Best Public Policy Grants in Oregon

Oregon dependents of public safety officers seeking higher education in Oregon can access funding for tuition and related college costs. Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission offers the Deceased or Disabled Public Safety Officer Grant, providing up to US $13,000 for eligible students enrolled at qualifying Oregon-based public or private nonprofit postsecondary institutions, including 2- and 4-year colleges.

Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations in Oregon working on health and human services, education, arts and culture, civic initiatives, environment, or recreation can seek capital, operating, or program support through the Idacorp Employee Community Services Fund. Public policy and community development efforts that serve broad constituencies and show strong local support may be especially competitive.

Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning projects that deepen understanding of Japanese arts and culture can receive up to US $5,000 for program expenses. Focused on cultural programming, the United States-Japan Foundation supports exhibitions, performances, film screenings, lectures, and symposia, covering costs like publicity, artist honoraria, travel, shipping, and facility fees within eligible western states.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Public schools, districts, PTAs, alumni groups, and 501(c)(3) education nonprofits in Oregon and SW Washington can receive US $250 - US $2,500 to support educational programs and school needs. OnPoint Community Credit Union backs efforts that advance economic opportunity and community vitality, which may include public policy education or civic learning initiatives.

Oregon students pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree at eligible in-state colleges can receive need-based tuition support through the Oregon Opportunity Grant, with awards from US $1,224 - US $8,352. Administered by the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, this statewide program helps expand access to higher education and related public policy priorities in Oregon.

Researchers, practitioners, and others in Oregon seeking seed money for marine and coastal projects can apply for program development grants supporting exploratory, high-risk, or urgent efforts. With a mission to address strategic coastal issues, Oregon Sea Grant provides up to US $10,000 for short-term projects that may inform or support public policy work.

Oregon K–12 education nonprofits, schools, and public or tribal entities working on holistic, equitable school systems can seek more than US $25,000 in operating or limited project support. Focused on education systems change, the Miller Foundation invites organizations engaged in policy, advocacy, and reform to strengthen outcomes for students furthest from opportunity.

Nonprofit organizations and public or Tribal agencies in Oregon seeking general operating support across arts and culture, education, environment, child welfare, health equity, and equity-focused work can apply; programs with public policy components may be eligible. Collins Foundation supports organizations advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion that meet its budget, governance, and non-discrimination requirements.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities working on health equity, health access, and related advocacy in Oregon and beyond can apply for Ronald W Naito Foundation’s unrestricted grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $40,000 for programs and operations. Organizations advancing public policy, systems change, or advocacy around health disparities and social determinants in Oregon may be especially well suited.

Oregon 501(c)(3) public charities with budgets under $10 million that advance arts and culture for under-resourced communities can apply for Ronald W Naito Foundation’s Oregon Arts & Culture grants, typically around Approximately US $10,000 in unrestricted support. Organizations doing statewide arts policy, advocacy, or research may be especially relevant for public policy work in Oregon.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities working on social justice, environmental justice, or economic mobility can receive US $10,000 - US $40,000 in unrestricted support, including organizations in Oregon. The Ronald W Naito Md Foundation’s Sustainable Communities grants back advocacy, policy, and community-based initiatives that address inequities, climate impacts, and health-related disparities for under-resourced communities.

Current or former foster care youth pursuing higher education or training in Oregon can receive up to US $5,000 annually for tuition and related costs through the Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program. Administered by the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, this program supports postsecondary access for eligible youth with child welfare foster care experience.

Oregon students pursuing community college education in Oregon can receive tuition support through the Oregon Promise Grant, helping cover costs at any Oregon community college. Administered by the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, this state program supports recent high school and GED graduates who meet GPA, residency, credit, and financial aid application requirements.

Current Oregon National Guard members pursuing undergraduate or certificate programs at eligible Oregon colleges and universities can receive tuition, certain fees, and a book allowance through this state assistance program. Grants from the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission support higher education for Guard members in Oregon, which may interest organizations engaged in public policy around military and veterans’ education benefits.

Oregon GED test graduates and recent high school graduates in Oregon can receive tuition support to attend any Oregon community college through the Oregon Promise Grant. The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission provides this higher education funding for eligible residents who meet GPA or GED score, residency, credit limit, and Student Aid Index requirements.

Oregon students pursuing preliminary licensure in teaching, school counseling, school social work, or school psychology can receive up to US $12,000 to support higher education costs. Grants from Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission help Oregon scholars with experience serving diverse populations who are within two years of completing an approved educator preparation program, which may benefit those interested in education-related public policy careers.

Health-focused 501(c)(3) scientific or educational organizations conducting medical research or professional health education in Oregon can apply for grants up to US $40,000. Collins Medical Trust supports basic, clinical, and public health investigations, with preference for Oregon-based projects and early career investigators whose work may inform or intersect with public policy.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and local governments in Wilsonville, Oregon can receive support for community enhancement projects that improve environmental quality, safety, recreation, or community enrichment. Metro provides Oregon public policy and community-focused groups with funding for projects within city limits that reduce waste, upgrade nonprofit property, benefit underserved residents, and enhance parks, wildlife areas, and public spaces.

Graduate and upper-level undergraduate students conducting ecological restoration research in Oregon and the broader Cascadia bioregion can apply for Society for Ecological Restoration Northwest Chapter student research grants, with awards up to US $3,000. Projects should improve restoration outcomes in natural systems such as forests, wetlands, grasslands, and related regional habitats.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies in Oregon and southern Washington can receive Kinsman Foundation’s Betty Kinsman Fund grants for theater, literary, and photographic arts programs, projects, or performances. Grants from this fund may benefit Oregon organizations whose public programming in these art forms engages general audiences and demonstrates professional quality and innovation.

Nonprofits, schools, and local government entities in Sherwood can receive grants to enhance community livability, environmental quality, and public spaces. Metro supports projects in Oregon that improve recycling, safety, recreation, economic opportunities, and services for underserved residents, which may include public policy or civic-improvement initiatives benefiting Sherwood residents.

Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in areas like education, health, basic needs, environment, or community development can receive up to US $50,000 to advance their local programs. Focused on community impact, BECU Foundation invites organizations, including those with public policy or advocacy components, to be nominated by BECU members for its People Helping People Awards.

Oregon public policy and community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on climate resilience, wildfire preparedness, or green infrastructure can access funding through the Climate Resilient Communities Fund, awarding US $10,000 - US $25,000 for locally driven projects. Grants from PGE Foundation prioritize wildfire hazard reduction, nature-based solutions, and equitable, climate-resilient parks and public spaces across Oregon.

Local and tribal governments and other eligible public entities in Oregon can seek large-scale implementation funding to improve roadway safety infrastructure and operations. With a mission to protect and promote resilient forests that benefit all Oregonians, Oregon Department of Forestry highlights this U.S. Department of Transportation SS4A opportunity supporting projects that reduce deaths and serious injuries for all road users.

Oregon student parents needing child care support while pursuing undergraduate studies in Oregon can receive funding for safe, dependable child care. Focused on higher education access, the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission invites eligible residents to apply for the Oregon Student Child Care Grant, offering up to US $10,000 for approved childcare providers.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.