Best Job Creation Grants in Oregon

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.

Oregon public ports seeking to develop or improve marine navigation projects that create or retain jobs can access grants and low-interest loans through Business Oregon’s Marine Navigation Improvement Fund. Funding supports federally authorized navigation projects needing match, or smaller non-federal water projects that directly support or access authorized navigation channels and meet freight or commercial/recreation criteria.

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 KeyBank Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing communities through education, workforce development, and affordable housing. Founded in 1969, the Foundation prioritizes diversity, financial capability, and sustainability. Their grants aim to empower individuals for success by improving access to resources, fostering economic inclusion, and creating safe environments. By partnering with community organizations, KeyBank Foundation seeks to make a measurable impact and ensure lasting positive change for families and small businesses.

Oregon nonprofits focused on job creation, workforce development, small business or small farm support can access funding through Banner Bank to strengthen local economic opportunities. The Banner Bank Community Support Program also considers projects in housing, affordable homeownership, youth development, and financial education, with priority for programs serving low- and moderate-income residents in its regional communities.