Best Grants for Museums in Oregon

The Alumni Professional Development Fund, established by Creative West, focuses on supporting alumni of its leadership development programs. It aims to foster personal and professional growth through flexible funding, ensuring that artists can access resources that enhance their skills and contributions to the community. This fund emphasizes equity, storytelling, and the importance of democracy, wellness, and belonging in the creative economy, ultimately strengthening the arts sector nationally.

The Oregon Media Arts Fellowship Grant honors professional artists in Oregon, providing crucial financial support for film and video projects. This program aims to recognize outstanding talent and commitment to new work creation, fostering artistic growth and innovation. Administered by PAM CUT and funded by the Oregon Arts Commission, the fellowship enables artists to advance their careers while contributing to the vibrant media arts landscape in the state.

The Oregon Conservation & Recreation Fund Grant aims to safeguard Oregon's fish and wildlife habitats through funding of up to $100,000 for drought-related projects, totaling $800,000 available. Additionally, $250,000 is allocated for other conservation and recreation initiatives with a maximum of $50,000 per project. The grant prioritizes support for smaller organizations, especially those from underserved communities, ensuring long-term ecological benefits and recreational opportunities for future generations.

About the Pacific Northwest Kiwanis Foundation

Through Helping Hands Fellowships, memorial gifts, and bequests, the Foundation provides a variety of ways to leave a lasting legacy for the children and youth of the Pacific Northwest.

Every member of a Kiwanis club in the Pacific Northwest District is also a member of the Pacific Northwest Kiwanis Foundation.

Our Purpose

The Pacific Northwest Kiwanis Foundation is a non-profit charitable corporation founded in 1985 and endorsed by the Pacific Northwest District of Kiwanis International:

• To promote the sponsored youth groups of the Pacific Northwest Kiwanis District. These include: Circle K (college/university students); Key Clubs (high school students); Builders Clubs (middle school students); K Kids (elementary school students); and Aktion Clubs (adults with disabilities).
• To assist needy persons – particularly youth
• To assist worthy youth to attain vocational excellence
• To aid the handicapped and disadvantaged

Specific emphasis is directed to promotion and support of sponsored youth groups particularly through scholarships and leadership training.

Grants

The PNW Kiwanis Foundation provides support for children, youth, and the disabled in the Pacific Northwest through grants designated for Kiwanis-sponsored projects.

During the last 2 years the PNW Kiwanis Foundation gave away over $20,000 in grant money.

PNW Kiwanis Foundation New Club Opening Mini Grant

The PNW Kiwanis Foundation will provide a $500 mini grant to new clubs to help kick start their charitable giving. Clubs are required to provide us with a “bragging-rights” status report and pictures of how these monies were used after completion of their project.

Purpose

Grants provide limited opportunities for Kiwanis clubs to receive financial assistance with a key project benefiting children or youth in their community. Funded projects may also provide an opportunity to generate exposure for the Foundation and its activities.

Grants must be in keeping with the purpose of the Foundation, which generally is to support children and youth in the Pacific Northwest. Projects that fall outside the Pacific Northwest may be quite worthy of support but would not qualify for a grant from the Foundation.

Club Support

The Foundation does not want to support a project that is not supported by the local Kiwanis club. That is why all grant requests must be accompanied by a letter of support from the Kiwanis club.

The RWN Foundation: Oregon Arts & Culture Grant supports innovative arts and cultural organizations that enhance community well-being. Focused on historically marginalized groups, it promotes access to arts education and cultural programming. The foundation seeks to fund initiatives that celebrate diverse traditions and foster social equity, particularly in Oregon. Grants are typically smaller, averaging $10,000, and are unrestricted, allowing organizations to allocate funds as needed to maximize impact.

The WaterSMART Applied Science Grants aim to enhance water management and supply reliability through innovative research and data utilization. By inviting qualified entities to apply for funding, the program focuses on improving hydrologic data access, forecasting capabilities, and modeling tools. This initiative aligns with federal priorities to optimize resources, ensuring water managers can effectively address future demands and adapt to climate challenges, thus fostering resilience in water operations across the nation.

The Vesta Bascom Scholarship, funded by the Milton-Freewater Area Foundation, supports full-time undergraduate students from Oregon with financial need and a minimum 3.5 GPA. Scholarships are available for all four years of study, with annual applications required. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA during college to remain eligible. Funding amounts vary, ensuring that deserving candidates receive the necessary financial support for their educational pursuits.

The Western SARE Graduate Student Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative research and educational outreach in sustainable agriculture. Funded by the USDA, it aims to enhance environmental quality, improve profitability for producers, and uplift rural communities. Projects must involve both research and education components, with proposals authored by graduate students collaborating with their advisors. This initiative fosters communication of results to agricultural professionals, ensuring practical applications for sustainable practices in the Western U.S.

The Western SARE Professional + Producer Grant Program fosters collaboration between Agricultural Technical Advisors and Producers to promote sustainable agriculture through research and outreach. This initiative aims to improve environmental quality, enhance profitability for farmers, and ensure community well-being. By supporting demonstrations, educational activities, and practical applications, the program seeks to communicate effective sustainable practices to agricultural professionals, ultimately benefiting rural economies and ecosystems.

The Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Grants support agricultural producers in developing innovative, sustainable practices through research and outreach. Eligible applicants include farmers or ranchers who collaborate with technical advisors to implement projects focused on addressing specific agricultural needs. Grants can provide funding up to $25,000 for 1-2 producers and up to $29,900 for larger collaborations. The program aims to enhance profitability, environmental quality, and community well-being while sharing knowledge among producers.

The Western SARE Professional Development Program Grant supports education and outreach for agricultural professionals. Aimed at enhancing knowledge in sustainable agriculture, it provides funding for projects that train educators and farmers through workshops, conferences, and digital media. With a focus on the environmental, economic, and social aspects of agriculture, projects can last up to three years and receive up to $100,000 in funding. This initiative fosters a 'train the trainer' approach to improve agricultural practices.

The PERS Student Research Fund supports graduate students in estuarine sciences through grants of up to $250. Established in memory of Pete Eldridge, the fund now allows donations in honor of individuals. Eligible applicants are MS or PhD students, current PERS members, and those studying in the PERS region, which includes Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. Award recipients are recognized at the annual PERS meeting.

The National Sea Grant Law Center is inviting proposals for the Coastal Resilience Program to research laws and policies addressing coastal resilience challenges such as sea level rise and flooding. With a funding cap of $150,000 over two years, this initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and promote informed decision-making in coastal management. Up to two projects will be selected for funding, supporting innovative solutions to enhance community resilience against environmental threats.

The Oregon Immigrant and Refugee Funders Collaborative Grant Program supports local nonprofits aiding immigrants and refugees in Oregon. With no fixed grant cycle, applications are accepted year-round, allowing flexibility and responsiveness. Funding primarily targets legal services, advocacy, and basic support, with a commitment to equitable outcomes. Organizations eligible for funding include 501(c)(3) charities and those with qualified fiscal sponsors, fostering community-driven initiatives that center immigrant voices.

The Dr. Patricia Allynson Winter Fund supports female graduate students in mycology pursuing teaching careers, reflecting the late Dr. Winter's priorities. Grants range from $1,000 to $6,000, with year-round applications for amounts under $1,000. Eligible applicants include female students and post-doctoral fellows in mycology, while applications from for-profit organizations and outside the Pacific Northwest are ineligible. Preference is given to projects involving mushroom-forming fungi, aligning with Dr. Stuntz's research focus.

The Stuntz Mycology Fund offers grants to support mycological research and education in the Pacific Northwest. Grants range from $1,000 to $6,000, with smaller requests accepted any time. Eligible projects include equipment, supplies, and travel for conferences, but exclude for-profit organizations and certain expenses. Priority is given to projects involving mushroom-forming fungi, reflecting Dr. Stuntz's research focus. Applications from outside the region are accepted if they involve PNW fungi.

The Stuntz Mycology Fund offers small grants of up to $1,000 to support mycological research and education in the Pacific Northwest. Established by the Daniel E. Stuntz Memorial Foundation in 1984, the fund prioritizes projects related to mushroom-forming fungi. Applications are accepted anytime, and funds are typically disbursed within 30 days. Eligible applicants include individuals and organizations involved in activities that benefit the Pacific Northwest mycological community.

The Stuntz Mycology Fund offers Mini Grants to support mycological research and education in the Pacific Northwest. Grants, up to $250, are available for K-12 teachers, educators, and students for projects involving fungi, including workshops and science fairs. Applications are accepted anytime, with funds disbursed within 30 days. Although applicants do not need to reside in the region, their projects must benefit the local mycological community.

Oregon Department of Forestry

Vision: Complex and resilient forest ecosystems that endure and adapt.

Mission: To protect and promote resilient forests that benefit all Oregonians.

US Dept. of Transportation Grant - Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity is to solicit applications for Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants.

Funds for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 SS4A grant program are to be awarded on a competitive basis to support planning, infrastructural, behavioral, and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets involving all roadway users, including pedestrians; bicyclists; public transportation, personal conveyance, and micromobility users; motorists; and commercial vehicle operators.

The SS4A Grant Program includes: 1) Planning and Demonstration Grants; and 2) Implementation Grants.

Implementation Grants

Implementation Grants fund projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan that address roadway safety problems. Implementation Grants may also fund supplemental planning and demonstration activities, as well as project-level planning, design, and development activities for projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan (e.g., project-level 21 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, associated environmental review activities, permits and approvals, construction design, etc.). 

• Expected number of awards: 40 to 70

Key Bank Philanthropic Support - Community Sponsorships aims to enhance community welfare by providing financial backing to nonprofit organizations. With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, these sponsorships focus on fundraising events and operational support for initiatives that foster economic inclusion and community growth. Applications are accepted from January to October, with decisions typically made within 90 days, ensuring timely support for impactful local projects.

The Formula Grants for Rural Areas program, managed by the Oregon Department of Transportation, enhances public transportation in rural communities with populations under 50,000. It funds operations, capital projects, and planning efforts, distributing funds every two years based on a formula that considers base amount, passenger trips, and service miles. Eligible recipients include local governments and non-profits dedicated to improving mobility management and transit services in these underserved areas.

The Singer Foundation Scholarship, offered by the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation, empowers Jewish public high school graduates in Oregon to pursue full-time post-secondary education. This renewable scholarship supports students for up to four years, promoting academic success with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The foundation aims to foster philanthropy and strengthen Jewish community values, providing vital financial assistance to ensure that deserving individuals can continue their educational journeys.

The 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program, funded by the Oregon Department of Transportation, supports public transportation initiatives aimed at enhancing mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This program provides financial assistance for capital projects, purchased services, and preventive maintenance. With a federal funding structure that emphasizes local contributions, it aims to improve accessibility and service delivery in rural and small urban areas, ensuring that these populations have reliable transportation options.

KeyBank's Community Grants support tax-exempt organizations that align with the Foundation's funding priorities, focusing on improving community well-being. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000, eligible organizations must have an operating budget of at least $100,000 and a minimum of three years in operation. The application process is invitation-only, requiring interested organizations to submit an Expression of Interest for review, typically receiving feedback within 90 days.

The Lester & Annette Goldschmidt Hillel Scholarship, administered by the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation, offers financial support to Jewish students from Oregon attending the University of Oregon. Established by the Goldschmidts' children, this scholarship aims to assist two students each year in pursuing higher education. The foundation promotes philanthropy and community engagement, ensuring that Jewish students have access to resources that empower their educational journeys and foster a thriving Jewish community.

The Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Grant, authorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), aims to enhance academic achievement for all students. It focuses on providing access to a well-rounded education, improving school conditions for learning, and enhancing technology use to boost digital literacy. This initiative aligns with Oregon's educational goals to ensure equitable access to quality education, empowering students with essential skills and experiences necessary for success.

The Community Storytelling Fellowship, sponsored by Oregon Humanities, empowers Oregonians to share community narratives across various mediums, including journalism and photography. This annual fellowship awards $5,000 to underrepresented storytellers, fostering true stories that highlight diverse experiences. Each selected fellow will create multiple stories over an eleven-month period, supported by mentorship and editorial guidance. This initiative aims to amplify voices, bridge information gaps, and promote civic engagement within Oregon's diverse communities.