Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Oregon

The NIH Instrumentation Grant Program for Resource-Limited Institutions supports the acquisition of advanced scientific instruments. This initiative aims to bolster biomedical research capabilities and educational opportunities at institutions that typically receive limited NIH Research Project Grant funding. By facilitating access to modern technology, the program enhances research quality and fosters innovation in healthcare and related fields.

This funding opportunity supports the establishment of Animal and Biological Material Resource Centers to enhance biomedical research through the provision of specialized laboratory animals and related resources. It seeks to promote scientific rigor and reproducibility by facilitating the development of new methodologies that complement traditional research. Centers must align with multiple NIH Institutes and focus on integrating innovative approaches like cell culture and computational models, fostering collaboration and advancement in human disease modeling.

The Alfred P. Sloan Economics Grant Program aims to provide essential public goods through innovative research that enhances U.S. economic progress. With a focus on equity and technological advancement, the program supports projects addressing pressing economic issues, such as competitiveness, regional development, and the economics of caregiving. By fostering rigorous, unbiased research, the foundation seeks to empower communities and inform policy, ultimately improving quality of life across the nation.

The NIH Director's Pioneer Award Program aims to support exceptionally creative scientists who propose innovative research projects with the potential to significantly impact biomedical sciences. The program encourages bold ideas that diverge from existing research trajectories and welcomes applications across all areas of the biomedical field. As part of the High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program, this award fosters pioneering efforts that may lead to transformative advancements in health and medicine.

The Community Seed Donations program by Seed Savers Exchange provides seeds to schools, community gardens, and nonprofits, ensuring that these resources are freely available to those in need. In addition, they offer disaster relief seed donations for organizations affected by recent natural disasters. To qualify, applicants must be nonprofits with U.S. shipping addresses. This initiative not only supports community growth but also promotes sustainability and resilience in the face of challenges.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Julius Edgar Lilienfeld Prize

The Julius Edgar Lilienfeld Prize recognizes outstanding contributions to physics and exceptional skills in lecturing to diverse audiences. The prize consists of $20,000, a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient, an allowance for travel to the APS Medal and Prize Ceremony and Reception in Washington, DC, and an invited talk at an APS March or April Meeting, plus expenses for the three lectures by the recipient given at an APS meeting, a research university, and a predominantly undergraduate institution. The prize will be presented annually.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

The Lasker Clinical Research Scholars Program supports early-career clinical researchers aiming to enhance human health. It provides a unique opportunity to bridge NIH's intramural and extramural research environments over two phases: an initial 5-7 year tenure-track position at NIH followed by up to 3 years of extramural support. This program is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in clinical research and foster innovative health solutions.

The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust Grant supports education and research in ornamental horticulture, funding projects that enhance public gardens, promote ornamental plants, and support related educational initiatives. Grants typically range up to $20,000, with a maximum of $25,000, focusing on project support rather than general operating expenses. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities and similar entities worldwide, while the Trust does not fund individuals or capital campaigns.

The Women Chemists Committee + Eli Lilly Travel Award supports female chemists at undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels, enabling them to attend meetings and present their research. This initiative aims to enhance women's participation in the chemical sciences. Awards are based on scientific merit and financial need, covering registration, travel, and accommodations for U.S.-based meetings. Recipients also benefit from networking opportunities, including poster sessions and luncheons, fostering connections with ACS governance and peers.

The NIH Director's Early Independence Award encourages exceptional early-career researchers to embark on independent research immediately after completing their doctoral degree or clinical training. This initiative accelerates the transition to independent research careers while supporting innovative projects across all areas of biomedical sciences. It is part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research program, aiming to foster groundbreaking discoveries.

The Darrel Hess Community College Geography Scholarship, funded by the American Association of Geographers, supports community college students pursuing geography. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a US community college and have completed two transfer courses in geography, intending to transfer to a four-year institution. The award includes funding for educational expenses and a certificate of merit, announced at the annual AAG meeting. Compliance with the AAG Professional Conduct Policy is required.

The ASNT Foundation: Charles Hellier III Scholarship aims to support students pursuing studies in nondestructive testing (NDT). This scholarship honors Charles Hellier III, a pioneering figure in the NDT community, and provides financial assistance to aspiring professionals. The Foundation also engages in research, workforce development, and offers scholarships to enhance education in NDT, ensuring that individuals are well-prepared for careers in this vital field.

The AWI Refinement Research Award, offered by the Animal Welfare Institute, supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing the welfare of animals used in experimentation. With a funding opportunity of up to $15,000, applicants can propose methods to reduce pain and distress, promote species-appropriate care, and address animal abuse in laboratories. Applications are open until October 11, and eligibility is restricted to projects conducted in the U.S. or Canada.

The DAAD North America program offers funding for faculty and students to organize interdisciplinary workshops and conferences focused on German studies. Supported by the German Foreign Office, it aims to enhance understanding of Germany's cultural, political, and economic landscape in North America. Projects must be well-defined and financially supported by at least 50% from other sources, excluding transatlantic travel and overhead costs. This initiative encourages collaboration and engagement in the humanities and social sciences.

The Sparkplug Foundation offers Emergency Grants of up to $5,000 exclusively for current and past grantees in education or community organizing. Funding is aimed at organizations with annual budgets of $500,000 or less, supporting innovative projects with limited existing funding sources. These one-time grants address urgent needs due to unforeseen circumstances, ensuring accountability and inclusion, particularly within communities in the US and Palestine/Israel.

The Douglas Community Fund Grant offers competitive grants aimed at supporting medical and other community needs within Douglas County. Applications are welcomed for the spring cycle, prioritizing a diverse array of projects that benefit the region. Established by the Douglas Community Foundation, the program continues to focus on addressing essential medical needs, reflecting its origins in supporting local healthcare facilities.

The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program supports early-career faculty in research and education, fostering academic leadership. It encourages proposals from diverse candidates, enhancing STEM equity. Awardees may be nominated for the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), recognizing innovative research and community service. These awards underscore the importance of science and technology for the nation's future, aiming to connect fundamental research with national goals.

The CCWH/Berks Graduate Student Fellowship, offered by the Coordinating Council for Women in History, provides a $1000 award to graduate students in U.S. history departments who are completing a dissertation. This fellowship aims to support crucial research stages or the final year of writing. Applicants must be graduate students who have achieved A.B.D. status and may specialize in any history field, ensuring diverse representation in women's history.

The Baker and Taylor YALSA Conference Grant provides two $1,000 awards to librarians working with young adults, enabling them to attend the Annual Conference for the first time. One grant supports a school librarian, while the other is for a public library librarian. Applicants must be current members of ALA/YALSA, with prior membership preferred for at least two years, and must have between one to ten years of experience working with teenagers.

The National Institutes of Health is inviting applications for feasibility studies aimed at informing the design of future clinical trials. These studies should demonstrate scientific necessity and may involve mixed methods to assess recruitment, randomization, and intervention delivery. While applications are not currently being solicited, this notice encourages investigators with relevant expertise to prepare for potential collaboration on impactful public health trials.

Project Lead The Way Inc is offering a grant of $14,000 to schools looking to implement the PLTW Computer Science program for the first time. Schools must commit to offering PLTW Computer Science courses over the next three years, ensuring that at least one course is available in the first year. This funding will support program implementation costs, with awards distributed directly to PLTW accounts for eligible schools.

The Peter G. Peterson Foundation Grant aims to address America's long-term fiscal challenges by promoting awareness and encouraging action. The Foundation supports innovative projects that align with its mission, particularly those by U.S.-based 501(c)(3) non-profits capable of national impact. Eligible applicants should have a minimum two-year existence and an annual budget of at least $1 million. The Foundation avoids funding organizations outside the U.S. or those involved in political activities.

The Stephen J. White Prize, established by the American Philosophical Association, honors the late Dr. Stephen J. White and is awarded biennially to the best published paper by a junior philosopher. It focuses on themes central to Professor White's work, such as moral responsibility and practical reasoning. The winner receives a $1,000 monetary award and a symposium at an APA divisional meeting, recognizing significant contributions in philosophy.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award honors Jewish high school students in San Diego who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to community service through tikkun olam. Awardees receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to set up a Donor Advised Fund, and a professional video showcasing their project. This award encourages students to create or enhance community initiatives, fostering engagement in social justice and service projects.

The ASPCA National Shelter Grants Initiative offers up to $2.5 million in grants to support U.S. shelters and their communities. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $95,000 aim to enhance animal outcomes, psychological health, and access to veterinary care. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations or municipal agencies with facilities for adoptable animals, while foster-based rescue organizations are excluded. This initiative is crucial in assisting shelters during challenging times.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

DNP Registration Reimbursement Grants Available for the APS Global Physics Summit

DNP is pleased to offer a limited number of registration reimbursement grants to encourage graduate student participation in the annual APS Global Physics Summit. This APS meeting provides an excellent opportunity for students in nuclear physics to present their research, interact with potential employers, and hear about advances in a broad range of physics topics.

If the nominee's application is accepted, the award will cover the early registration fee for students presenting in-person. Students will need to register prior to confirmation of receiving the award.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Loris and Merle Coe Scholarship Fund

The Loris and Merle Coe Scholarship Fund assists graduating seniors (including home-schooled students) accepted to any two or four-year college or university who are either a Boy Scout or Girl Scout and have earned either an Eagle Scout Award or rank of Life Scout, Gold Award or Silver Award. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500

Renewable:

• Yes