Best Grants for Preschools in Oregon

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

NCRC Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) - Housing Counseling Services

The Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) empowers NCRC network members to level up established service lines.

The Housing Counseling Services series within FEF supports HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in driving homeownership, such as through pre-purchase counseling. In addition, the program builds agency knowledge on heirs’ property challenges to better equip first-time and low-income homebuying households with the know-how to retain intergenerational wealth.

In doing so, FEF-HCS aims to help underserved families begin their homeownership journey, with an additional goal of ensuring foresight into the long-term future of their home purchase.

The FEF-HCS series is funded in partnership with Key Bank and HSBC, and targets communities within the Key Bank and HSBC branch footprints.

Through these partnerships, $2.5 million in Key Bank geographies and $1.5 million in HSBC geographies has been allocated for the subgrants for direct-to-client housing counseling services that will be awarded in three rounds in the FEF-HCS track.

Funding Support

Awardee agencies will receive subgrants to support their housing counseling services to clients.

Knowledge Building

Awardee agencies will attend a training session on heirs’ property challenges and best practices, hosted by NCRC National Training Academy. Bolstering counselor knowledge on this topic will ensure that your agency is not only serving clients in their personal wealth-building journey now, but also helping them preserve that wealth in generations to come.

AgWest Farm Credit offers the Rural Community Grants program aimed at enhancing the economic and social well-being of rural communities in the western United States. Non-profit organizations can apply for grants up to $5,000 for various community projects, such as facility improvements and equipment purchases. Applications are reviewed monthly, and a letter of support from an AgWest employee or customer is required. The program is committed to fostering innovative solutions for rural challenges.

The NWS Student Travel Award, offered by the American Physical Society, provides financial support of up to $400 for undergraduate students to attend the Annual Meeting. This initiative aims to enhance participation among students, especially those without other funding sources, who are presenting research. Established in 1998, the Northwest Section of APS fosters collaboration among physicists in the Pacific Northwest, promoting educational and research opportunities within the 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 Banner Bank Community Support Program offers grants to nonprofit organizations in Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho focusing on housing, youth development, financial education, and economic growth. Priority is given to programs aiding low- and moderate-income populations. Organizations applying must not discriminate and should support essential community services. Applications are accepted year-round, with a review period of 45-60 days. However, certain areas, such as individual scholarships and political organizations, are ineligible for funding.

Social Justice Fund Northwest- Sponsorship

At Social Justice Fund Northwest (SJF), we utilize sponsorships as a way of building bridges. Our sponsorships are only available to recent and current SJF grantees (within the past two years) in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming. We hope that organizations utilize this resource to fund their most ambitious, innovative projects that are often not supported by other funders.

Overview

Grant Awards: One-year sponsorship of $1,000

Focus:

• Ambitious and innovative projects that are often not supported by other funders in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and/or Wyoming.

Oregon Department of Transportation

The Oregon Department of Transportation began in 1913 when the Oregon Legislature created the Oregon Highway Commission to "get Oregon out of the mud."

Today, we develop programs related to Oregon’s system of highways, roads, and bridges; railways; public transportation services; transportation safety programs; driver and vehicle licensing; and motor carrier regulation.

Mission statement: ​We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive.

Safe Routes to School Programs

“Safe Routes to School” refers to efforts that improve, educate, or encourage children safely walking (by foot or mobility device) or biking to school. The Oregon Department of Transportation has two main types of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs: Construction and Education and technical assistance. Construction programs focus on making sure safe walking and biking routes exist through investments in crossings, sidewalks and bike lanes, flashing beacons, and the like. Education programs focus on education and outreach to assure awareness and safe use of walking and biking routes.

Safe Routes to School Construction Program

The Safe Routes to School Construction Program provides grant funding for cities, counties, tribes, transit districts, and the state through a reimbursement process for investments that address barriers to students walking and biking to school.

Program Description

The Safe Routes to School Construction Program is housed in the Public Transportation Division and divided into three types of grants: Competitive Construction Grants; Rapid Response Constructions Grants; and Project Identification Program (Planning Assistance).

Grant cycles will be every two years starting in 2019. All subsequent funding cycles will be determined by the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and the Safe Routes to School Construction Program Manager.

Competitive Construction Grants

87.5 percent or more of Safe Routes to School funds will be set aside to build street safety projects to reduce barriers and hazards for children walking or bicycling to or from schools. Funds will be distributed through an application-based, competitive, process every two years.

All projects must have at least 40% local cash match for the Competitive Construction Grant Program. Projects may qualify for a reduced 10.27% or 0% local cash match if certain criteria are met.

Commitment to Outreach

Applicant must commit to completing a minimum amount of outreach informing the community about the new construction project and how to use it safely.

Focus Area

Project will primarily affect students at a Title I school as defined as a school where 40% or more students are low income including data sets to address transportation disparities. 

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

Oregon Department of Transportation

The Oregon Department of Transportation began in 1913 when the Oregon Legislature created the Oregon Highway Commission to "get Oregon out of the mud."

Today, we develop programs related to Oregon’s system of highways, roads, and bridges; railways; public transportation services; transportation safety programs; driver and vehicle licensing; and motor carrier regulation.

Mission statement: ​We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive.

Safe Routes to School Programs

“Safe Routes to School” refers to efforts that improve, educate, or encourage children safely walking (by foot or mobility device) or biking to school. The Oregon Department of Transportation has two main types of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs: Construction and Education and technical assistance. Construction programs focus on making sure safe walking and biking routes exist through investments in crossings, sidewalks and bike lanes, flashing beacons, and the like. Education programs focus on education and outreach to assure awareness and safe use of walking and biking routes.

Safe Routes to School Construction Program

The Safe Routes to School Construction Program provides grant funding for cities, counties, tribes, transit districts, and the state through a reimbursement process for investments that address barriers to students walking and biking to school.

Program Description

The Safe Routes to School Construction Program is housed in the Public Transportation Division and divided into three types of grants: Competitive Construction Grants; Rapid Response Constructions Grants; and Project Identification Program (Planning Assistance).

Grant cycles will be every two years starting in 2019. All subsequent funding cycles will be determined by the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and the Safe Routes to School Construction Program Manager.

Rapid Response Constructions Grants

Up to 10 percent of Safe Routes to School funds will be available for urgent needs or systemic safety issues. Funds will be distributed through an application process that is open as long as there are funds available.

The ODOT Safe Routes to School Rapid Response Construction Grant Program funds projects that are eligible for the Competitive Construction Grant program and meets unique eligibility requirements. Road authorities are encouraged to apply for urgent projects that address barriers for students walking and biking to school. Most eligibility requirements for the Rapid Response Grants are the same as the Competitive Construction Grants. However, some added eligibility requirements are unique to the Rapid Response Grant Program.

• Be an Urgent Safety Need or Opportunity: Project must include proof of circumstances that trigger an urgent safety need or urgent opportunity that cannot wait until the next Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Competitive Grant Program which runs every two years. 

Geraldine Stephenson Scholarship

The Geraldine Stephenson Continuing Education Scholarship Endowment, administered by the Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center Volunteers, provides a yearly grant of no more than $10,000 to an individual/s in a medically-related field. Geraldine "Gerry" Stephenson was a charter member of the Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center Auxiliary and served as bookkeeper for the Gift Shop for 15 years. In memory of Gerry and her ideals, this endowment has been established. It is intended to support and encourage those who lack the opportunity or means to continue an education. Its purpose is to provide assistance to those who wish to continue to work toward a vocational or undergraduate degree and who, due to 1) financial need and 2) current or past family responsibilities and/or other personal disabilities have had their higher education interrupted for an extended period of at least five years or more or have been unable to complete their education due to hardship.

This scholarship will enable candidates to pursue their education by providing funds to help cover the cost of tuition, books and other school-related fees as long as they meet academic standards of a 3.0 GPA.

The Oregon Natural Resources Education Fund Grant supports high school organizations in enhancing natural resources education. This funding aims to provide essential tools, equipment, and technology for educational resources related to natural conservation. It is managed by the Oregon Community Foundation and includes specific subfunds for targeted regional support. The grant focuses on fostering forestry education and is contingent on available market funds and the number of proposals received.

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 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.

The Renaissance Scholars Program, established by The Renaissance Foundation in 2000, aims to support high achieving, low-income students who are the first in their families to pursue a bachelor's degree. Offering renewable scholarships up to $5,000 annually, the program emphasizes educational access and equity. Scholars benefit from mentoring, growth opportunities, and resources to enhance their college experience. The foundation seeks applicants who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to academic achievement.

Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund

The Governor's Strategic Reserve Fund (SRF) is a discretionary tool used for a variety of projects impacting economic development. Projects considered for funding are put through an extensive internal vetting process and ultimately submitted to the Governor for final approval.

SRF funded projects fall into two categories: 

Job Creation/Retention - Projects in this category focus on business retention and expansion. The performance agreement will outline direct job creation and retention requirements. Additionally, all projects undergo a financial review, including an evaluation of the return on investment.

Capacity-Building - Projects in this category invest in broader industry capacity building and may include actionable research, industry studies, emergency response related to economic development, and small business initiatives. While direct job creation is not a requirement for these projects, the performance agreement will outline specific project deliverables.

All SRF projects now have public benefit components as part of the contract and are tied to loan forgiveness when applicable. While the entire project is meant to be a benefit to the public, public benefit components are separate elements of the contract not necessarily tied to the growth of a company but to the independent benefit of the public. 

These components include but are not limited to:

• Career ladder programs with documented internal hiring targets;
• Targeted job recruitment to underserved populations;
• Adopted diversity, equity, and inclusion plans;
• First-source hiring agreements; and
• Contributions to local non-profit organizations.
• Components look to leverage existing shared values and goals between a business and community and may vary depending on their needs.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

The Charlotte Martin Foundation prioritizes funding for rural BIPOC organizations focused on youth programs, emphasizing education, athletics, and cultural expression for ages 6-18. Grants support initiatives that enhance access to diverse experiences, educational opportunities, and sports programs. The foundation is committed to addressing inequities in funding distribution, ensuring resources reach non-dominant communities. Organizations must be based in the Western states and demonstrate a commitment to racial equity and diversity in their leadership and programming.

The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) offers Grant-In-Aid (GIA) funding to support conservation and management programs for wild sheep populations across North America and Central Asia. Established in 1977, WSF prioritizes collaborative proposals that involve partners and matching funds. The organization has raised over $130 million for wild sheep conservation, emphasizing scientific management and public education about sustainable hunting practices. GIA funding decisions align with WSF's mission and identified priority goals.

The Wilburforce Foundation Conservation Grants aim to enhance the conservation of vital lands, waters, and wildlife in Western North America. By 2025, their vision is to ensure native wildlife thrives across connected landscapes. The foundation supports organizations dedicated to strategic conservation efforts, focusing on habitat security and wildlife linkages. Grants are available to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities, fostering initiatives that protect critical wildlife habitats and promote ecological integrity.

The Save the Redwoods League Research Grant supports innovative research aimed at protecting redwood forests amidst environmental changes. Proposals that contribute to conservation or restoration science for coast redwood and giant sequoia forests are encouraged, particularly those led by Indigenous communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and public agencies. The League prioritizes projects that demonstrate matching funds and has a strict policy against funding indirect costs.

The Reser Family Foundation's Midsize Grant Program supports organizations in Oregon with annual budgets over $1.2 million. Grants range from $12,500 to $50,000 and prioritize innovative projects in Education, Health, Arts, and Environment. Eligible applicants must be established 501(c)(3) organizations for over three years and demonstrate community impact. Applications require a letter of support and collaboration with funding partners. The foundation does not fund organizations involved in active litigation or one-time events.

The Burning Foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, totaling around $650,000 annually, to support environmental 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington and Oregon. The foundation focuses on preserving habitats that enhance biodiversity and promote quiet recreation. Eligible projects must align with their mission of protecting local rivers, forests, and ecosystems. Preference is given to local initiatives over national organizations, encouraging grassroots efforts in environmental conservation.

Government Information and Library Services

Government Services provides specialized information services to state government employees and the public and maintains several collections including Federal and Oregon documents.

About LSTA Grants

LSTA grants are one of the many ways the State Library supports library services across Oregon through its federally funded Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Program, administered on the national level by the Institute of Museum and Library Services' Grants to States Program.

What We Fund

LSTA funds are intended to be used for projects that support library services in Oregon, and address at least one of the goals of Oregon's LSTA Five-Year Plan. LSTA monies may not supplant local responsibility or replace lost funding.

LSTA Grants: Enhancing Academic, Special, and Tribal Libraries Mini Grant

The State Library is offering small grants to academic institutions, special libraries, and tribal entities to strengthen their libraries and enable them to more fully support their communities.

Projects must address one or more of the following focal areas: collections, staff development, and technology. See our list of Possible Projects (below) for examples in each of these areas.

Funds will be distributed in advance and recipients will be expected to commit to spending the entire grant amount.

Possible Projects

This is a list of ideas to get you thinking about the possibilities; you are not required to choose any of these projects.

Collections:

• Purchase print materials and/or perpetual access e-books that fill gaps in the collection or meet specific community needs.
• Build up course reserve collections.
• Purchase materials in various languages or formats.

Staff Development:

• Organize a learning opportunity for staff.
• Bring in a facilitator to conduct an activity or workshop.
• Have staff engage in an external professional development opportunity, such as a conference or online course.

Technology:

• Lend devices to eliminate barriers to technology.
• Update public and/or staff computer workstations.
• Acquire assistive technology that enhances access for individuals with disabilities.
• Establish a dedicated area for confidential virtual appointments.

Each organization may request funding for one project that fits into one of the focal areas.

Spending must adhere to Allowable Costs. Subscriptions and licenses must fall within the grant period. Entities may include indirect costs in the budget, as outlined in 2 CFR 200.414.

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.

The Sunflower Grant supports grassroots organizations in Oregon with funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, typically between $4,000 and $7,000 annually. This program aims to assist independent 501(c)(3) organizations focusing on local community needs. While the grant process is straightforward, competition has increased due to a rise in applications. Eligible applicants must have a fiscal year financial statement available at the time of application, and the grants are intended for general operating support.

The Rose Grant is a competitive funding opportunity aimed at supporting Oregon-based nonprofits with operating budgets over $250,000. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $35,000 annually, with possible awards between $10,000 and $75,000. Organizations are encouraged to demonstrate a commitment to diversity and financial readiness. The grant application is shared with the Daffodil Grant program, and funding decisions are expected within 3-4 months after the application period closes.