Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

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 National Guard State Tuition Assistance

The Oregon National Guard State Tuition Assistance (ONGSTA) program provides funding for current Oregon National Guard Members enrolled in an eligible Oregon postsecondary institutions for undergraduate tuition, certain fees, and a book allowance. The grant can be used for up to 90 credits at Oregon community colleges and up to 180 quarter credits/120 semester credits at eligible Oregon universities and colleges. Award amounts vary depending on the type of institution the student attends and their eligibility for other military tuition assistance. 

Students must apply each year to continue receiving the grant.

The Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation Grant supports civic and cultural institutions in the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on gardens, horticulture, and the region's history. Established in 1994, the foundation has distributed over $12 million to various organizations. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, including those named in Mrs. Miller's will or that support the study of Northwest history through literature. The foundation aims to continue the Millers' philanthropic legacy.

The Mabel and Allan Mackenzie Scholarship supports Black or African American student athletes from Deschutes County attending community college in Oregon. This scholarship is aimed at those who demonstrate academic or vocational potential but face financial challenges in covering their college costs. Awards vary, and students must reapply annually, with the possibility of renewal for up to two years, making it a valuable opportunity for deserving students.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Oregon support eligible rural communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water availability. Funded by USDA Rural Development, these grants can address issues like droughts, floods, or chemical spills. They offer up to $150,000 for water transmission line projects and up to $1,000,000 for water source construction, ensuring access to clean water in affected areas.

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 Teacher Scholars Program Grant

The Oregon Teacher Scholars Program (OTSP) Grant provides funding for eligible candidates who have experience with diverse populations who are pursuing their preliminary licensure program for teaching, school counseling, social work, and school psychology. The OTSP Grant is offered in partnership with the Educator Advancement Council and the Oregon Department of Education.

Eligible students must complete the Oregon Teacher Scholars Program (OTSP) Grant application and the FAFSA or ORSAA by the designated deadline for full consideration.

Continuing Scholars: Renewal applicants (those who have received the grant in a prior year) must login to their OSAC Student Portal account and re-apply for the next academic year in addition to submitting their FAFSA or ORSAA for the corresponding academic year.

Eligible students can attend any institution that has an approved educator preparation program and receive the Oregon Teacher Scholars Program Grant. View the full Public and Private Colleges/University list to determine if your college is eligible.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is offering funding to establish the Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) in Region 6. This initiative, part of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, aims to support small businesses in transportation sectors. The cooperative agreement includes a 12-month base year and two additional option years based on performance, promoting growth and accessibility for local businesses in transportation.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

The Peter E. Palmquist Memorial Fund Grant provides vital support for research into under-researched women photographers and Western American photographers from the Great Depression era. Open to both individual researchers and nonprofit institutions, this grant emphasizes the importance of quality proposals and the ability to execute projects efficiently. Recipients will contribute their findings to the Humboldt Area Foundation, thus enriching the Peter Palmquist Archive and promoting the legacy of photography history.

The Sabbatical Research and Education Grant, offered by Western SARE, enables faculty worldwide to collaborate with farmers and researchers in the Western U.S. This program focuses on conducting innovative research and educational outreach in underserved regions, with an emphasis on unexplored topics. Grants up to $75,000 are available for projects spanning one year, promoting agricultural sustainability and community involvement.

The Western SARE Graduate Student Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative research and educational outreach in sustainable agriculture. Funded by the USDA, it aims to enhance environmental quality, improve profitability for producers, and uplift rural communities. Projects must involve both research and education components, with proposals authored by graduate students collaborating with their advisors. This initiative fosters communication of results to agricultural professionals, ensuring practical applications for sustainable practices in the Western U.S.

The Ford Family Foundation

The Ford Family Foundation is a nonprofit, private foundation proudly headquartered in Roseburg, Oregon, serving rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Our investments through grants, scholarships and community building create the conditions for children to have the family, educational and community supports they need to succeed in life.

Visual Arts Program

Support for arts fellowships, residencies and grants

The Visual Arts Program seeks to support Oregon’s established visual artists who are at pivotal points in their practice of art. We offer several opportunities and experiences aimed at accelerating an enhanced quality of artistic endeavor and significant advancements in artists’ work.

1905 Legacy Award

The 1905 Legacy Award honors outstanding Oregon artists whose life-long career and sustained excellence has significantly impacted the artistic community of Oregon. The Foundation grants one unrestricted award every five years.

About the Award

Named in honor of Hallie E. Ford’s birth year, the 1905 Legacy Award in Visual Arts is a new and valuable component of the Foundation’s Visual Arts program, which is designed to accelerate an enhanced quality of work by established Oregon visual artists and to enrich Oregon’s visual arts ecology. It is bestowed by nomination and reviewed by an anonymous panel of arts professionals.

Artists will be considered by nomination.

Use of funds

Fellowship funds are unrestricted and intended to assist with work and life expenses. This includes, among other things, purchase of materials, production costs of artwork and to supplement living or travel costs during the year of exploration, conceptualization and creation of new work.

The Western SARE Professional + Producer Grant Program fosters collaboration between Agricultural Technical Advisors and Producers to promote sustainable agriculture through research and outreach. This initiative aims to improve environmental quality, enhance profitability for farmers, and ensure community well-being. By supporting demonstrations, educational activities, and practical applications, the program seeks to communicate effective sustainable practices to agricultural professionals, ultimately benefiting rural economies and ecosystems.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The Ford Family Foundation

The Ford Family Foundation is a nonprofit, private foundation proudly headquartered in Roseburg, Oregon, serving rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Our investments through grants, scholarships and community building create the conditions for children to have the family, educational and community supports they need to succeed in life.

Visual Arts Program

Support for arts fellowships, residencies and grants

The Visual Arts Program seeks to support Oregon’s established visual artists who are at pivotal points in their practice of art. We offer several opportunities and experiences aimed at accelerating an enhanced quality of artistic endeavor and significant advancements in artists’ work.

Hallie Ford Fellowship in the Visual Arts

The Foundation awards up to three unrestricted Hallie Ford Fellowships in the Visual Arts per calendar year to Oregon visual artists who have demonstrated a depth of sophisticated practice and potential for significant future accomplishment. These fellowships honor the late Hallie E. Ford, co-founder of The Ford Family Foundation, who strongly believed that artists should have the opportunity to realize their talents.

Artists who apply but are not selected for a Hallie Ford Fellowship are encouraged to reapply annually.

The Western SARE Professional Development Program Grant supports education and outreach for agricultural professionals. Aimed at enhancing knowledge in sustainable agriculture, it provides funding for projects that train educators and farmers through workshops, conferences, and digital media. With a focus on the environmental, economic, and social aspects of agriculture, projects can last up to three years and receive up to $100,000 in funding. This initiative fosters a 'train the trainer' approach to improve agricultural practices.

The Ford Opportunity Scholars Program offers scholarships to parents and adult learners over 25 with financial barriers to education in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Annually, up to 90 scholarships are awarded, providing up to $40,000 per year based on need and costs. Support includes financial assistance, academic guidance, and a connection to the Ford Family alumni community, aiming to empower students in their pursuit of an associate or bachelor’s degree.

The Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing dietetics. Applicants complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000. Eligibility includes enrollment in an ACEND-accredited program and various special criteria. This initiative supports students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging future professionals in nutrition and dietetics. Membership in the Academy is recommended but not mandatory for application.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for graduate and doctoral students pursuing degrees in nutrition and dietetics. With scholarship amounts ranging from $500 to $25,000, applicants can utilize a single application to be considered for multiple opportunities. Eligibility includes enrollment in accredited programs and other criteria such as experience in education or dietetics. Membership in the Academy is encouraged, although not required, for most scholarships.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for dietetic interns, allowing a single application to apply for multiple awards. Scholarships range from $500 to $25,000, with eligibility for interns enrolled through June 30, 2024, including those with off-cycle matches. Applicants should consider their career goals in areas like clinical dietetics, culinary arts, and nutrition education. Academy membership is encouraged but not required. Fundraising determines the number of scholarships available each year.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for students in the Dietetic Technician Program, with over 250 scholarships available. Ranging from $500 to $25,000, these scholarships help support aspiring dietetic professionals. Applicants need to complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships based on eligibility. Membership in the Academy is encouraged but not mandatory for applying.

The Garden Club of America Award in Coastal Wetlands Studies supports graduate students engaged in coastal wetlands research. Established through the Rockefeller Environmental Education Fund, this scholarship promotes conservation by funding field work in tidal and nontidal wetlands across coastal states, including the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program and can propose their own wetlands study. The award aims to foster environmental education and scientific inquiry in this vital ecosystem.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy’s scientists in California are working to inform, influence, and inspire conservation in today’s human-dominated world, to build a future in which people and nature thrive together.

Oren Pollak Memorial Research Fund

The Oren Pollak Memorial Research Fund was established in 2000 in memory of Dr. Oren Pollak, a leading grassland ecologist and restoration pioneer, as well as an ardent champion and mentor for grassland ecology students. As The Nature Conservancy’s lead ecologist in California in the early 1990s, Dr. Pollak established the grassland research program that continues today. He later became Director of Science in the Conservancy’s Oregon Chapter. Since 2000, the Pollak Fund has granted more than $170,000 in grasslands research funding for student scientists. 

The Nature Conservancy will be granting up to $20,000 for assistance to two or three student grantees to conduct research on grasslands in California or Oregon. Preference will be given to projects explicitly focused on grasslands and relevant to TNC’s conservation efforts in California or Oregon.

Proposed projects may include, but are not restricted to, research on grassland management practices (e.g., restoration, grazing), habitat value for rare and threatened species, and community ecology. Studies conducted on TNC preserves and coordination with TNC preserve managers is desirable but not mandatory. 

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Oregon offers essential funding for developing community facilities in rural areas. Eligible projects include health care, public safety, and educational facilities, with grants covering up to 75% of costs for communities with lower median incomes. This program is designed to support rural populations, including Federally Recognized Tribes, ensuring access to vital services. Continuous application opportunities are available throughout the year, making it a valuable resource for enhancing rural infrastructure.

The Miller Foundation: Education Grant aims to ensure equitable opportunities for all Oregon students. It provides funding for K-12 education organizations that create supportive learning environments and prioritize student engagement, especially for those from underserved communities. The grant encompasses a variety of programs, including arts education and early childhood initiatives, while emphasizing the importance of family and community involvement. Organizations may apply for single or multi-year grants, fostering long-term partnerships to enhance educational equity across the state.