increase your organization's impact and reach in the community with an AmeriCorps program.

AmeriCorps provides program grant funding to eligible organizations to address their community's most pressing needs. Competitive grant applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

• Be a nonprofit, government agency, school, or community and/or faith-based organization 
• Request AmeriCorps members to serve only in Oregon 
• Be able to support the equivalent of 5 full-time members in the first year of operation, with a plan to increase it to 10 full-time members by the fourth year. 

Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps.

2025-2026 AmeriCorps Formula Grant Opportunity

As the AmeriCorps State Service Commission in Oregon, OregonServes (OSC) administers state AmeriCorps Program Grants. The AmeriCorps Formula Funding Grant Opportunity is funded through OSC’s AmeriCorps State Formula Funding Allocation and provides grant funding for two types of AmeriCorps program models: (i) Formula Cost-Reimbursement Grants and (ii) Formula Fixed Amount Grants. These grants are awarded to organizations that propose to place AmeriCorps members in service solely within Oregon.

• New AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
  • New Applicants may apply for a new three-year award under this RFA (Cost Reimbursement only, new programs are not eligible for Fixed Amount Grants).
• Continuation AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
  • Organizations that have current AmeriCorps awards that do not end in the 2025-26 program year must submit a continuation Application to be eligible to receive funding for the following year.
• Recompeting AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
  • Current OSC-funded programs with a three-year funding cycle that ends in the 2025-26 program year are considered to be in “recompete” status. These Applicants may apply for a new three-year award under this RFA. 

The Gus and Lola Rosenblatt Memorial Scholarship, provided by the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to Jewish male-identifying students from Oregon attending accredited colleges within the state. Established through Lola Rosenblatt's estate, this scholarship supports students pursuing higher education while emphasizing the values of philanthropy and community support. Eligible recipients can renew the scholarship for up to three additional years, ensuring continued educational opportunities for those who maintain a 3.0 GPA and meet residency criteria.

The Great Apes and Gibbons Program Grant, administered by the Arcus Foundation, supports conservation efforts for great apes and gibbons across 24 priority landscapes in Africa and Asia. The program emphasizes sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, having awarded over 2,000 grants to more than 500 organizations globally. Funding is not available for individuals or specific lobbying activities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful conservation initiatives.

The Rebecca and Sada Tarshis Memorial Scholarship, established in 2002 by the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation, provides crucial financial assistance to Jewish students pursuing higher education. This scholarship aims to support eligible recipients in achieving their academic goals while promoting a culture of philanthropy within the Jewish community in Oregon and Southwest Washington. With a focus on educational empowerment, the scholarship fosters long-term impact and community development.

Service Objects In-Kind Grants support non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. By leveraging their data validation services, they aim to assist projects that promote ecological health and responsible resource management. The program prioritizes applications with clear, measurable objectives and impactful outcomes within one to three years. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. are eligible, while initiatives lacking detailed plans or focusing on generalized education will not qualify. This grant fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The Betty Kinsman Fund supports arts in Oregon and southern Washington, focusing on theatre, literary arts, and photography. Grants prioritize smaller organizations and aim to celebrate individual artists and innovative presentations. The fund does not support physical improvements, arts education, or activities aimed at specialty audiences. While all proposals are considered, preference is given to project support over general operating expenses. This initiative honors Betty Kinsman's passion for the arts while ensuring a public benefit.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

The Asia-Pacific region, home to over half the world's population, faces challenges due to its development goals, which strain natural resources, communities, and cultural heritage. These issues are exacerbated by adverse environmental changes. While research has shed light on these problems, it's clear that more challenges lie ahead. The Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) is well-positioned to generate new knowledge and solutions for these evolving global change and sustainability issues by supporting collaborative research and scientific capacity development activities, particularly those aimed at training the next generation of early career professionals.

APN 2025 Call for Proposals: CAPaBLE Programmes

CAPaBLE, our scientific capacity development programme, aims to enhance the capacity of scientists, policymakers and practitioners to assess global change issues, and explore options to resolve issues towards achieving sustainability. Through CAPaBLE, we support activities that enhance capacity at individual, organizational and systemic levels.

Activities of interest under the CAPaBLE Programme

APN supports CAPaBLE activities that enhance existing capacities of developing countries at three levels of individual-based capacity development; group, organisation, network-based capacity development; and societies, governance, and system level capacity development. APN accepts CAPaBLE proposals that engage 1 or more member/approved countries. Proposals must address one or more of the following activities:

SCIENTIFIC CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES that promote the following approaches related to one or more of the six thematic areas of APN:

• Utilising and strengthening existing capacity, 
• Creating opportunities to use/instil capacity, 
• Developing new capacity through innovative approaches.

AWARENESS-RAISING AND DISSEMINATION activities through policy- and decision-making communities, civil society, and/or the general public.

SCIENCE-POLICY interfacing in the context of the priority topics.

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP ACTIVITIES that contribute to the capacity development components of the evolving global change arena, including the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, IPCC, IPBES, post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the UN Decade of Ocean Science, and ongoing and new global change and sustainability research programmes.

Activities geared towards using SCIENCE COMMUNICATION to disseminate knowledge generated from projects, particularly to non-science audiences.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA) on Aug. 4, 2026, seeking to fund high-impact, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. This preannouncement provides potential applicants additional time to identify collaborators; obtain patient and stakeholder input on potential studies; and develop responsive, high-quality applications. 

Patient-centered CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences.