Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Oregon

The Dr. David R. Barkmeier Top Research Universities Scholarship, offered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, provides funding for students attending prestigious universities, including those in the Association of American Universities. This scholarship supports graduates from Marshall County high schools who can demonstrate residency and is renewable for previous recipients who meet eligibility criteria. It aims to foster academic excellence and assist local students in achieving higher education.

The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation offers Kit Grants for teachers and community members to enhance materials science education through outreach projects. Applicants can request various science kits, including Materials Science Classroom Kits, Mini Kits, and Glass Kits, while adhering to specific limitations. The foundation aims to inspire the next generation of ceramic and glass professionals, ensuring all projects align with educational goals and promote student engagement with science.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Terry & Wanda Wood Memorial Scholarship

Criteria evaluated:

• Work ethic and ambition, desire to pursue a trade, and financial need

Required materials: 

• Essay of up to 250 words describing the applicant’s career path plans, 
• 2 letters of recommendation from teachers and/or counselors, and 3) FAFSA SAI PDF upload

Scholarship amount:

• $7,500 | 1 scholarship

The Ladies’ Branch of the New Bedford Port Society Scholarship, managed by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, supports students with familial ties to the sea or descendants of seamen. This scholarship aims to promote education in maritime-related fields. Eligible applicants must reside in specific SouthCoast communities or plan to pursue maritime sciences. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed over $50 million to enhance the region's educational, humanitarian, and cultural landscape.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Marion WM. Edwards Scholarship

For Torrington High School graduating seniors who are planning to continue in Italian studies, planning to teach or planning to study literature or journalism.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Friends of John Ponte Memorial Scholarship

For graduating seniors from Lewis S. Mills High School and Torrington High School who exemplify, through their participation in athletics, the qualities and interests of the late John Ponte, including leadership skills and exemplary character.

 High school participation in athletics.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Earle R. Julian Scholarship

For past graduates of St. Anthony School, in Winsted, who plan to pursue a career in accounting.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Cornwall Conservation Trust Scholarship

Academic Focus: Ecology, environmental studies, forestry, FFA, and/or biology

Preference: Cornwall residents

The PIDS Summer Research Scholars Award, established by the PIDS Foundation, supports students in pediatric infectious disease research. Open to undergraduate and graduate students, this award promotes impactful summer research projects across various disciplines, including basic science and clinical studies. Funded partially by Sanofi, it encourages mentorship by PIDS members, aiming to enhance scholarship and practical contributions to the field of pediatric infectious diseases.

The Families Invested in Reforming Education (FIRE) Fellowship is a six-week virtual training program designed to empower advocates committed to enhancing the education system for PreK-12 students in the U.S. Participants will engage in eight interactive sessions, focusing on advocacy skills and community networking. Graduates will benefit from ongoing support and training from the 50CAN team to further their advocacy efforts. This volunteer-only program does not offer stipends, emphasizing a commitment to educational reform.

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. 

Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program

The Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program (also know as the Chafee Grant) provides funding to help current or former foster care youth with postsecondary education and training.

The Cambiar Catalyst Fellowship is a transformative year-long program designed for experienced educators and systems leaders. It offers intensive professional development through coaching, in-person and virtual learning experiences, and community building. Participants tackle real-world challenges in their districts using the CREATE framework, enhancing their leadership skills and impact. The fellowship aims to reimagine K-12 public education by supporting leaders in creating sustainable solutions for improved student outcomes.

The ETC Equipment Grant supports U.S.-based non-profit organizations, schools, and government entities by providing essential lighting technology. This initiative, part of ETC's Light the Way Program, aims to enhance training in performance arts through equipment grants. Recipients can choose from a variety of packages, including consoles and LED fixtures, tailored to their facility's needs. ETC also offers training for all awarded equipment, ensuring recipients maximize the impact of their grants.

The Joyce & Duane Plyter Academic Scholarship offers financial assistance ranging from $500 to $1000 for students from the Milton-Freewater, Oregon area. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 while enrolled. This scholarship is available for all four years of undergraduate studies, with annual applications required. Additionally, two scholarships are offered: one for trade school students and another for those pursuing general college education.

The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers. 

Special Giving Program

Throughout her life, Ann B. Zekauskas supported numerous nonprofits and charitable endeavors. She especially had a fondness for organizations that worked to rescue and rehome abandoned animals — and her house was always home to a dog, a cat, and, for a very long time, a set of parakeets. 

In honoring Ann’s complete legacy, each year our trustees contribute to select causes which are of special personal importance to them and fall beyond our three main areas of giving. These include supporting educational institutions; local community groups and projects; athletics programs; animal rescues; and more.

The King-Rockwell Scholarship Renewal aims to address the diverse needs of the community through innovative funding solutions. This private foundation is dedicated to holistic support in education, arts, infrastructure, and wellness. Eligible applicants are those who have previously received the King-Rockwell Scholarship, ensuring continuity in nurturing talent and community engagement. This initiative not only provides financial assistance but also fosters awareness and collaboration for a sustainable future.

The Earl & Lela Frazier Scholarship supports students from the Milton-Freewater, Oregon area pursuing undergraduate degrees in medical fields. This scholarship emphasizes financial need and requires first-year applicants to have a minimum high school GPA of 2.5. Recipients must maintain a college GPA of 2.0 or higher to continue receiving funding. The scholarship is available for all four years of undergraduate study, with applications needed each year.

Robison Foundation for Jewish Elders

Robison Foundation for Jewish Elders (RFJE) supports community organizations and initiatives by funding programs that enhance the lives of elders in the Jewish community of greater Portland and Southwest Washington by supporting their social, spiritual and physical well-being.

To achieve its mission, RFJE offers funding through four grant track opportunities:

• Nitzan Grants
• Kulanu Grants
• ChikChok Grants
• Kadimah Grants

Oregon Jewish Community Foundation ( OJCF) administers and supports RFJE's grantmaking programs. In 2025, OJCF announced and managed the application process for RFJE's ChikChok, Kadimah, Nitzan, and Kulanu grant programs that support Jewish elders in Greater Portland and Southwest Washington. OJCF specifically stated that it is proud to support the administration of these grants.

Kulanu Grants

Kulanu (all of us) grants are designed to support cross-organizational collaboration and create lasting, system-level impact. Kulanu grants support significant program growth, innovation and capacity-building. These grants are intended to fund collaborative, multi-organization initiatives, address systemic challenges and service gaps; and focus on sustainable, communitywide solutions.

The Purpose of the Kulanu Grants

Grant awards for this Kulanu cycle will be $50,000+ per year, with multiyear commitments possible. There will be two grant cycles per year. We strongly encourage organizations to self evaluate how they can effectively use grant funds-given existing organizational constraints-ask for funding accordingly.

Grant Size and Timeframe Parameters

RFJE will consider funding proposals for up to three years and encourages applicants seeking multi-year support to request reduced funding amounts in the second and third years (“step-down funding”). For approved multi-year grants, RFJE will commit to funding for the full proposed term, contingent on annual reporting requirements and on agreed-upon criteria and conditions established by RFJE and the applicant to assess the program’s progress.  

Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida connects people who care with causes that matter. Since 1964, we have served the citizens of Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties through a range of charitable and civic activities, while helping individual donors achieve their philanthropic goals. We believe in Giving Back. Forever Forward.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous donors, The Community Foundation offers several scholarships each year that benefit students in Northeast Florida who are seeking post-secondary degrees.

Talen Charles Birt Memorial Scholarship

The Talen Charles Birt Memorial Scholarship will provide financial assistance for students graduating from Andrew Jackson, First Coast, Jean Ribault, or William M. Raines High Schools in Duval County. In selecting the successful candidate, the review committee will consider the students’ demonstrated commitment to academics and leadership, plans to pursue a 2- or 4-year degree and can articulate why they have selected their area of study, and financial need. The one-time scholarship will support tuition and books, up to $2,000.

Robison Foundation for Jewish Elders

Robison Foundation for Jewish Elders (RFJE) supports community organizations and initiatives by funding programs that enhance the lives of elders in the Jewish community of greater Portland and Southwest Washington by supporting their social, spiritual and physical well-being.

To achieve its mission, RFJE offers funding through four grant track opportunities:

• Nitzan Grants
• Kulanu Grants
• ChikChok Grants
• Kadimah Grants

Oregon Jewish Community Foundation ( OJCF) administers and supports RFJE's grantmaking programs. In 2025, OJCF announced and managed the application process for RFJE's ChikChok, Kadimah, Nitzan, and Kulanu grant programs that support Jewish elders in Greater Portland and Southwest Washington. OJCF specifically stated that it is proud to support the administration of these grants.

Nitzan Grants

Nitzan (blossom) grants are designed to support early-stage ideas and modest program expansions. These grants are intended to pilot new concepts with room to grow, expand existing programs in a limited but meaningful way; and bridge the gap between small, rapid-response funding and larger investments.

The Purpose of the Nitzan Grants

Grant awards for this Nitzan cycle will be $5,000-$20,000 per year. There will be two grant cycles per year. We strongly encourage organizations to self-evaluate how they can effectively use grant funds-given existing organizational constraints-ask for funding accordingly.

Collaboration with other aligned non-profit organizations in a joint grant application is encouraged. Funds will be awarded to the lead applicant who will also be responsible for measured outcomes reporting. 

Grant Size and Timeframe Parameters

RFJE will consider funding proposals for up to three years and encourages applicants seeking multi-year support to request reduced funding amounts in the second and third years (“step-down funding”). For approved multi-year grants, RFJE will commit to funding for the full proposed term, contingent on annual reporting requirements and on agreed-upon criteria and conditions established by RFJE and the applicant to assess the program’s progress.  

The ASPET Travel Awards aim to support the professional development of young scientists attending the ASPET Annual Meeting. Eligible participants include undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers who are ASPET members. Awards cover registration and lodging, with additional funding available for international applicants from developing countries. This program fosters networking and learning among emerging pharmacologists, enhancing their contributions to the scientific community.

The AO North America Long-Term Fellowship Program offers vital support for the education and training of orthopedic trauma surgeons. This initiative connects experienced mentors with trauma fellows, ensuring a high standard of educational content and methods. The program focuses on continuous improvement, networking opportunities, and access to valuable resources such as workshops and grants. Administered by AO North America, it aims to enhance postgraduate education in orthopedic trauma surgery.

The NCAA Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship is awarded annually to one male and one female student-athlete, recognizing outstanding academic achievement and potential for success in graduate study. Each scholarship provides $24,000 for one academic year, with the possibility of renewal. Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.500, compete in NCAA athletics, and demonstrate strong character and leadership. The scholarship aims to support future leaders in their chosen fields, fostering excellence in academics and community engagement.

VCA Charities offers the Ready for Rescue Grants to support animal welfare organizations in preparing pets for adoption. With a maximum award of $10,000, this program focuses on enhancing the mental and physical well-being of companion animals through various activities, including enrichment and training. Eligible organizations must be registered nonprofits dedicated to animal welfare, adopting out at least 500 pets annually. Applications are accepted twice a year, with deadlines approaching soon.

The ASHP Foundation offers Professional Advancement Scholarships for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and graduating pharmacy students, enabling them to attend national meetings for networking and professional growth. For the 2025 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting, scholarships include full registration and $1,000 for travel support. This initiative aims to enhance professional development opportunities within the pharmacy community, fostering connections and knowledge sharing among healthcare professionals.

The Joan Mitchell Fellowship supports 15 US-based artists in painting and sculpture with $60,000 over five years. It offers crucial financial resources, skills development, and community building. The fellowship also includes workshops, consultations, and opportunities for residencies, particularly for those in their fourth year or beyond. The program emphasizes diversity, encouraging nominations from underrepresented artists to foster a rich cultural discourse in the arts.

The NIH Collaborative International Research Project aims to foster international research collaborations that align with the NIH mission. This grant encourages applications that incorporate at least one international subproject, offering oversight and tracking for NIH-funded international initiatives. Projects should leverage unique resources or populations abroad, contributing to advancements in health sciences relevant to NIH's objectives. This initiative underscores the importance of global partnerships in enhancing research capabilities and outcomes in the United States.