Best Grants for Museums in Oregon

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

The Oregon Well-Being Trust: Launch Grant offers one year of funding and small group coaching to organizations aiming to develop comprehensive employee well-being programs. This initiative is particularly suited for those in the early stages of addressing staff wellness needs, helping to establish foundational elements such as a wellness coordinator and gathering staff feedback. The grant supports activities that enhance staff engagement and promote sustainable well-being initiatives.

The Oregon Well-Being Trust: Fourish Grant offers multi-year funding and support for organizations to enhance their employee well-being programs. Designed for existing programs, it encourages innovative initiatives such as mini-grants for specific staff needs, stipends for coordinators, and training on various well-being topics. By fostering leadership support and utilizing staff feedback, this grant aims to create sustainable and impactful wellness solutions for employees across Oregon.

The Oregon Community Foundation offers the Black Student Success Capacity Building Grants to support Black-led organizations in Oregon. With a total funding of $720,000, these grants aim to enhance the operational capacity of these organizations, enabling them to better serve marginalized Black children and families. Eligible organizations can request up to $50,000 for projects focusing on education, community engagement, and culturally responsive programming, contributing to transformative change in the community.

The Transformation Grants program addresses the urgent need for quality, affordable housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the U.S. By providing funding for innovative, community-based housing solutions, the program aims to enhance the lives of those with IDD. Grants up to $300,000 per year support initiatives that focus on inclusivity and sustainability. Organizations in Oregon and Washington serving this population are encouraged to apply for funding to create impactful housing opportunities.

Individual Artist Fellowship

The Fellowship Program honors Oregon's professional artists and their achievements while supporting efforts to advance their careers.

The next deadline for the Fellowship program is for Performing Arts. This for the grant period from January 1, 2027 -- December 31, 2027.

The Arts Commission offers Fellowships in multiple artistic disciplines in alternating years:

• Performing Arts (choreography, dance, music composition, music performance, theater, performance art, storytelling and puppetry).
• Visual Arts (crafts, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, new media, fashion, graphic design and industrial design).

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Lilla Jewel Awards support Oregon-based artists of marginalized genders, promoting social change through their work. Established in 1997, the awards offer $10,000 to selected artists, emphasizing those engaged in social justice movements. Eligible applicants must be Oregon residents, at least 18 years old, and of marginalized gender identities. The awards aim to amplify diverse voices historically overlooked in traditional art institutions, fostering a more inclusive artistic landscape.

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.

The Oregon Humanities Public Program Grants support diverse community-driven initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding. With up to $100,000 available in funding for 2023, organizations can apply for grants up to $10,000 to cover program-related expenses. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and federally recognized tribes in Oregon, focusing on projects that engage communities through various formats, including multilingual programs. This grant emphasizes inclusivity and aims to uplift underrepresented voices.

The Oregon Parks Foundation Fund, established in 2009, supports the acquisition and restoration of Oregon's native landscapes while enhancing public parks. It invites grant proposals from nonprofits and public agencies, focusing on projects that promote outdoor recreation and education. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with occasional larger amounts for unique initiatives. Priority is given to competitive proposals demonstrating strong community support and accessibility for underserved populations.

The FY2026 Implementation of the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) seeks to address the rapid spread of these invasive species in the Western United States. This funding opportunity aims to support proposals that align with the priorities established in QZAP 2.0, focusing on critical areas for prevention and control. Applications will only be accepted through grantsolutions.gov, and the initiative is limited to U.S. states within the Western Regional Panel.

The Oregon Historic Trails Fund Grant supports projects that interpret, preserve, and maintain Oregon's historic trails, aiming to protect the state's cultural and natural resources. With approximately $40,000 available each year, the fund prioritizes educational and economic initiatives and encourages collaboration with governmental agencies and tribes. Eligible applicants must meet specific interpretive standards and demonstrate community involvement. The advisory committee reviews applications, and funding decisions are announced in November.

The Major General Julie Bentz ROTC Scholarship supports ROTC students at Oregon State University and Western Oregon University, honoring Major General Bentz's distinguished military career. Awarded based on financial need, leadership, and academic performance, this scholarship emphasizes the importance of good standing in both the university and the ROTC unit. Eligible candidates must be full-time ROTC students with a minimum GPA. Priority is given to juniors, seniors, and those completing ROTC courses.

The Oregon Brownfields Redevelopment Fund, managed by Business Oregon, provides essential financing for environmental actions related to brownfields. This program supports property owners in conducting cleanup and assessments to facilitate redevelopment, particularly in economically distressed areas. Eligible applicants include individuals, businesses, and municipalities, while grants may be awarded based on public benefits. The program aims to revitalize communities by addressing contamination issues and promoting economic development.

The Marine Navigation Improvement Fund Grant (OR) provides essential funding for port projects in Oregon, supporting both federally and non-federally authorized navigation improvements. The program aims to enhance navigation facilities, ensuring they meet safety and operational standards. Eligible projects may receive loans or grants, with funding determined by project type and readiness. Ports interested in applying must adhere to specific criteria and provide necessary documentation to secure funding. This initiative is crucial for boosting local economies and maintaining vital transportation routes.

The Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program (SRGP) in Oregon supports funding for the seismic upgrades of critical public buildings, focusing on public schools and emergency service facilities. Eligible applicants include public K-12 school districts and first responder buildings like fire and police stations. The grant can provide up to $2.5 million for eligible projects, ensuring buildings remain safe and functional in the event of a seismic event.

The Oregon Arts Commission offers Career Opportunity Grants to support artists at all stages in taking advantage of unique opportunities that enhance their careers. Grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 help cover costs, ensuring artists can participate without financial strain. These grants are awarded based on the potential for significant career impact, such as introducing work to new audiences or developing new skills through various activities. Additional funding may be available for established visual artists.

The Oregon Port Revolving Fund provides essential loans to port districts for the planning and construction of vital infrastructure and facilities. This state program, managed by Business Oregon, supports economic development through responsible investments, allowing ports to finance up to $3 million. Eligible projects include pre-project planning, construction, and maintenance, with flexible repayment terms based on project completion. This initiative underscores the significance of ports in enhancing Oregon's economic landscape.

The Ford Family Foundation offers larger funding requests over $25,000 for projects aligned with their funding priorities, including family support, education, and community development. Their grants aim to strengthen family connections, enhance educational opportunities for rural children, and foster thriving communities. Eligible organizations must primarily benefit rural residents in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. The Foundation emphasizes community support and prohibits funding for discriminatory practices or debt retirement.

The Dubs Foundation's Responsive Grants Program aims to empower youth and promote healthy families through innovative projects in Southern Oregon and Northern California. Established in 1996, the foundation prioritizes rural organizations that foster an active outdoor lifestyle and support veterans' reintegration. With a focus on community improvement, the foundation encourages partnerships with nonprofits to enhance access to basic needs and inspire a love of wilderness areas. Applicants should review fluid guidelines regularly as the foundation prepares for its 20th anniversary.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Land Conservation and Access

RMEF conserves critical big game habitat and migration corridors, while expanding and improving public access, including through land acquisitions and voluntary conservation agreements. RMEF's

2026 priorities include:

• Conserving migratory corridors and connecting landscapes through land conservation efforts
• Creating new or improved public access through access easements and agreements and state-run access programs

The Jubitz Family Foundation's Forest and Freshwater Habitat Preservation grant program focuses on the conservation and restoration of natural forests and freshwater habitats in the Mount Hood region of Oregon. Through creative environmental initiatives, the program aims to ensure resilient ecosystems that benefit both current and future generations. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based nonprofits with missions aligned to the foundation's goals, committed to sustainable practices and quantifiable outcomes.

The Kinsman Foundation Small Grants program supports projects that benefit the public in Oregon and southern Washington, focusing on historic preservation and native wildlife rehabilitation. Grants, typically under $5,000, are awarded to tax-exempt nonprofits and government agencies without matching fund requirements. Applications are reviewed every 6-8 weeks, with no specific deadlines for inquiries under $5,000. The foundation emphasizes project support while considering general administrative support valuable for nonprofits.

The Kinsman Foundation offers conventional grants exceeding $5,000 for projects focused on historic preservation and wildlife rehabilitation in Oregon and southern Washington. These grants support public benefit activities, especially for 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of August 1 for annual review. The Foundation prioritizes architectural preservation and licensed wildlife rehabilitation, while no matching funds are required and there are no limits on reapplications.