Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Oregon

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Lightbown Family Scholarship Fund

The Lightbown Family Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for students from Allegheny County pursuing a career in education. Corinne Elsie Lightbown passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2017 at the age of 86 having lived a full and rewarding life. Connie, as she was known to friends, loved life, people, friends and family as well as traveling and discussing movies, political issues and literature. She was an English teacher for 34 years with the Mt. Lebanon High School and taught in London, England, and Japan. A firm believer in the value of a good education, she established this scholarship fund in her name to support students in their academic studies. She never married so had no children of her own, yet her many students became a part of her extended family through the years. Many remained in touch with her and considered her as a mentor and friend. It was her wish that this scholarship would continue beyond her life in this same spirit.

• Award varies
• Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Northwest Neighborhoods Parks & Recreation Fund Grant, managed by the Oregon Community Foundation, supports the capital development and renovation of parks and recreation facilities in northwest Portland. This initiative prioritizes projects within the Northwest District Association, Northwest Industrial Neighborhood Association, and Hillside Neighborhood Association. Grants typically range from $3,500 to $35,000, focusing on enhancing community recreation and fostering public/private collaboration.

Arnold Ventures

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through evidence-based policy solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We focus on improving systems where outcomes are falling short, incentives are misaligned, and the time is right for change.

To advance this mission, we invest in rigorous research to better understand the root causes of problems and strengthen the evidence base on what works to solve them. Using this evidence, we advocate for policy reforms at all levels of government and help build durable, bipartisan coalitions for lasting change.

Causal Research on the Impacts of Cell Phone Policies in K-12 Schools

The Opportunity

Smartphones are nearly universal among children and adolescents in the United States: 95% of teens reported having access to a smartphone, giving them regular exposure to social media, gaming, and video streaming platforms. While smartphones can support learning and social connection, emerging evidence suggests that using phones during school may also interfere with important educational goals, including student engagement, attendance, and academic performance.

In response, more than 30 states have passed laws restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools in recent years. These policies vary widely, ranging from “bell-to-bell” policies to classroom-level bans on phones only during instructional time. Despite the rapid adoption of these policies, rigorous evidence on academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts remains limited. In the absence of strong research, federal and state policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, lack the information needed to make informed decisions that effectively support student success. Building a robust evidence base is critical for shaping policies and practices that improve learning and well-being in both the short- and long-term.

This RFP seeks to address these gaps by supporting rigorous, causal research on the academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts of cell phone policies in K-12 schools in the United States. We seek studies that generate actionable insights for policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, who are deciding whether and how to implement or refine such policies. This RFP will support both Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Quasi-Experimental Designs (QEDs) that can credibly estimate causal effects. While we are open to a range of research questions, we highlight 2 areas of particular interest below.

What are the overall impacts of policies restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on student-level outcomes, including academic achievement and attainment (e.g., standardized test scores, graduation rates), behaviors (e.g., engagement, attendance, disciplinary actions), and/or mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, loneliness)?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on school-level outcomes, including school safety (e.g., reported incidents), school climate (e.g., bullying, social connections), and administrative factors (e.g., costs, logistics, communications with parents)?

• Do initial impacts persist, fade, or grow as schools refine their practices over time?

What factors explain variation in the impacts of cell phone policies?

• Which students, schools, and districts are most impacted by cell phone policies?

• Which policy design features (e.g., what devices are banned, when devices are banned, how devices are stored/locked) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• Which implementation strategies (e.g., training and supports for school staff, consistent approaches for enforcement) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• How do the resource and operational implications of different policy approaches (e.g., costs, staff time, infrastructure needs) influence their effectiveness? How do these factors affect the scalability and sustainability of effective approaches?

The GCA: Catherine H. Beattie Fellowship in Conservation Horticulture, provided by the Garden Club of America, offers an annual research grant of up to $4,500 for graduate students in biology or horticulture. This fellowship aims to promote the conservation of rare and endangered flora in the U.S., particularly focusing on the southeastern region. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a U.S.-based institution, with preference given to those studying plants native to the Carolinas.

The U.S.-Southeast Asia-Japan Collaboration and Exchange Initiative Grant, administered by the Japan Foundation, New York, aims to enhance Japanese Studies through collaborative research and academic exchanges. Targeting U.S. institutions with developing Japanese Studies programs, this initiative fosters meaningful connections between scholars in the U.S., Southeast Asia, and Japan, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and resource sharing to strengthen academic networks across these regions.

About

ASAE Research Foundation exists to advance the development of current and next-generation association professionals through scholarships and awards, and by providing relevant resources that all of us can use.

ASAE Research Foundation Mission

The ASAE Research Foundation transforms the association community through research, scholarships, and practical tools critical to our profession.

Sal Martino Foresight Award

The Sal Martino Foresight Award recognizes trailblazers who foster a culture of foresight in their organization.

Summary

The Sal Martino Foresight Award recognizes trailblazers who demonstrate exceptional creativity in fostering a culture of foresight, embedding foresight into their organizational strategy and operations, and effectively utilizing ASAE’s ForesightWorks and other futures-focused materials.

Award Details

The Sal Martino Foresight Award honors a visionary organization and its leaders who push boundaries, challenge conventional thinking, and pioneer groundbreaking use of foresight to build resilience and prepare for the future. This prestigious award recognizes trailblazers who demonstrate exceptional creativity in fostering a culture of foresight, embedding foresight into their organizational strategy and operations and effectively utilize foresight and other future-focused materials.

Each year, one organization will receive a cash award of up to $7,000 to advance the awardee’s foresight efforts. Awardees receive acknowledgement during an ASAE Research Foundation signature event, as well as participation in an ASAE Research Foundation webinar, logo recognition on the ASAE Research Foundation website, a formal press release citing the awardee’s foresight achievements, and a featured case study or article on the awardee’s foresight implementation efforts.

The Progressive Multiplier Grants support U.S. based nonprofits and subsidiaries focused on generating independent revenue through innovative projects. These grants aim to empower organizations working towards democracy, justice, and environmental restoration, fostering civic engagement and equality. By funding campaigns and civic mobilization, the program seeks to build sustained progressive power, avoiding direct service or public education initiatives. Interested parties can submit letters of inquiry on a rolling basis when funding aligns with grant criteria.

Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship

The yearlong Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship offers training and mentorship for early-career and mid-career faculty with a focus on developing scholarly writing skills for academic advancement and leadership.

Mid-Career Fellows

Mid-career fellows will benefit from tailored mentorship and guidance to reach the next milestone in their careers, including:

• Receive 1:1 mentorship specific to their challenges or roadblocks to promotion or leadership
• Participate in a detailed CV review to determine edits for promotion
• Work as a group with mentor faculty on challenges in scholarship to move forward with stuck projects
• Learn how to navigate mid-career leadership challenges

The tuition cost for fellows is $1200. A limited number of scholarships are available to cover the fellowship tuition due to a generous gift from Drs Marjorie Bowman and Robert Choplin.

Benefits of the Fellowship

The JAMS Foundation / NAFCM Mini-Grant Program offers funding to support innovative community mediation programs that foster sustainability and growth. This initiative emphasizes conflict resolution training for local leaders, enabling them to effectively address community issues. Through structured peer interactions, grantees share best practices and insights. Resources generated by the program are freely accessible to enhance the wider community mediation field, ensuring shared knowledge and enhanced practices across the nation.

Mission

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization founded in 1923. The Council fosters innovative research, nurtures new generations of social scientists, deepens how inquiry is practiced within and across disciplines, and mobilizes necessary knowledge on important public issues.

SSRC-JF Next Gen Japan Study Tour Grants

The SSRC-JF Next Generation Japan Studies Development Program invites faculty at US colleges and universities to apply for funding of up to $32,500 maximum for institutional study tour grants. These grants are designed to provide travel funds to bring undergraduate and master’s degree students to Japan for immersive learning experiences. This program is supported by the Japan Foundation.

Background

At the core of the Next Gen Japan programming is the idea that international experience, research engagement, and collaboration are central to effectively addressing the pressing concerns facing societies today. Japan Study Tour Grants offer students the opportunity to gain a nuanced and balanced understanding of Japan while sparking an enduring interest in the country and a broader, international perspective.

Prioritie

Priority will be given to the following applications:

• Applications from the liberal arts colleges, research universities, and community colleges located in the US South and Midwest.
• Applications with travel itineraries appropriately planned to enhance the course syllabus.
• Applications with travel itineraries highlighting close collaboration with Japanese counterparts.
• Applications that demonstrate the study tour would be open to students from a variety of disciplines ranging from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences.

The NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Justice System Responses to Illegal Immigration invites proposals for impactful research on the adult criminal justice system's response to illegal immigration. This initiative aims to explore innovative solutions and evaluate their effectiveness across various jurisdictions, focusing on challenges like location, apprehension, and crime prevention. By fostering collaboration among federal, state, local, and tribal entities, the program seeks to enhance strategies that address illegal immigration effectively.

The Park Foundation Grants for Civic Participation aim to enhance democracy through active civic engagement. Focused on mobilizing voters and protecting their rights, this program supports grassroots organizations addressing social injustices. By fostering year-round involvement rather than just election-focused efforts, the foundation seeks to empower communities and ensure robust participation in the democratic process, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.

The Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation, established in 1951 in Oklahoma, aims to support charitable organizations across the U.S., with a focus on education and local initiatives. Grants are awarded to qualified 501(C)(3) organizations, prioritizing projects that align with the foundation's mission in areas such as education, health, arts, and literacy. Interested applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry before applying for funding, ensuring alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The ASPCA Fund to End Factory Farming Grant Program aims to transform the U.S. food system by promoting humane practices and reducing reliance on factory farming. By funding eligible projects, the program seeks to improve animal welfare, support farmers, and enhance public health. Projects must include educational components to raise awareness about their impact. This initiative reflects ASPCA's commitment to ethical treatment of animals and fostering a culture of compassion and inclusion.

The Detter Family Foundation Education Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, aims to support residents of Allendale Charter Township pursuing post-secondary education. This competitive scholarship considers various criteria including financial need, academic achievement, and personal goals. Applicants can apply just once to be eligible for all applicable foundation scholarships, ensuring a streamlined process for securing educational funding.

Sky Lakes Medical Center Foundation

The Sky Lakes Medical Center Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to advancing the mission of Sky Lakes Medical Center through philanthropy—raising, managing, and distributing funds to support the hospital’s programs, capital equipment needs, patient assistance and community health initiatives. 

Since its founding in 1985, the Foundation has relied on the generosity of hundreds of donors—from former patients to local businesses—to help maintain high-quality, patient-focused care for the region.

The Linkville IPA Fund Scholarship

The Linkville IPA Scholarship Fund provides awards of up to $10,000 per year to support medical students enrolled full-time in an accredited or certified medical school. The program prioritizes applicants from the Klamath Basin, those planning to enter primary care fields such as family medicine, pediatrics, or internal medicine, and those intending to return to practice in the Klamath Basin or other rural or underserved areas. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be in good academic standing, and funds are distributed only upon verification of full-time medical school enrollment and eligibility documentation.

The Vilcek Foundation's 2026 Prizes for Creative Promise in Fashion & Design and Fashion & Culture will award six $50,000 prizes to young immigrant professionals. This initiative recognizes early- and mid-career creatives in fields such as fashion design, writing, and styling, highlighting the vital contributions of immigrants to the arts in the U.S. Eligible applicants must have at least five years of experience and intend to pursue their careers in the country.

The Damon Runyon Physician-Scientist Training Award aims to address the shortage of physician-scientists by supporting U.S. Specialty Board eligible physicians in cancer research. This award provides funding for up to four years, enabling awardees to dedicate 80% of their time to research while maintaining clinical skills. The program seeks to eliminate financial barriers, allowing talented clinicians to transform into leading researchers capable of advancing cancer treatment and prevention.

This funding opportunity aims to advance mechanistic research for precision probiotic therapies. It invites R33 applications focused on characterizing individual differences in probiotic responses, identifying responder subgroups, and enhancing clinical outcomes. The goal is to develop strategies addressing barriers to effective probiotic use, accounting for human variability. Proposals should include innovative studies using animal models or human subjects, supported by preliminary data to test biological patterns and their effects on health outcomes.

The Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship is a yearlong program designed for early-career and mid-career faculty to enhance their scholarly writing and leadership skills. Participants will receive mentorship and training to develop personalized career roadmaps, navigate challenges, and create impactful research questions. The fellowship, costing $1200, also offers limited scholarships thanks to generous donations. It equips fellows with vital skills for academic advancement, promoting their potential for leadership roles in their institutions.

Jane Burns DeWitt Baumann Scholarship

Jane Burns DeWitt Baumann was a life-long resident and educator from Columbus. She attended Columbus City Schools from elementary school through graduation from South High School in 1949, subsequently majoring in Fine Arts and Education at Ohio University. She taught English for twenty years at Linden-McKinley high school and influenced hundreds of students with her passion for reading and writing, inspiring many to pursue their college educations despite trying circumstances. She was a committed advocate of public education. This scholarship honors her service and commitment to public education by supporting a future educator who would not otherwise have the means to attend college.

Award Amount:

• $20,000 payable over four years at $5,000 per academic year

The Japanese Teaching Material Purchase Grant, provided by the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, supports U.S. educational institutions in acquiring resources for Japanese language courses. Grants, not exceeding $1,000, can be used for textbooks, audio-visual aids, and other teaching materials. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and Japanese heritage schools. However, the grant does not cover electronics or consumable supplies, and materials purchased become institutional property, not personal.

The Smith Richardson Foundation's Domestic Public Policy Grant supports initiatives that help address critical challenges in the U.S. It funds research and evaluations of public policies while promoting innovative solutions to enhance education, fiscal practices, and the criminal justice system. The Foundation aims to foster effective policies that improve economic opportunities and public services, ensuring a prosperous future for all citizens.

The Celia C. Newcomb Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Crown Point Community Foundation, aims to enrich the lives of South Lake County residents. This scholarship supports Lake County, IN residents pursuing degrees in Education, including high school graduates and adult learners. Applicants must provide an additional essay and meet specific eligibility criteria. It embodies the foundation's mission to address community needs through charitable giving.

A better world, built with better teamwork

We bring Atlassian's funding, tools and teamwork expertise to help nonprofits drive greater impact.

Our mission

Atlassian's mission is to unleash the potential of every team. The Atlassian Foundation extends that mission to teams solving the world's hardest problems.

Atlassian Foundation – Open Call for Proposals

The Atlassian Foundation is deploying US$8 million over the next two years to help disadvantaged learners thrive in the AI era. If you're driving collective action in this space, we want to hear from you.

Reshaping education for the AI era will take teamwork

The Atlassian Foundation focuses on education because it's the most empowering force in the world – it's the key to breaking cycles of poverty and disadvantage.

But that key is slipping out of reach for far too many. UNESCO estimates that more than 250 million children are out of school. And for those in the classroom, learning isn't guaranteed: 57% of children worldwide (nearly one billion) lack the basic skills they need for the era they're growing up in. AI can expand access and accelerate learning. It can also widen inequality where it lands unevenly.

No single organisation can tackle a challenge this complex. That's why the Atlassian Foundation is backing collective action: coordinated efforts by multiple players to solve shared problems at scale. Atlassian's mission is to unleash the potential of every team, so we're uniquely positioned to power these efforts. We've spent 20+ years learning what makes teams work well together, and we're offering that expertise – plus our funding, tools and hands-on support – to help collective action initiatives drive greater impact.

We believe a better world is built with better teamwork, and collective action is teamwork at its most ambitious. Together, we want to shape a future where emerging technology closes gaps for learners the current system leaves behind, rather than widening them.

About this open call

In this open call, we're seeking partnerships with collective action initiatives that are working to improve education for disadvantaged learners in the AI era.

What our partners will receive

Each partnership will include:

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund offers Scholarships for Conferences and Professional Development to support health-related events. These scholarships, up to $2,500 per person and $5,000 per organization, are available for current or past grantees and partners. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a requirement to submit at least four weeks before the event. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received funding in the previous year, ensuring equitable access to professional development opportunities.

NASA Internships

Background

NASA has developed a single, one-stop Agency system for the recruitment, application, selection and career development of undergraduate and graduate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. Students access information about internship and fellowship opportunities across NASA to engage in research, aerospace education and space exploration. A student completes a single internship and/or fellowship application to express interest in up to 15 specific opportunities for each summer, fall, spring or year-long session.

Objectives

NASA Internships are competitive awards to support educational opportunities that provide unique NASA-related research and operational experiences for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as educators. These opportunities serve students by integrating interns with career professionals emphasizing mentor-directed, degree-related tasks, while contributing to the operation of a NASA facility or the advancement of NASA’s missions.

Award Level

Levels may vary per opportunity.