Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Oregon

Andersen Construction Foundation

Established in 2015, our Foundation was created to intentionally steward and grow our commitment to community service. From the beginning, an endowment was formed to ensure meaningful, sustained giving for the long term. Guided by the belief that service is part of who we are, we have contributed volunteer time, funding, and resources to community organizations and build projects in the places we call home—including Portland, Eugene, Seattle, and Boise—as well as through hands-on initiatives across the country and internationally.

As our organization has grown, our approach to giving back has grown with it. The Foundation now provides a central way for employees across our family of businesses to engage in philanthropy and volunteer efforts. Through this structure, we continue to support the communities where we live and work, reinforcing a long-standing commitment to service.

Andersen Foundation Grant

We fund build-related projects and sponsor community events in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Applications for project grants and event sponsorships are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by our local giving committees. 

Grants are awarded in the $2,500-$10,000 range for construction repairs and infrastructure needs. Applicants must have 501(c)3 status.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with $100,000+ budgets in Oregon communities served by RBC Wealth Management can apply for RBC Foundation USA support for workforce skills, inclusive prosperity, and environmental initiatives. Funding may benefit public infrastructure projects that improve accessible community spaces, enhance building efficiency, or support community-serving facilities tied to job readiness and economic stability.

Industrial and energy technology organizations in Oregon can seek funding to design, prototype, and validate cost-effective industrial energy storage systems that improve facility efficiency and support public energy infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Energy provides up to US $700,000 per team through a three-phase national prize focused on thermal and electric industrial storage solutions.

Federally recognized Indian Tribes in Oregon and nationwide can seek funding to plan, design, construct, rehabilitate, or inspect unsafe or aging bridges that serve their communities. Focused on improving public infrastructure, the Federal Highway Administration’s TTP Bridge Program supports BIA/Tribally owned and non-BIA/Tribally owned TTP bridges in poor condition or with low load capacity.

Oregon public agencies such as state and local governments, counties, Tribal governments, transit agencies, and port authorities can access funding through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program for major surface transportation infrastructure projects. This US Department of Transportation grant supports multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional public infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact, offering awards up to US $25,000,000 across the U.S. territories and states.

Oregon local governments in eligible non-metropolitan cities and rural counties can seek funding for public infrastructure and community development projects that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Business Oregon’s Community Development Block Grants offer US $100,000 - US $2,500,000 for water and wastewater systems, community facilities, housing rehabilitation, microenterprise training, and urgent community needs.

Researchers and research institutions conducting quasi-experimental evaluations of social programs and policies can apply for funding from Arnold Ventures to study causal impacts in key policy areas. Grants support rigorous studies in fields like public infrastructure, higher education, workforce training, and public finance across the U.S., which may benefit Oregon-focused public infrastructure research.

Nonprofits, government entities, and tribal organizations working on traffic safety and public infrastructure in Oregon can seek US $50,000 - US $200,000 to implement innovative, evidence-based countermeasures. The National Safety Council’s Road to Zero Coalition program supports projects that advance Safe System approaches, address mobility and safety disparities, and generate scalable, generalizable results within the U.S.

Very small, financially distressed rural communities planning water or waste disposal infrastructure projects can receive funding for predevelopment feasibility, design, and technical assistance. Focused on rural public infrastructure, USDA: Rural Development invites eligible Oregon governmental entities, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes to apply through their local RD office on a year-round basis.

Local governments and community-based nonprofits in small to mid-sized cities can apply for Smart Growth America’s Community Connectors grants, offering up to US $25,000 for temporary street safety pilot projects. Eligible Oregon teams must jointly apply, target dangerous or divisive arterial roads, and participate in a yearlong cohort with in-person training.

Community partnerships led by a 501(c)(3) working on public infrastructure and water-related projects in Oregon can apply for US $45,000 - US $120,000 to support jobs, workforce development, and inclusive implementation of publicly funded infrastructure. Grants from Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities back human infrastructure, collaboration, and community engagement tied to existing federal or local infrastructure investments.

Oregon public entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through the Gold Beach Community Fund for projects that enhance public infrastructure, recreation, culture, and community facilities in Central Curry County. Administered by Oregon Community Foundation, these US $500 - US $2,500 grants prioritize youth-focused facilities, environmental restoration, and local quality-of-life improvements.

Public agencies, research institutions, and policy organizations in Oregon working on transportation infrastructure policy and research can seek support for projects that evaluate or improve U.S. transportation systems. With a mission to improve lives through evidence-based solutions, Arnold Ventures funds studies, data, and policy reforms on surface transportation and related modes, offering up to US $200,000.

State and local transportation agencies seeking to deploy advanced public infrastructure and transit technologies in Oregon can apply for competitive ATTAIN grants, with awards up to US $12,000,000. DOT Federal Highway Administration supports projects that improve safety, mobility, congestion management, and system performance through innovative transportation and congestion management technologies.

Public agencies and transportation entities developing or expanding marine highway transportation, including projects benefiting Oregon, can apply for up to US $12,000,000 to improve public infrastructure and reduce landside congestion. With a mission to enhance marine corridors, the US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration supports projects that promote shipper use of designated Marine Highway Routes.

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Dam Safety Program focuses on rehabilitating high hazard potential dams that do not meet state safety standards. Funded by FEMA, this initiative aims to protect lives and property by providing federal funds to eligible states, which then pass these funds to non-Federal governmental or nonprofit organizations. Rehabilitation involves repairing, replacing, reconstructing, or removing dams to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities working on community development, public infrastructure, health, education, or environmental initiatives in Oregon can seek grants or product donations that benefit local communities. SC Johnson Giving supports programs that advance healthier, more sustainable communities and expand opportunity, primarily in areas where the company has major U.S. operations, with some regional and national projects considered.

Adam R Scripps Foundation

Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.

Community Development Grant

Raised in rural Texas, Adam saw firsthand the challenges small towns face related to demographic changes, workforce development, capital access, infrastructure, health, land use and environment and community preservation. As he got older, he often felt compelled to help - even in small ways - when he saw a neighbor struggling. Inspired by his generosity and leaning into innovation, we built a Community Grant & Loan Program to be the catalyst for investable initiatives while working to leverage additional public and private capital.

We are getting further, faster thanks to partnering with leaders in the Program Related Investment (PRI) arena. PRIs are powerful and versatile tools in the philanthropic toolkit, making capital available to any kind of organization advancing any charitable purpose via various financial structures. Financial returns can be repurposed for new charitable objectives, multiplying the impact. The focus through this program revolves around the types of communities Adam called home with a focus on specific economic barriers.

This grant is focused on semi-permanent or permanent community assets including infrastructure, public works, green space, revitalization, and other real assets essential for businesses to thrive in a community. Generally, these funds will not be used exclusively for beautification.

Adam R Scripps Foundation

Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.

Local Community Grant

A genuine love of neighbor inspired Adam to help others, and his example inspires us to sustain his support of local communities.  

Driven by Adam’s sense of civic responsibility, the foundation is focused on initiatives to support both community infrastructure and the citizens for whom that infrastructure is designed, including:

• Parks and greenspaces
• Recreation facilities
• Visual and performing arts
• Community service organizations
• Historic building preservation
• Festival sponsorship
• Veterans’ organizations

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.

The Creation & Development Fund, administered by the National Performance Network, supports the creation and mobility of artistic works that promote racial and cultural justice. It fosters collaboration between artists and communities through financial support, enabling artists to develop meaningful relationships and present their work. The fund emphasizes equity, access, and the importance of public engagement, ensuring that diverse voices are represented while addressing systemic injustices in the arts.

The Sparklight/Cable One Charitable Giving Fund supports local nonprofits and organizations focused on education, food insecurity, and community development. They prioritize impactful partnerships that strengthen communities. The fund welcomes various funding requests, including special projects and capital campaigns, while adhering to specific eligibility requirements such as tax-exempt status. However, they do not fund basic operating expenses, loans, or religious organizations for general support, ensuring that their contributions foster meaningful community growth.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.

The Pop Culture Collaborative offers Major Grants to support initiatives that promote long-term narrative change and social justice through pop culture. Targeting U.S.-based nonprofits, for-profits, and individuals, these grants aim to engage mass audiences in transformative experiences. With a focus on communities often marginalized, the Collaborative's efforts are designed to foster a pluralistic society where everyone belongs. Grants range from $20,000 to $200,000, depending on project scope and duration, with applications reviewed biannually.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.