Best Quality of Life Grants in Oregon

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 California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

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 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.

The Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League David McClure Memorial Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools and alternative education programs pursuing a degree in wildlife-related fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be accepted into accredited colleges or vocational programs. This scholarship fosters educational growth while promoting conservation efforts, reflecting the commitment of the Ashland County Community Foundation to enhance community development and support future leaders in wildlife conservation.

The California Botanical Society Paul Silva Student Research Grant supports undergraduate and graduate student members conducting botanical research in western North America. Grants of up to $600 are available for projects aimed at advancing Western American botany. The funding can cover research travel, supplies, and minor equipment, with the goal of producing a professional publication. Collaborative applications are encouraged, and there are no restrictions based on citizenship.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

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 Promise Grant

The Oregon Promise is a state grant that helps cover tuition costs at any Oregon community college for recent high school graduates and GED® test graduates. Students must apply during their senior year or immediately after GED® test completion. 

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 Promise Grant

The Oregon Promise is a state grant that helps cover tuition costs at any Oregon community college for recent high school graduates and GED® test graduates. Students must apply during their senior year or immediately after GED® test completion. 

The Day-End Dough-Nation® Program by Panera Bread exemplifies community generosity through the donation of unsold bakery products to local charities. This impactful initiative supports various organizations that distribute food to those in need, including shelters, health centers, and youth programs. By partnering with thousands of non-profits nationwide, Panera Bread not only reduces food waste but also plays a crucial role in addressing hunger and promoting equality within communities.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is funding pilot and feasibility studies aimed at preparing for substance use and HIV prevention research trials. The program encourages innovative interventions for substance use disorders and HIV eradication, focusing on stakeholder collaboration and practical application. Projects may include assessment of service models, intervention development, and community engagement. This initiative is designed to fill critical research gaps and enhance partnerships, although applications are not currently being accepted.

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 Oregon Port Revolving Fund provides essential loans to port districts for the planning and construction of vital infrastructure and facilities. This state program, managed by Business Oregon, supports economic development through responsible investments, allowing ports to finance up to $3 million. Eligible projects include pre-project planning, construction, and maintenance, with flexible repayment terms based on project completion. This initiative underscores the significance of ports in enhancing Oregon's economic landscape.

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.

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. 

Deceased or Disabled Public Safety Officer (DDPSO) Grant

The Deceased or Disabled Public Safety Officer (DDPSO) Grant supports dependents of public safety officers in the state of Oregon who were killed or disabled in the line of duty.

The Shigeo and Winifred Ito Scholarship Fund, established by a former recipient of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to support students from Hawaii pursuing higher education on the U.S. mainland. With awards averaging around $6,000, the fund prioritizes residents demonstrating financial need and maintaining good academic standing. The scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and giving back to the community, ensuring that deserving students can achieve their academic goals.

The Cambia Health Foundation / Paula A. Jones Endowed Scholarship supports students from underrepresented communities in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Utah. This scholarship is aimed at those pursuing careers in health care, particularly individuals from rural areas and diverse backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are open until March 1, 2025, and can be submitted through the OSAC portal.

Mission

The Foundation was established in December 2013 by Kathryn B. McQuade, after retiring from 33 years of working in the business community. I was blessed to have been born into a loving middle class family. My father worked very hard to insure that all of his children were given an opportunity for a good education and my mother, “a stay at home Mom’ was always there for us. My world was safe and comfortable. My life is in stark contrast to how much of the rest of the world lives. I continue to read of the terrible injustices waged against women and children globally and hope that this foundation can provide them the opportunity and resources to succeed. We will support organizations that help us achieve our goal of Striving to make sustainable improvements in women and children’s rights education and welfare.

Kathryn McQuade Foundation Grant

The Foundation will make timely decisions on your grant request and provide clear communications on our expectations of reporting progress.

Women

The Foundation’s goal is to provide women assistance and provide them an opportunity to succeed. Assistance can take many forms, however our goal is to help them become self sufficient and enable them to lift themselves out of poverty and provide for their children. Access to education, job training and professional skills, even access to capital in order to build a business are possible ways we will consider helping women to succeed. Grant requests should focus on enabling the women to sustain financial independence.

We look forward to hearing of the many creative ways organizations are working on helping women succeed through out the world. To help women is to help their children and the communities they live in.

Children

Too many children in the US and across the world live in poverty and lack the access to education. Education and/or appropriate skills training are necessary to break the cycle of poverty and crime. While the assistance to women may take many forms, the foundation’s focus for children will target education and/ or skills training. The Foundation is open to many ideas on how to accomplish this goal and look forward to receiving proposals to help all children achieve their potential.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

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 High Priority HIV and Substance Use Research funding opportunity aims to support innovative research that addresses the intersection of HIV and substance use. Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals that include a detailed research plan and preliminary data, exploring new avenues for prevention, treatment, and potential cures for HIV among people who use drugs. Applications are due by 5 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior.

The Community Endowment Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation supports organizations and initiatives in Oregon and SW Washington that promote community engagement, dialogue, and understanding. For the fiscal year 2025, grants between $5,000 and $20,000 are available for projects addressing antisemitism, intergenerational philanthropy, and Jewish continuity. Priority will be given to innovative collaborations among organizations. Interested applicants should review the FAQs for detailed guidelines.

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 Diamonds in the Rough Grants, offered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, support the restoration of historically altered building facades, aiming to return them to their original appearance. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and private property owners, with grants available up to $20,000. Projects are prioritized based on historical evidence and clear work plans, fostering community engagement and preserving Oregon's cultural heritage.

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.

State Library of Oregon

Provides specialized information services to state government employees and the public and maintains several collections including Federal and Oregon documents.

LSTA Grants: Strong Libraries Mini Grant

The State Library is offering small grants to strengthen libraries in Oregon and enable them to more fully support their communities. Projects must address one or more of the following focal areas:

Collections: Make Reading Relevant to Your Community

• Enhance a nonfiction collection with recent titles or a specialty section (ex: travel).
• Engage reluctant readers with manga and/or graphic novels.
• Acquire books by Oregon authors and/or Tribal Nations.
• Purchase Spanish-language or bilingual materials.
• Complete incomplete series or add additional copies of popular titles.

Community: Get Involved in Your Local Area

• Bring services out of the building and into the community (ex: pop-up library, lending collection in laundromat, booth at farmers’ market).
• Perform outreach to communities that are underserved.
• Collaborate with local organizations to host public events or classes on topics of interest to the community (ex: civics workshops, language learning, seed exchange).
• Host or participate in a cultural festival.

Economy: Help Foster a Prosperous Community

• Collaborate with local organizations (such as WorkSource, OSU Extension Service, small businesses, community financial or entrepreneur groups, or chambers of commerce) to host public programs or training.
• Curate a set of resources that support Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at local high schools or community colleges.
• Host and/or participate in a local job fair.
• Add products to a makerspace that support local business needs.
• Establish a work area for job seekers, remote workers, and/or small business owners.

Staff: Encourage Growth and Engagement

• Organize a learning opportunity for staff.
• Coordinate staff visits to other area libraries and/or community organizations.
• Conduct a workforce analysis and create a plan for implementing improvements.
• Bring in a facilitator to host activities that build staff morale.
• Pilot a mentoring or peer-to-peer training program.

Technology: Support Digital Access and Skills Training

• Lend devices to eliminate barriers to technology.
• Update public and/or staff computer workstations.
• Acquire assistive technology that enhances access for individuals with disabilities.
• Collaborate with a local organization to host computer skills training workshops.

There can only be one application per organization (meaning, one application per public school district, per university or college, per public library, etc.).

Spending must adhere to Allowable Costs.

Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) compliance is required for public libraries and K-12 school libraries using funds for devices that access the Internet and/or for costs associated with accessing the Internet.

Entities may include indirect costs in the budget, as outlined in 2 CFR 200.414.