Best Grants for Preschools in Oregon

The Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant Program by the Oregon Community Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that aid entrepreneurs, particularly those who are women, people of color, or from under-resourced communities. With $750,000 in funding available, the program focuses on providing flexible support to enhance business growth and sustainability. Organizations with a proven track record or innovative approaches are encouraged to apply for grants up to $25,000, fostering economic vitality across Oregon.

The Cambia Health Foundation / Paula A. Jones Endowed Scholarship supports students from underrepresented communities in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Utah. This scholarship is aimed at those pursuing careers in health care, particularly individuals from rural areas and diverse backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are open until March 1, 2025, and can be submitted through the OSAC portal.

The Ford Scholarships provide significant financial support, up to $40,000 per year, for promising high school seniors and recent graduates from Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. This renewable scholarship aims to assist those facing barriers to higher education, regardless of GPA. The program offers comprehensive support, including personal guidance and a lifetime connection to a dedicated alumni community, ensuring that scholars are well-equipped to succeed in their academic 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 Ford Transfer Scholars Program provides scholarships of up to $40,000 per year for community college students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Aimed at those with financial need, this program supports students ready to transfer to four-year colleges. Selection is based on resilience and academic potential, with no minimum GPA requirement. Scholarships are renewable and cover tuition, living expenses, and other necessary costs to help students achieve their bachelor's degrees.

The Creative Heights initiative, funded by The Oregon Community Foundation, aims to enhance Oregon's cultural landscape by supporting innovative arts projects. Grants between $10,000 and $100,000 are available annually, totaling up to $1 million. The program encourages unique proposals that foster creativity across various disciplines, including visual arts, theatre, and music. Eligible applicants include individuals and groups, with a focus on collaboration and community engagement, ensuring diverse and underserved audiences are reached.

The Ford Opportunity Scholars Program offers scholarships to parents and adult learners over 25 with financial barriers to education in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Annually, up to 90 scholarships are awarded, providing up to $40,000 per year based on need and costs. Support includes financial assistance, academic guidance, and a connection to the Ford Family alumni community, aiming to empower students in their pursuit of an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Out of School Time

Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) has identified out-of-school time as an opportunity to combat socioeconomic, geographic, and racial inequities in student success. Research has shown that quality out-of-school time programs that have a robust SEL focus can support positive youth development and increase engagement with school, thus improving attendance, boosting academic performance, and increasing the likelihood of high school graduation and post-secondary attainment. 

OCF seeks proposals from out-of-school time programs in Oregon that wish to participate in a three-year, highly structured SEL program quality improvement Learning Community. Interested organizations should already be familiar with continuous program quality processes and wish to deepen their SEL program quality.   Programs must serve youth from low-income families, youth of color and/or youth from under-resourced rural communities. 

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.

The Kuni Foundation's Imagination Planning Grant focuses on addressing the urgent need for quality, affordable housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Oregon and Washington. With funding ranging from $15,000 to $75,000, the grant supports organizations dedicated to developing inclusive housing solutions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits committed to serving the IDD community, ensuring that innovative and sustainable housing options are explored and implemented.

The Eastern Oregon Border Board Scott Fairley Memorial Edge Grant aims to foster economic and workforce development in the region. With a maximum award of $25,000, it supports projects that enhance prosperity, improve the property tax base, and increase workforce availability. Applicants include residents, businesses, and organizations within the Border Region. This grant prioritizes innovative solutions that demonstrate a clear impact on the community's economic vitality.

The Gray Family Foundation offers Environmental Education Grants aimed at enhancing K-12 environmental education through outdoor experiences. In 2025, the foundation will maintain a budget of $705,000 to support programs that engage youth with both natural and built environments. Applications can be submitted after an initial conversation with the Senior Program Officer, starting January 16, 2026, and will be reviewed biannually. This initiative fosters vital connections between youth and nature.

The Van Evera Bailey Fellowship, awarded by the Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO), supports the professional development of design and building professionals. With an annual grant of $50,000, since 2001, it encourages individuals to explore innovative ideas that benefit both their careers and the community. Eligible activities include sabbaticals, teaching, collaborations, and research projects that promote creativity and public engagement in architecture.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges and universities to cultivate sustainable campus environments. By achieving recognition through five essential standards, institutions can contribute to community health, reduce energy consumption, and enhance mental well-being. Participation fosters pride and involvement in environmental stewardship among students, while providing resources to facilitate tree planting and maintenance. This program not only beautifies campuses but also promotes ecological awareness and responsibility.

The PacificSource Foundation for Health Improvement, a private foundation, is dedicated to promoting health equity since 1992. With a focus on underserved populations in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and parts of Washington, the foundation supports initiatives that enhance access to healthcare and address health disparities. They provide both one-year and multi-year funding, typically ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, to organizations committed to advancing health equity through diverse community-driven solutions.

The Pence Contractors Diversity in Leadership Scholarship supports underrepresented students in Oregon pursuing construction engineering. Preference is given to residents of Multnomah County, aiming to foster diversity in the field. This scholarship encourages students to achieve their educational goals and prepare for careers in construction, contributing to a more inclusive workforce. It is a valuable opportunity for aspiring engineers to gain financial assistance and promote equity in the industry.

The Oregon Wildlife Foundation Grants support the conservation of fish and wildlife and the enjoyment of natural resources in Oregon. These small grants are available to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, tax-exempt organizations, and qualified individuals for projects focused on habitat restoration, public access improvement, education, pollution reduction, and invasive species control. Priority is given to projects that align with the Oregon Conservation Strategy.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.