Best Preservation Grants in Oregon

Oregon and southern Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies can apply for Kinsman Foundation’s small grants, awarding up to US $5,000 for historic preservation and native wildlife rehabilitation projects. Architectural preservation of National Register-listed buildings and public-benefit programs in Oregon, including preservation efforts, are key priorities; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Preserving Oregon Grant, offered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, provides matching funds for rehabilitation projects that aid in preserving historic resources on the National Register of Historic Places. This initiative reflects OPRD's commitment to protecting Oregon's cultural heritage while ensuring that future generations can enjoy and learn from these significant sites. Through these grants, OPRD aims to foster community engagement and enhance the understanding of Oregon's historical narrative.

The WGPF: Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program celebrates and promotes local folklore, legends, and folklife as vital aspects of cultural heritage. Targeted at 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities across 14 US states, it aims to enhance cultural tourism by commemorating community stories. Successful applications typically focus on folktales, historical legends, and community traditions, while excluding purely literary works or personal folklore that lacks broader community significance.

Oregon historic preservation nonprofits and government agencies can access funding through the Kinsman Foundation for architectural preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction of historic buildings and related sites. Grants of US $5,000 - US $45,000 also support eligible native wildlife rehabilitation and appreciation programs benefiting Oregon and southern Washington, with annual decisions made each September.

The Oregon Historic Cemetery Grants support the preservation of Oregon's historical cemeteries through financial assistance for protection, restoration, education, and research. Managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, these grants aim to maintain cultural heritage while creating inclusive spaces for community engagement. This initiative reflects OPRD's commitment to safeguarding significant sites and enhancing public understanding of Oregon's history for present and future generations.

Mission

The mission of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations.

Vision

To take the long view to protect Oregon's special places and provide the greatest experience while creating stable future funding.

Oregon Heritage Grant

The Oregon Heritage Grant provides matching grants to non-profit organizations, federal recognized tribal governments, universities and local governments for projects that conserve, develop or interpret Oregon’s heritage.

Oregon Heritage Grant funds are to be used for:

• Support of projects that preserve, develop, or interpret of Oregon's cultural heritage. Priority will be given to projects that preserve, develop, or interpret threatened heritage resources and/or heritage resources of statewide significance.

The grant may fund a broad variety of projects including, but not limited to:

• collections preservation and access,
• exhibits,
• oral history projects,
• public education events,
• organizational archives projects,
• films theatrical performances,
• teaching traditional practices,
• public history interpretation,
• organizational planning that supports heritage resources, and more.

Definitions

• Heritage is the array of significant things, thoughts, and activities associated with the human experiences in Oregon.
• Oregon’s heritage resources include:
  • artifacts and other manifestations of material culture,
  • documents,
  • publications,
  • photographs and films,
  • prehistoric and historic sites,
  • historic buildings and other structures,
  • cultural landscapes,
  • cultural practices,
  • heritage celebrations,
  • festivals and fairs, and
  • songs, stories, and recordings associated with the human experience in Oregon.

Historic preservation and arts nonprofits in Oregon can apply for Rocky Mountain Power Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $5,000 to support performing and visual arts, historic preservation, and cross-cultural education projects. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or qualifying public institutions serving communities within the foundation’s Oregon service area.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofits in Oregon can seek funding for historic preservation planning, education, and outreach projects, with awards ranging from US $2,500 - US $5,000. National Trust for Historic Preservation supports activities like feasibility studies, design guidelines, capacity building, and innovative programs that introduce new audiences to preservation.

Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofits, governmental entities, and federally recognized tribes with projects in historic preservation and related cultural activities can apply for Three Rivers Foundation grants. Funding supports work in Coos, Lane, Douglas, Curry, and Lincoln Counties, as well as Oregon projects of statewide impact or those specifically serving Native American communities.

The Cultural Trust envisions an Oregon that champions and invests in creative expression and cultural exchange, driving innovation and opportunity for all. The mission of the Cultural Trust is to lead Oregon in cultivating, growing and valuing culture as an integral part of communities. We do this by inspiring Oregonians to invest in a permanent fund that provides annual grants to cultural organizations.