Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

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 Small Community Initiative Grant provides essential funding to rural Oregon communities, fostering enhanced quality of life and sustainable economic development. The program offers up to four annual grants of $10,000 to support local initiatives. It encourages community participation and collaboration among stakeholders to drive meaningful change. This grant prioritizes towns with populations under 15,000, emphasizing the importance of community-led efforts in creating lasting revitalization and connections to broader regional economic opportunities.

About

Mission, Vision & Values

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

Holmes Family, Mater Family, Timothy Vevoda Family ROTC Scholarship

About the fund

This fund is a collaboration of families and former service members who donated to honor their loved ones and to support young people who wish to serve their country.

Michael D. Holmes and Kathleen C. McHarness Holmes contributed to this Endowed ROTC Scholarship Fund to honor members of their family who have served in the military and to support and encourage members of Oregon State University ROTC who have chosen the same path. Michael’s and Kathleen’s families have a long history of military service to our country dating back to the American Revolution.

Through three generations, the Mater family has proudly served our country. Milton Mater and his son, Scott Mater, served their country with honor and followed that service with distinguished civilian careers. Scott’s son, Josh Mater, followed his grandfather and father in military service. Josh was commissioned a second lieutenant after graduating from Oregon State University.

The legacy of support to the military is not confined to the Mater men only. Dr. Jean Mater served on the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services in the 1970s and has continued to support military men and women through the Military Officers Club of Corvallis. The ROTC program has played a significant role in the lives the Mater family. It is appropriate that they be honored and remembered with this Endowed ROTC Scholarship Fund.

Timothy A. Vevoda recognizes that the strength of our future rests upon the shoulders of dedicated young people who understand and are active in service to their communities and to their country. This scholarship offers educational support and respect for these well deserving and honorable young Americans.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

The Institute for Cultural Initiatives Scholarship, managed by the Oregon Community Foundation, supports bi-lingual (Spanish/English) Latino students attending Oregon community colleges. This scholarship is designed for residents and graduates of Oregon high schools who enroll at least half-time. Award amounts vary, and prior recipients must reapply to renew their scholarships for up to four years. This initiative underscores the importance of education as a vital investment in Oregon's future.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

About

Mission, Vision & Values

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

Jay and Kelleigh Killen Military Excellence Endowed Scholarship

About the fund

Jay Killen and his wife Kelleigh established the Jay & Kelleigh Killen Military Excellence Endowed Scholarship with Benton Community Foundation in 2012. Jay is a former Navy Aviator and NROTC instructor at OSU. Each year the Scholarship is awarded to a Navy Midshipman who displays excellence in ROTC and academics. 

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The Major General Julie Bentz ROTC Scholarship supports ROTC students at Oregon State University and Western Oregon University, honoring Major General Bentz's distinguished military career. Awarded based on financial need, leadership, and academic performance, this scholarship emphasizes the importance of good standing in both the university and the ROTC unit. Eligible candidates must be full-time ROTC students with a minimum GPA. Priority is given to juniors, seniors, and those completing ROTC courses.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Decorative Arts Trust offers the DARTS Grant to support graduate students researching decorative arts topics related to objects and collections on the West Coast. Since 2003, grants between $500 and $1,000 have been awarded, promoting diversity in American decorative arts studies. Recipients must submit a report post-travel detailing their research impact. This initiative underscores the Trust's commitment to fostering appreciation and scholarship in decorative arts.

The LTC David & Dorothy Blasen Memorial Scholarship supports ROTC students at Oregon State University and its extension campuses. Established in 1997 by Lieutenant Colonel David Blasen and his wife, Dorothy, this endowed fund aims to enhance educational opportunities for future military leaders. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic performance, and leadership. Priority is given to upperclassmen and those who have completed ROTC classes. This scholarship fosters a commitment to military service and community leadership.

The TBF: Teen Pregnancy Prevention program offers financial support to 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington and Oregon focused on reducing teen pregnancy. Eligible projects must utilize evidence-based methods and can include health education initiatives and community clinic services. The program encourages applications from organizations with a clear budget and success criteria, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to this critical issue.

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 Justin D. Cole & Donald R. Meeks, Jr. ROTC Scholarship, established by Benton Community Foundation, aims to recognize dedicated ROTC cadets at Oregon State University and its extension campuses. This scholarship supports students who demonstrate strong leadership, financial need, and good academic standing, ensuring they can continue their education and service. Priority is given to upperclassmen and those nearing graduation, fostering a sense of community and commitment among future leaders.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

Higher Education Coordinating Commission

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is a State of Oregon agency and Commission working to improve equitable access to and success in higher education and workforce training for Oregonians statewide. We coordinate funding and policy, and convene partners across the public and private higher education and workforce landscape. 

Oregon Student Child Care Grant

The Oregon Student Child Care Grant Program helps parents enrolled in postsecondary education to obtain safe, dependable care that supports their children's development while allowing completion of the parent's academic programs.

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 Ball Foundation Skilled Trades SkillPointe Scholarship offers $2,500 for educational or training programs in Arizona and Oregon, addressing the skills gap in America. With a mission to upskill workers without requiring a four-year degree, the program has funded over 1,000 scholarships nationwide, resulting in a 95% training completion rate and a median income increase of $32,000 in the first year post-training. This initiative empowers individuals and strengthens the economy.

The Oregon Immigrant and Refugee Funders Collaborative Grants provide crucial support to local nonprofits aiding immigrants and refugees. With a focus on legal services, movement building, and basic services, this fund prioritizes equitable outcomes. Applications are accepted year-round, but organizations can submit only one proposal per year. This collaborative effort, including partners like the Oregon Community Foundation, encourages direct contact for inquiries, ensuring a streamlined application process to meet community needs.

The Collins Foundation GO Grants support organizations in Oregon focused on advancing equity and justice. These responsive grants prioritize arts, education, health equity, and environmental protection, while emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in their operations. Eligible organizations must have been operating for at least one year, with a budget of $20,000 and an independent board. Notably, the foundation does not fund religious activities or certain educational institutions.

The H. Wayne & Edna M. Schultz Scholarship, supported by the Benton Community Foundation, aims to assist Benton County high school graduates with financial need who wish to pursue pharmacy education at Oregon State University. Established to honor the legacy of H. Wayne Schultz, a dedicated professor, this scholarship fund will help students transition from their pre-pharmacy studies to the professional program. Recipients will be selected based on financial need and their commitment to the pharmacy field.

About

Mission, Vision & Values

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

American Legion, Post #11 ROTC Scholarship Fund

About the fund

The American Legion, Post #11 ROTC Scholarship Fund provides an annual award to four ROTC students at Oregon State University; one each for an Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps student. OSU is one of only a small number of universities nation-wide that has all four services represented on campus. The post has awarded these scholarships for many years, but in 2008, Post 11 established an endowment scholarship fund with BCF to ensure these ROTC scholarships would be granted in perpetuity.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5430 - Unlocking Value and Opportunities from Carbon Flows in Water Utilities

Grant Information

• Identify carbon flows across drinking water, stormwater, wastewater, and advanced treatment systems. Carbon flows may include source water, stormwater, process emissions, process inputs, residuals, and biogas.
• Identify the most relevant carbon recovery, capture, conversion, storage, and avoidance opportunities.
• Evaluate value creation pathways, including products, avoided costs, and environmental attributes, and mechanisms and partnerships needed to put them into practice.
• Assess how opportunities vary across system types and local contexts by focusing on more common scenarios for utilities.
• Provide practical, research-based insights to support identification, prioritization, evaluation, and advancement of carbon management opportunities under site-specific conditions and constraints.
• Evaluate implications for greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, environmental attribute claims, and other potential benefits across pathways.

The OWEB Small Grant Projects support local restoration initiatives across Oregon, offering up to $20,000 for on-the-ground projects that enhance water quality, aquatic species, and wildlife habitats. This competitive program encourages community engagement and prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate watershed benefits and adhere to specific project guidelines. Eligible applicants include tribes, watershed councils, and local agencies committed to sustainable practices that align with the Oregon Conservation Strategy.

The OWEB Restoration Grants support watershed projects aimed at protecting and restoring watershed functions. Eligible applicants include tribes, watershed councils, and educational institutions. Projects can involve improving fish passage, enhancing habitat, and managing invasive species. However, ineligible projects include those focused solely on water storage or routine maintenance. This program fosters collaboration among various stakeholders in Oregon to enhance ecosystems and promote sustainable practices.