Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Oregon

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Oregon can apply for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program to fund conservation practices on working lands. This program provides technical and financial assistance to improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience, which small nonprofits managing eligible lands may access.

Small 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations in Oregon working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation support. Grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 may fund general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs for community-focused initiatives.

Oregon and SW Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal entities, or fiscally sponsored groups working on equity-focused education, environment, housing, or women’s economic empowerment can access funding through Ninety Nine Girlfriends. Impact Awards of US $50,000 - US $100,000 support general operating or project costs for organizations serving Clackamas, Clark, Multnomah, or Washington counties.

Focused on organizational capacity, the Ford Family Foundation invites Oregon small nonprofits and public or tribal agencies to apply for technical assistance support. Eligible rural-serving organizations can receive up to US $5,000 to hire consultants or send staff to mission-related trainings that strengthen programs for children and families in rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, California.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, governmental agencies, and tribal nations in Oregon serving rural communities can seek larger grants for programs, operations, or capital projects that benefit children, youth, and families. The Ford Family Foundation supports early childhood, education and youth development, childcare, rural health and community facilities, including rural fire halls, for requests exceeding $20,000, up to US $20,000.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible public agencies in Oregon can seek up to US $7,500 for projects in areas like arts and culture, education, environmental preservation, health, historic preservation, and public safety. With a mission to support community needs, Spirit Mountain Foundation provides competitive small grants through a two-step LOI and full application process.

Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies in select counties, and the nine federally recognized Tribes of Oregon can seek funding for programmatic work or capital projects across arts, education, environment, health, historic preservation, and public safety. Focused on education, environmental preservation, and health, Spirit Mountain Foundation offers up to US $100,000 through a competitive two-step large grant process.

Grants from BECU Foundation help Oregon small nonprofits fund community-focused programs in areas like education, health, basic needs, environment, arts, and local community development. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with direct impact in specified Oregon counties can be nominated by BECU members for People Helping People Awards of up to US $50,000.

Graduate students conducting drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health research can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related environmental research, American Water Works Association invites students, including those connected to small nonprofits in Oregon, to apply for this scholarship opportunity.

Nonprofit organizations in Oregon working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for Community Possible support; awards fund programs under the Work, Home, and Play pillars. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation prioritize 501(c)(3)s in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and advancing equity.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, American Honda Motor provides Oregon nonprofits and schools with US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. Small 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts serving Oregon communities where Honda associates live and work may be eligible.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Oregon can seek funding for community development, education, and workforce programs that build affordable housing, financial capability, and job readiness. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help small nonprofits strengthen neighbors, improve academic and career success, and support small business growth, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $25,000.

Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public education institutions, and government entities serving a Weyerhaeuser community can seek grants of more than US $1,000 for local community programs. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund backs initiatives in areas like affordable housing, education and youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, workforce development, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Small nonprofit organizations in Oregon working on housing, youth services, financial education, or economic and workforce development can apply for Banner Bank’s Community Support Program. Grants prioritize programs serving low- and moderate-income residents and are open year-round, with a cutoff date for funding needed in the current calendar year.

Tax-exempt organizations, volunteer groups with a fiscal sponsor, qualified individuals, and ODFW can seek up to US $5,000 for conservation and outdoor education projects in Oregon. Oregon Wildlife Foundation supports habitat restoration, public access, natural resource education, pollution prevention, invasive species control, and research that improves fish and wildlife management, with priority for Oregon Conservation Strategy habitats or species.

Nonprofit organizations in Oregon supporting women, children, and families through humanitarian aid, education, homelessness services, or job readiness can apply for funding from The Father's Table Foundation. This highly selective grant, offering up to US $750,000, favors projects that build self-sufficiency, expand proven programs, and integrate immediate relief with long-term sustainability.

Small nonprofit organizations in Oregon can request US $500 - US $2,500 to support community programs, activities, events, and projects that benefit the public and engage diverse residents. Metro supports efforts connected to areas like affordable housing, community development, natural areas, transportation, and recycling, with strong emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status in Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest can apply for Foster Foundation grants to support social services, education, medical research and care, and community engagement programs. Funding may benefit small nonprofits providing basic human needs, supportive housing, tutoring and mentoring, health services, arts, culture, or recreation.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Oregon conducting biomedical and health-related research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with projects funded up to US $375,000. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ National Institutes of Health supports small-scale research that engages undergraduates and strengthens the research environment at institutions with limited prior NIH funding.

Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups can receive US $1,000 - US $15,000 to support community-focused programs selected by student grantmakers. Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Care Foundation provides Oregon small nonprofits with matching funds generated through its CommuniCare program, which prioritizes issues like youth services, education, housing, health, and other locally driven needs.

The Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology (SNVB) offers scholarships of up to $1500 for two students conducting vertebrate research in Northwestern North America. Eligible applicants include undergraduate, masters, and PhD students who are enrolled in accredited institutions and members of SNVB. The scholarships cover research-related expenses such as travel and supplies. Preference is given to proposals from local institutions, and only one award is granted per applicant each year.

The Oregon Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Grant supports 21st Century Community Learning Centers, aiming to enrich academic and developmental opportunities for students in high-poverty schools. Funded by federal Title IV-B grants, the program emphasizes mental health, K-5 literacy, and career education. With an anticipated funding of $10 million annually, grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 will be awarded to eligible applicants, enabling critical support for students and their families over a five-year period.

The Emerging Global Leader Award (K43) offers essential research support and protected time for early career scientists in low- and middle-income countries. This program, aligned with NIH's clinical trials policy, aims to cultivate independent research careers by providing mentorship and funding over three to five years. Eligible candidates must hold a junior faculty position at an accredited LMIC institution, fostering the growth of research capacity in their regions.

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.

PGE Foundation

The PGE Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization, aligns its grantmaking with Portland General Electric’s commitment to the communities it serves.

Founded in 1997, the Foundation was created through an endowment with the purpose of improving the quality of life for all Oregonians.

Since our inception, more than $33 million in investments has helped community-based organizations expand access to education, creative expression, and career pathways that strengthen long-term economic prosperity.

Climate Resilient Communities Fund

The PGE Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its new Climate Resilient Communities Fund. Opening in March 2026, the Climate Resilient Communities Fund will help strengthen community preparedness, protect vulnerable populations, and support long-term environmental and economic vitality across Oregon. This new investment builds on extensive engagement with community partners and reflects the growing urgency of climate-related risks facing Oregon communities today, particularly those historically under-resourced.

Record-breaking wildfires, extreme heat, and other climate-related disasters are challenging our communities like never before—especially those in historically underinvested areas. We support locally driven, community-based programs that address some of the most pressing climate challenges facing Oregonians. We believe solutions rooted in local leadership are best informed by the needs and lived experiences of the communities most affected.

We prioritize organizations and programs that demonstrate elements of the following:

Core Mission

The mission of the organization prioritizes:

• Wildfire Hazard and Preparedness: Supporting community-driven strategies to reduce wildfire hazards, enable preparedness and response, and build long-term recovery capacity in fire-prone areas before fire comes.
• Nature-based Solutions: Investing in community stewardship through habitat restoration, tree canopy, and green infrastructure projects that cool communities, improve water and air quality, and protect ecosystems
• Parks and Public Spaces: Expanding, enhancing, and sustaining equitable access to safe, climate-resilient outdoor community gathering spaces where people connect and find refuge.

Outcomes

The proposed project will result in:

• Increased local community capacity and ongoing stewardship for resilience (especially for small and rural organizations)
• Measurable improvements in wildfire preparedness, canopy cover, restoration and green infrastructure
• Greater access to climate-resilient public spaces
• Stronger collaboration and learning networks across sectors

The Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports early career research scientists from low- or middle-income countries (LMIC) by providing research funding and mentored career development for three to five years. This program encourages LMIC scientists in health-related fields to develop projects aligned with their country's health priorities, fostering independent research careers within their institutions. Applications are welcomed from junior faculty members, enhancing global health research and capacity in LMICs.

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.