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 Opportunity Grant

The Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) is Oregon's largest state-funded, need-based grant program for college students. The grant provides funding to more than 30,000 Oregon resident students each year.

OOG is a need-based grant awarded to Oregon residents of all ages who are pursuing their first associates degree or bachelor's degree at an eligible public or private institution. Award amounts vary based on student's financial need and type of institution the student attends. There is not a separate application for the OOG. To be considered for the grant, students must submit their FAFSA or ORSAA as soon as possible each academic year. Awards are first-come, first-served until funds are depleted. 

Conditions of the Award

Oregon Opportunity Grants are available to qualified students for up to four years (12 quarters or 8 semesters) of full-time enrollment, provided they maintain satisfactory academic progress, continue to meet eligibility and award requirements, and file a new FAFSA or ORSAA each year.

The Port Planning & Marketing Fund in Oregon provides grants to enhance ports' economic development through strategic business planning and marketing projects. Law mandates that ports must update their business plans every decade to qualify for funding. Grants are limited to $50,000 or 75% of project costs. Priority is given to proposals for updating strategic plans, regional collaborations benefiting multiple ports, and projects that foster economic diversification, job creation, and redevelopment.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

The Murdock College Research Program supports innovative natural sciences research at private undergraduate colleges in the Pacific Northwest. It emphasizes faculty-student collaboration, enhancing educational methods through inquiry-based teaching. Proposals are assessed on scientific merit and the investigator's qualifications, with a focus on projects that significantly contribute to fundamental knowledge in the field. This program encourages active participation from undergraduate students as research associates, fostering their development and engagement in scientific inquiry.

The Community Benefit Initiative Reinvestment (CBIR) Grant supports innovative projects aimed at improving healthcare access for EOCCO members. Grants of up to $50,000 fund one-year initiatives that foster collaborations, enhance telehealth, and address health disparities. Eligible organizations include healthcare providers and community groups in Eastern Oregon. Successful projects may inspire replication in other regions, ultimately benefiting underserved populations and improving health outcomes across the service area.

The Gray Family Foundation's Environmental Education Grant Program aims to enhance K-12 environmental education by funding initiatives that connect youth with nature. With a budget of $705,000 for 2025, the foundation seeks to support both formal and informal learning opportunities, including outdoor experiences during school hours, afterschool, and summer programs. This initiative fosters a deeper understanding of environmental issues and promotes active engagement in nature, ensuring that young people develop a strong connection to their surroundings.

The Dr. Patricia Allynson Winter Fund supports female graduate students in mycology pursuing teaching careers, reflecting the late Dr. Winter's priorities. Grants range from $1,000 to $6,000, with year-round applications for amounts under $1,000. Eligible applicants include female students and post-doctoral fellows in mycology, while applications from for-profit organizations and outside the Pacific Northwest are ineligible. Preference is given to projects involving mushroom-forming fungi, aligning with Dr. Stuntz's research focus.

The Alumni Professional Development Fund, established by Creative West, focuses on supporting alumni of its leadership development programs. It aims to foster personal and professional growth through flexible funding, ensuring that artists can access resources that enhance their skills and contributions to the community. This fund emphasizes equity, storytelling, and the importance of democracy, wellness, and belonging in the creative economy, ultimately strengthening the arts sector nationally.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

The Bonnycastle Fellowship for Wetland and Waterfowl Research supports graduate students in advancing conservation efforts. Offered by Ducks Unlimited, this fellowship provides up to $17,000 annually for research and personal support. The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research originality, ecological contributions, and feasibility. It is open to all North American graduate students, with a preference for doctoral candidates. The award is renewable for PhD students up to two years, and once for Master's students, contingent on satisfactory progress.

The Jonathan O. Davis Fellowship, offered by the Desert Research Institute, supports exceptional Masters and PhD students conducting research in Quaternary geology, geomorphology, and geoarchaeology within the Great Basin. Awards of up to $2500 for Masters students and $5000 for PhD students are available. This fellowship honors Jonathan O. Davis, a dedicated Quaternary scientist, and aims to foster significant research contributions to understanding this critical geological period.

The Ford Transfer Scholars Program provides scholarships of up to $40,000 per year for community college students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Aimed at those with financial need, this program supports students ready to transfer to four-year colleges. Selection is based on resilience and academic potential, with no minimum GPA requirement. Scholarships are renewable and cover tuition, living expenses, and other necessary costs to help students achieve their bachelor's degrees.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges and universities to cultivate sustainable campus environments. By achieving recognition through five essential standards, institutions can contribute to community health, reduce energy consumption, and enhance mental well-being. Participation fosters pride and involvement in environmental stewardship among students, while providing resources to facilitate tree planting and maintenance. This program not only beautifies campuses but also promotes ecological awareness and responsibility.

The Trail Blazers Foundation Fund – PLAY Grant provides financial support to organizations that encourage youth activity. Aiming to combat inactivity in communities, the grant offers up to $25,000 annually, with a potential total of $50,000 over two years for qualifying programs. This funding is designed to inspire and create opportunities for kids and their families to engage in physical activities, enhancing their overall well-being and success in life.

The Critical Needs List by Community Foundation Tampa Bay addresses urgent, unforeseen needs of nonprofits that threaten their ability to serve the community. This innovative program allows nonprofits to submit requests for funding up to $250,000 for critical expenses such as emergency repairs and essential equipment replacement. With a focus on supporting local organizations, the program aims to match funding with community philanthropists, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The Toy Foundation Program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for toy donations to support children in need. The application period runs from January to June, with approved applicants receiving toys by the end of the year. This initiative, part of the Toy Chest program, has positively impacted over 35 million children since 2003, promoting play as essential for emotional and educational development.

The Oregon Media Arts Fellowship Grant honors professional artists in Oregon, providing crucial financial support for film and video projects. This program aims to recognize outstanding talent and commitment to new work creation, fostering artistic growth and innovation. Administered by PAM CUT and funded by the Oregon Arts Commission, the fellowship enables artists to advance their careers while contributing to the vibrant media arts landscape in the state.

The Individual Artist Fellowship Grants, offered by the Oregon Arts Commission, support professional artists in advancing their careers. This fellowship is available in various artistic disciplines, including Performing and Visual Arts, with applications open to individuals aged 18 and older who have been residents of Oregon for at least one year. Artists from underserved communities are particularly encouraged to apply, promoting diversity and inclusion within the arts.

The Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards celebrate remarkable contributions to heritage preservation by individuals and organizations. Nominations for the 2026 awards will open in fall 2025, honoring outstanding efforts that inspire future work. This initiative, supported by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, emphasizes the importance of volunteers in maintaining Oregon's rich heritage, promoting inclusivity, and creating sustainable partnerships for the next century.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The Northwest Grain Growers Robert Abbey Memorial Scholarship, established by the Blue Mountain Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from high schools within the NWGG service area. This scholarship is available to members, employees, and their children, fostering educational opportunities and community development. Since its inception in 1984, the foundation has played a crucial role in enhancing the region's charitable landscape, managing over $115 million in assets across more than 440 funds.

Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Rural Ready Grant Program

The Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Foundation, a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks and The Commerce Trust Company is proud to offer the Rural Ready grant program. It is designed to give rural schools the flexibility to address the needs and opportunities that matter most in their communities. Rural Ready grants will support projects that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, experiences, and relationships they need to thrive in our ever-changing world while strengthening the communities they call home. 

Funding

• Total amount to award is $185,000.00. 
• Applicants may apply for up to $7,000 in funding for this grant cycle.

The Stuntz Mycology Fund offers grants to support mycological research and education in the Pacific Northwest. Grants range from $1,000 to $6,000, with smaller requests accepted any time. Eligible projects include equipment, supplies, and travel for conferences, but exclude for-profit organizations and certain expenses. Priority is given to projects involving mushroom-forming fungi, reflecting Dr. Stuntz's research focus. Applications from outside the region are accepted if they involve PNW fungi.