Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Oregon

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

The Black Student Success Community Network Grants aim to address educational inequities faced by marginalized Black children and families in Oregon through strategic collaboration. This initiative facilitates partnerships among community organizations dedicated to improving Black student success. In 2022, 24 organizations received $20,000 grants to enhance their capacity to engage in network activities and provide essential services tailored to Black students from early learning through post-secondary education.

The Partners in Science Grant Program, funded by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust, connects secondary school science teachers with research mentors to enhance their teaching and research skills. This innovative initiative offers renewable three-year grants to universities, supporting partnerships that foster professional growth through hands-on research experiences. Teachers engage in two annual conferences, allowing them to share findings and best practices, ultimately enriching the educational landscape and improving student engagement in scientific inquiry.

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 Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Oregon support eligible rural communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water availability. Funded by USDA Rural Development, these grants can address issues like droughts, floods, or chemical spills. They offer up to $150,000 for water transmission line projects and up to $1,000,000 for water source construction, ensuring access to clean water in affected areas.

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.

Lillian & Paul Petri Music Study Fund

Lillian and Paul Petri taught music at OSU and via private instruction, and had profound involvement in supporting young musicians. Their influence continues today. Although the Petris had no children, they were very interested in supporting young people, and they bequeathed their entire estate to Benton Community Foundation to help young musicians.

Almost without exception, all of the Petri award winners have gone on to distinguished careers. The Lillian & Paul Petri Music Study Fund grants one of the most generous music scholarships offered in the United States. Since the Petri Award was first given in 1962, grants have gone to thirty-two top Oregon musicians. The first scholarship award made from the Lillian & Paul Petri Music Study Fund in 1962 to Miss Edith Kilbuck, a pianist and instructor of music at Lewis and Clark College and the University of Portland. She traveled to Vienna, Austria, to study under Professor Seidlhofer. When Miss Kilbuck was asked once what this award meant to her, she conveyed her “strong sense of gratitude” in the following statement:

“The Petri Award provided an opportunity for both focus and diversification in my education and professional career. After having practiced my profession several years as teacher, performer, and coach/accompanist, I recognized those areas in which I wanted to concentrate my efforts. To be free to do this additional work without the necessity of earning a living at the same time was a real privilege. Living in Vienna and traveling elsewhere in Europe provided such an immediate and first-hand experience of so much of our cultural heritage — general history, music history, German language and literature, painting, sculpture, architecture, etc. I feel I took a ‘giant step’ toward becoming truly educated during that year as recipient of the Petri Award.”

As expressed in his letter to the board written before his death, Dr. Petri’s vision was to provide scholarships to enable young Oregonian musicians to study music for a year in a foreign country. However, recognizing that circumstances change over the years, Dr. Petri gave BCF’s Board of Directors wide discretion in meeting his vision. Considering the increased cost of foreign travel since the fund was first establish, and in light of the many good music schools which have prospered in the United States since the mid-20th century, the Board has determined that the scholarship may be used for study domestically, as well as overseas.

The determination of whom shall be granted a scholarship from the Lillian & Paul Petri Music Study Fund is made on the basis of a musical performance competition judged by notable professionals in the field. BCF currently partners with Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA) to plan and facilitate the competition.

Higher Education Coordinating Commission

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is a State of Oregon agency and Commission working to improve equitable access to and success in higher education and workforce training for Oregonians statewide. We coordinate funding and policy, and convene partners across the public and private higher education and workforce landscape. 

Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance

The Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance (ONGSTA) program provides funding for current Oregon National Guard Members enrolled in an eligible Oregon postsecondary institutions for undergraduate tuition, certain fees, and a book allowance. The grant can be used for up to 90 credits at Oregon community colleges and up to 180 quarter credits/120 semester credits at eligible Oregon universities and colleges. Award amounts vary depending on the type of institution the student attends and their eligibility for other military tuition assistance. 

Students must apply each year to continue receiving the grant.

Higher Education Coordinating Commission

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is a State of Oregon agency and Commission working to improve equitable access to and success in higher education and workforce training for Oregonians statewide. We coordinate funding and policy, and convene partners across the public and private higher education and workforce landscape. 

Oregon Teacher Scholars Program Grant

The Oregon Teacher Scholars Program (OTSP) Grant provides funding for eligible candidates who have experience with diverse populations who are pursuing their preliminary licensure program for teaching, school counseling, social work, and school psychology. The OTSP Grant is offered in partnership with the Educator Advancement Council and the Oregon Department of Education.

Eligible students must complete the Oregon Teacher Scholars Program (OTSP) Grant application and the FAFSA or ORSAA by the designated deadline for full consideration.

Continuing Scholars: Renewal applicants (those who have received the grant in a prior year) must login to their OSAC Student Portal account and re-apply for the next academic year in addition to submitting their FAFSA or ORSAA for the corresponding academic year.

Eligible students can attend any institution that has an approved educator preparation program and receive the Oregon Teacher Scholars Program Grant. View the full Public and Private Colleges/University list to determine if your college is eligible.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

Out of School Time

Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) has identified out-of-school time as an opportunity to combat socioeconomic, geographic, and racial inequities in student success. Research has shown that quality out-of-school time programs that have a robust SEL focus can support positive youth development and increase engagement with school, thus improving attendance, boosting academic performance, and increasing the likelihood of high school graduation and post-secondary attainment. 

OCF seeks proposals from out-of-school time programs in Oregon that wish to participate in a three-year, highly structured SEL program quality improvement Learning Community. Interested organizations should already be familiar with continuous program quality processes and wish to deepen their SEL program quality.   Programs must serve youth from low-income families, youth of color and/or youth from under-resourced rural communities. 

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

The Better Nursing Home Care Fund Grant, offered by The Oregon Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of care for nursing home residents in Oregon. This grant seeks applications from tax-exempt nonprofits and public agencies focused on innovative staffing solutions, training practices, and collaborative partnerships. It prioritizes projects that improve residents' quality of life and implement evidence-based best practices, while excluding funding for equipment or capital projects.

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.

Funding Direct Assistance to Victims of Crimes

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) is the only federal grant program supporting direct assistance services to victims and survivors of all types of crimes. The primary purpose of the VOCA grant program is to extend and enhance services to crime victims and crime survivors.

VOCA federal guidelines state that services are defined as those that:

• respond to the emotional and physical needs of crime victims
• assist primary and secondary victims to stabilize their lives after a victimization
• assist victims and survivors to understand and participate in the criminal justice system
• provide victims and survivors with a measure of safety and security such as boarding-up broken windows and replacing or repairing locks

VOCA Requirements

An agency must meet all of the following federal requirements to receive VOCA funds:

• Demonstrate a record of effective and direct services to crime victims
• Meet program match requirement
• Utilize volunteers to provide or support direct services
• Promote coordinated public and private efforts to assist victims and survivors
• Assist victims seeking crime victim compensation benefits
• Provide services to crime victims, at no charge, through the VOCA funded project
• Maintain confidentiality
• Provide services to victims and survivors of federal crime on the same basis as victims of state crime
• Maintain required civil rights information
• Meet the terms of the certified assurances, special conditions and other federal rules regulating grants

The Cultural Trust envisions an Oregon that champions and invests in creative expression and cultural exchange, driving innovation and opportunity for all. The mission of the Cultural Trust is to lead Oregon in cultivating, growing and valuing culture as an integral part of communities. We do this by inspiring Oregonians to invest in a permanent fund that provides annual grants to cultural organizations.

The Social Impact Theatre Grant Program supports innovative theatrical productions that address pressing social issues, fostering dialogue and community engagement. With a focus on sustainability, the program offers production-specific and change capital grants to eligible nonprofit organizations in select states. Grantees are encouraged to explore new models, deepen community connections, and support emerging leaders in theatre. Applications for the next cycle will open in Spring 2025, following the completion of the current funding round.

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.

The Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant Program by the Oregon Community Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that aid entrepreneurs, particularly those who are women, people of color, or from under-resourced communities. With $750,000 in funding available, the program focuses on providing flexible support to enhance business growth and sustainability. Organizations with a proven track record or innovative approaches are encouraged to apply for grants up to $25,000, fostering economic vitality across Oregon.

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 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 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 Preserving Oregon Grant, offered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, provides matching funds for rehabilitation projects that aid in preserving historic resources on the National Register of Historic Places. This initiative reflects OPRD's commitment to protecting Oregon's cultural heritage while ensuring that future generations can enjoy and learn from these significant sites. Through these grants, OPRD aims to foster community engagement and enhance the understanding of Oregon's historical narrative.

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.

Cambia Health Foundation is dedicated to enhancing healthcare experiences through its RFP, which aims to support older adult kinship and grand-family caregivers. By promoting strategies that strengthen social connections and improve access to mental health services, the foundation seeks to address the unique challenges faced by these caregivers. The initiative encourages tailored proposals that reflect the diverse needs of kinship families, ultimately fostering a more interconnected and supportive community for aging individuals.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.