Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Oregon

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation offers Teacher Development Grants to support K-12 educators in enhancing their classroom instruction. With grants up to $10,000 per year, individuals or small teams can implement innovative teaching strategies that foster critical inquiry and improve student engagement. This initiative aims to boost educational experiences for diverse learners, encouraging teachers to document and share their methods, ultimately promoting a culture of continuous professional growth.

The Helen M. McLoraine Foster Care and Emancipated Youth Scholarship provides financial support for youth from the foster care system in Colorado. With a minimum award of $1,000, the scholarship is aimed at those pursuing post-secondary education, including trade schools and universities. Recipients are selected based on academic performance, resilience, and financial need, ensuring that deserving individuals receive the assistance they need to succeed in their educational goals.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

Judith B. Cutcomb Scholarship

The Judith B. Cutcomb Scholarship is offered by CalRTA Napa Valley and administered by Napa Valley Community Foundation. It is awarded in memory of Judith B. Cutcomb, a St. Helena educator. The Cutcomb Scholarship supports current St. Helena Unified School District teachers who are continuing their education or graduates of St. Helena High School studying to be educators. Previous recipients of the scholarship are eligible to reapply.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

Daisy Cavalli Scholarship Fund

The Daisy Cavalli Scholarship Fund benefits graduating seniors who attend a Napa Valley Unified School District high school and will be enrolling in a trade school, community college, or four-year college/university. Recipients will receive funding for each year that they are enrolled as a full-time student.

Consideration is given to first generation college students (i.e. neither parent has obtained a Bachelor’s Degree).

The Jean Estes Epstein Charitable Foundation Scholarship supports public school students from Hawaii in their pursuit of higher education on the mainland U.S. Established by Jean Estes Epstein in 2007, the scholarship aims to enhance educational experiences by exposing students to diverse environments. Eligible candidates must be Hawaii residents, graduating from public high schools with a minimum GPA of 3.7, and demonstrate financial need while being full-time college freshmen.

Nebraska Community Foundation

Nebraska Community Foundation was established in 1994 by a group of visionaries determined to empower communities throughout the state to grow and prosper. They believed that with the right tools and resources, people could build the hometowns of their dreams.

Through philanthropy, our team helps communities develop strong local economies, high quality of life, and abundant leadership and volunteer opportunities. We empower local leaders to identify community assets, invest in their own resources, and bring about their own positive change. 

BCAFF Scholarships

The Butler County Area Foundation Fund is offering three scholarships to graduating seniors who meet individual scholarship criteria. These scholarships are the Butler County Clinic Scholarship (medical field major); Charles O. & Grace M. Stoops Scholarship in Agricultural or Environmental Studies; and Butler County Area Foundation Fund Scholarship.

Butler County Clinic Scholarship

Funding for the following scholarships through the Butler County Area Foundation Fund has been provided by the Butler County Clinic, P.C.

• Two $2,000 scholarships will be awarded annually. Graduates of Aquinas High School, David City High School, and East Butler High School may apply. Only one scholarship per school will be awarded. Each applicant may be an entering freshman or an upperclassman enrolled for post-secondary education at an accredited school of higher education in a medically-related major.

• One half of the scholarship funds ($1,000) will be paid directly to the school after the student has successfully completed the first semester and achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The remaining half of the scholarship funds ($1,000) will be paid directly to the school after the student has successfully completed the first academic year with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and has declared a major within a medically-related major.

• Upperclassman recipient funds will be paid in full ($2,000) directly to the school after the student has successfully completed a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and has declared a major within the area of medicinal studies.

The Alcon Foundation Grant aims to enhance eye care services and improve patient access, with a focus on educational and training programs. The foundation also supports cultural and community development initiatives that uplift the quality of life in areas where Alcon operates, including cities like Fort Worth, Houston, and Irvine. However, it does not fund non-501(c)(3) organizations, athletic leagues, or fundraising events, among other exclusions.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

Edward W. Solomon Scholarship

The Edward W. Solomon Scholarship is offered by CalRTA Napa Valley and administered by Napa Valley Community Foundation. It is awarded in memory of Dr. Edward W. Solomon. The Solomon Scholarship is given to support current Napa County teachers/educators who are continuing their education. Previous recipients of the scholarship are eligible to reapply.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate the potential for academic success by having been accepted in an upcoming college or university upper division or graduate level education program or course. Community college courses are acceptable only for current teachers who want/need to supplement their credential authorizations, and if the community college course is acceptable to the CTC Credentialing Office.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

George & Gwendolyn Goodin Endowment Fund

The George and Gwendolyn Goodin Endowment Fund provides one-year college and university scholarships to Napa County residents who are military veterans, or Napa County residents who are dependents of military veterans who were wounded or died while in active service. The number of scholarships awarded and the amount of each scholarship will be determined by the Fund’s Scholarship Selection Committee.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Jack O. Weimer, Jr. Scholarship Fund

The Jack O. Weimer, Jr. Scholarship Fund assists current or former residents of Stark County enrolled or accepted in a graduate program in a business-related field. Preference will be given to individuals demonstrating financial need. Personal interview may be required.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation's Creating Opportunity & Independence Grant supports programs and research that enhance the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It welcomes applications from nonprofit organizations and rehabilitation facilities in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on projects that foster independence, community participation, and capacity-building. Priority is given to initiatives that demonstrate broad impact and involve individuals with SCI, ensuring their needs and perspectives shape the proposed activities.

Parkview Health Foundation

The Parkview Health Foundation plays a vital role in supporting Parkview Health and its ability to provide expert, specialized healthcare to our entire region. As the area’s largest health system, Parkview Health serves a population of more than 1.3 million in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

Since 1878, charitable giving has been an important part of Parkview’s ability to deliver excellent care for every person, every day. The Parkview Health Foundation helps ensure philanthropic donations are used to support Parkview patients and the community at large by enhancing the patient experience through comfort and healing.

Scholarships

Helping train and educate the next generation of Parkview caregivers is an important part of our purpose. Through the generosity of donors, we are able to offer scholarships to Parkview co-workers and area students who are pursuing their nursing degrees or EMT certifications — helping ensure the excellence in care continues.

Parkview LaGrange Hospital Scholarship

The Parkview LaGrange Hospital Scholarship was established upon the recommendation of hospital volunteers as a way to give back to the community with the funds raised from the hospital’s gift shop and Parkview Health Foundation donors. The scholarship is open to students and adults who reside in LaGrange County and who are pursuing a degree in healthcare-related field. 

The Whitehall Foundation's Grants-in-Aid program supports early-career researchers in the life sciences, specifically in neurobiology. Aimed at assistant professors facing funding challenges, grants do not exceed $30,000 for one year. Applications are evaluated based on scientific merit and innovation. Eligibility requires independence as an investigator and Principal Investigator status. This program fosters research in areas underrepresented by federal funding, highlighting the Foundation's commitment to advancing biological research and supporting young scientists.

The Cottrell SEED: Exceptional Opportunities grant supports high-impact research activities for Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients. It encourages innovative projects at primarily undergraduate institutions, with a maximum award of $60,000. The initiative aims to advance existing research to new levels of innovation and impact. Eligible applicants include those six years post-Cottrell Scholar Award, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. Preference is given to proposals in Physics and Astronomy in odd years, while Chemistry is prioritized in even years.

The Cottrell SEED: New Research Directions grant supports early career researchers in chemistry, physics, and astronomy to launch innovative projects. With a maximum award of $60,000, this initiative encourages interdisciplinary and exploratory research without requiring preliminary data. Eligible applicants include Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients, with a focus on fostering a diverse scientific community. The grant aims to enhance impactful research and academic leadership, aligning with the mission of the Research Corporation for Science Advancement.

The Washington Red Raspberry Commission offers research grants to support the advancement of red raspberry cultivation. These grants focus on innovative farming practices, pest management, and cultivar development, aimed at enhancing grower productivity and sustainability. Proposals are evaluated based on their potential impact on the industry, with an emphasis on practical applications. The commission invites researchers from various backgrounds to contribute, ensuring a diverse range of solutions for the challenges faced by raspberry growers.

The NIDCR Dentist Scientist Career Transition Award (K22) supports dentists transitioning from NIH postdoctoral roles to tenure-track faculty positions. It provides two years of mentored research training in the NIH Intramural Research Program, followed by three years of independent research funding at an extramural institution. Key deadlines for grant applications include February 12, 2025, and subsequent dates in June and October 2025, with additional deadlines for renewal and AIDS-related applications.

The Reeves Foundation supports research aimed at understanding and treating macular degeneration, a condition that has personally affected the founder's family. Established in 1997, the foundation allocates 50% of its grants to research and the other half to local charities in Columbus, Indiana. Nonprofit organizations exempt under IRS code 501(c)(3) are eligible to apply, but funds cannot be used for administrative costs. The foundation prioritizes equipment purchases and partnerships with other funding sources.

The Etsy Uplift Fund, managed by Brooklyn Org, supports nonprofits that eliminate barriers to entrepreneurship for creators. By addressing challenges like lack of digital education, access to capital, and insufficient benefits, the Fund aims to foster equal opportunities in creative entrepreneurship. Customers can contribute by rounding up their purchases, with the collected funds directly supporting organizations that help creators build successful businesses. This initiative underscores Etsy's commitment to empowering diverse communities.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The John Onaitis Memorial Scholarship Fund

The John Onaitis Memorial Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to Stark County vocational student graduates pursuing post-secondary education from a college, university, trade or apprenticeship program.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Research With Activities Related to Diversity (ReWARD) program by the NIH aims to enhance research diversity and inclusion across the United States. It supports scientists contributing to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) who lack current NIH funding. The program funds both scientific research and DEIA activities, addressing the needs of various NIH Institutes and Centers to foster a more diverse biomedical research landscape.

The GriffinHarte Foundation Grant aims to foster civil discourse surrounding contentious issues of fairness, equity, and identity. This nonprofit supports initiatives that promote understanding and respect through research and education, focusing on social and economic justice. Eligible applicants include individuals and organizations dedicated to exploring civility and its impact on community dialogues. The foundation emphasizes the importance of identity and diverse perspectives in shaping effective communication strategies. This grant presents an opportunity for meaningful engagement in vital societal conversations.

The Chifles Beyond the Bag Scholarship, established in 2024 by the Rivas Family, supports children of Plantain Products Company employees by providing educational assistance. Administered through the Coral Gables Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to empower students to overcome barriers and excel academically. Recipients must maintain full-time enrollment and reapply annually by April 1. With over $6.7 million awarded in the last decade, the Foundation continues to positively impact the Coral Gables community.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Pucek Family Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was established in honor of Bill, Jeannette, and Sidney Pucek.

Scholarship awards from this fund aim to benefit and support North State students pursuing an associate degree or certification in a vocational program.

The DOJ's FY 2026 BIDEN Program aims to address immigration-related challenges by providing funding to eligible state and local governments. This initiative focuses on enhancing law enforcement's capacity to apprehend criminal aliens, investigate gang activities, and manage court operations related to crimes committed by aliens. By supporting these critical efforts, the program aims to improve public safety and uphold the rule of law in communities across the nation.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Marcia McKenzie Pay It Forward Scholarship

This scholarship is open to all majors, with priority given to women returning to school at Shasta College, or CSU Chico.

The Marcia McKenzie ‘Pay It Forward’ Scholarship Fund honors Marcia’s strong belief in a college education to further a person’s career goals and life path. She was the first of her family to attend and graduate from college, and benefitted throughout her life from that education. Years after her bachelor’s degree, she commuted to CSU, Chico to obtain a master’s degree while teaching full time at Shasta College. 

A wonderful mother and scratch cook, this scholarship was organized by her daughters and niece to honor her unwavering educational legacy. This scholarship is open to all majors, with preference given to applicants with an articulated career path, and life or community experiences that have delayed but clarified career intentions.

The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research Centers are offering supplemental funding for Special Interest Projects (SIPs) aimed at enhancing public health practices. These projects will focus on innovative health promotion and disease prevention strategies to mitigate leading health risks in the U.S. The initiative supports ten specific SIPs, including studies on cancer care, alcohol use reduction, and emergency preparedness, thereby fostering research that translates into real-world health improvements.