Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

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Mission

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

Vision

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

Scholarships

Charlies F. & Elaine Mellen Sutherland Education Fund

The Charles F. and Elaine Mellen Sutherland Education Fund will provide scholarships to one student each in the College of Forestry and the College of Public Health and Human Services.

OnPoint Community Credit Union offers grants and sponsorships to nonprofit organizations that align with their focus areas of Economic Opportunity and Community Vitality. They support various initiatives including financial education, workforce development, and community development. Funding ranges from $100 to $10,000, with a priority on organizations demonstrating diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to events and organizations must have a 501c3 status or an active fiscal sponsor.

About Us

The Oregon Cultural Trust is Oregon’s unique engine for fueling culture. We do that by inspiring Oregonians to participate in the cultural tax credit.

Organizational & Professional Development Grant Program

The Organizational & Professional Development Grant Program is an opportunity available to cultural nonprofits in Oregon as well as Cultural Trust County and Tribal Cultural Coalitions and their members. Applying organizations must have an annual operating budget of under $1.5 million.

The Organizational & Professional Development Grant is a program developed by the Cultural Trust Partners. The purpose of the program is to strengthen cultural non-profit leadership and organizational effectiveness to better serve Oregon’s cultural community. This program is focused on cultural organizations and coalitions with operating budgets under $1.5 million to provide access to development opportunities not otherwise available. 

The Black United Fund of Oregon (BUF-OR) provides Community Impact Grants to support the social and economic development of underserved communities in Oregon. Annually, BUF-OR awards grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations that align with its mission and focus on BIPOC communities. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and operate within Oregon or SW Washington. This initiative aims to empower grassroots organizations and enhance community well-being.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Eastern Oregon Border Board Scott Fairley Memorial Edge Grant aims to foster economic and workforce development in the region. With a maximum award of $25,000, it supports projects that enhance prosperity, improve the property tax base, and increase workforce availability. Applicants include residents, businesses, and organizations within the Border Region. This grant prioritizes innovative solutions that demonstrate a clear impact on the community's economic vitality.

The Small Projects and Community Events (SPACE) Grants support local groups in funding short-term, community-led initiatives that protect natural resources and promote conservation education. These grants aim to be accessible and prioritize projects benefiting Black and Indigenous communities, communities of color, and low-income groups. Eligible projects include native plantings, community gardens, and conservation workshops. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and should be submitted at least 45 days prior to the event.

The Eastern Oregon Border Board Ready Workforce Mobilization Grant aims to enhance workforce and economic development in the Border Region. Grants up to $100,000 are available for projects that improve education, workforce skills, and competitiveness. Eligible applicants include businesses, nonprofits, and local governments. Matching funds are required, and preference is given to projects demonstrating sustainability and targeting current or potential employees in the region. This grant is a vital resource for fostering regional prosperity.

The Eastern Oregon Border Board Community Improvement Planning Grant aims to enhance economic development and workforce capacity in the Border Region. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for projects that improve the area's tax base, competitiveness, and workforce skills. Local governments are eligible to apply, focusing on community improvement planning and leveraging additional funding sources. This initiative seeks impactful projects that significantly benefit education and regional prosperity.

Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps.

2025-2026 AmeriCorps Formula Grant Opportunity

As the AmeriCorps State Service Commission in Oregon, OregonServes (OSC) administers state AmeriCorps Program Grants. The AmeriCorps Formula Funding Grant Opportunity is funded through OSC’s AmeriCorps State Formula Funding Allocation and provides grant funding for two types of AmeriCorps program models: (i) Formula Cost-Reimbursement Grants and (ii) Formula Fixed Amount Grants. These grants are awarded to organizations that propose to place AmeriCorps members in service solely within Oregon.

• New AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
  • New Applicants may apply for a new three-year award under this RFA (Cost Reimbursement only, new programs are not eligible for Fixed Amount Grants).
• Continuation AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
  • Organizations that have current AmeriCorps awards that do not end in the 2025-26 program year must submit a continuation Application to be eligible to receive funding for the following year.
• Recompeting AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
  • Current OSC-funded programs with a three-year funding cycle that ends in the 2025-26 program year are considered to be in “recompete” status. These Applicants may apply for a new three-year award under this RFA. 

Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps.

2025-2026 AmeriCorps State Competitive Funding

Competitive State grants help place members in service in Oregon and will be part of the AmeriCorps Oregon portfolio. Oregon considers applications for submission to AmeriCorps as part of a national competition.

Increase your organization's impact and reach in the community with an AmeriCorps program.

AmeriCorps provides program grant funding to eligible organizations to address their community's most pressing needs. Competitive grant applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

• Be a nonprofit, government agency, school, or community and/or faith-based organization 
• Request AmeriCorps members to serve only in Oregon 
• Be able to support the equivalent of 5 full-time members in the first year of operation, with a plan to increase it to 10 full-time members by the fourth year. 

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The Franz Bakery Foundation Grant supports local charitable organizations focused on family support, youth development, and hunger reduction in areas served by Franz Bakery. With an average grant amount of $3,000, the Foundation aims to foster respect, equity, and inclusion within communities. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofits located in specific states and align with the Foundation's mission. Organizations can reapply annually, although applications do not roll over to the next year.

The Rebecca and Sada Tarshis Memorial Scholarship, established in 2002 by the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation, provides crucial financial assistance to Jewish students pursuing higher education. This scholarship aims to support eligible recipients in achieving their academic goals while promoting a culture of philanthropy within the Jewish community in Oregon and Southwest Washington. With a focus on educational empowerment, the scholarship fosters long-term impact and community development.

The Great Apes and Gibbons Program Grant, administered by the Arcus Foundation, supports conservation efforts for great apes and gibbons across 24 priority landscapes in Africa and Asia. The program emphasizes sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, having awarded over 2,000 grants to more than 500 organizations globally. Funding is not available for individuals or specific lobbying activities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful conservation initiatives.

The Rosendin Foundation Annual Grant provides financial support to community-focused 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations across various states, aiding initiatives in emotional, occupational, and nutritional health. Grants can reach up to $50,000 and are geared towards organizations that positively impact their communities. However, the foundation does not fund discriminatory practices, political efforts, or religiously affiliated projects, ensuring that support is directed towards inclusive and impactful community services.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA) on Aug. 4, 2026, seeking to fund high-impact, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. This preannouncement provides potential applicants additional time to identify collaborators; obtain patient and stakeholder input on potential studies; and develop responsive, high-quality applications. 

Patient-centered CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences. 

The PGE Foundation's Career Pathways Grant Program aims to enhance economic mobility for Oregonians by providing support for programs that facilitate access to family-wage jobs and entrepreneurship. This initiative prioritizes nonprofit organizations focused on skill development, mentorship, and wrap-around services. The foundation is particularly interested in proposals that address barriers faced by underrepresented communities, including BIPOC and women-owned businesses, and encourages collaborative efforts among nonprofits to achieve measurable outcomes.

The WAEF Scholarships, provided by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, support over 300 students this year with more than $1 million in educational awards. These scholarships are primarily for children of employees in the tree fruit industry, particularly those working in specific locations in Washington and Oregon. Recipients can utilize the funds at accredited colleges and universities, including vocational schools, for a variety of degree paths.

The Great American Cleanup Grants, offered by Keep America Beautiful, aim to enhance community beautification and environmental efforts across the U.S. This initiative encourages KAB affiliates to remove litter, plant greenery, and restore public spaces, contributing to the larger goal of cleaning up 25 billion pieces of litter by 2026. With cash grants available, this program fosters collaboration among communities, promoting sustainable practices and a cleaner, greener future for all.

The US Department of Health & Human Services, through the NIH, invites applications for innovative approaches to implement SBIRT/P for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in adults facing health disparities. This funding opportunity encourages research that tests screening, brief interventions, and referrals for treatment or prevention services. Applications are due on specified deadlines from February 2024 through March 2027, fostering collaboration with healthcare and community partners to enhance public health outcomes.

The Community Storytelling Fellowship, sponsored by Oregon Humanities, empowers Oregonians to share community narratives across various mediums, including journalism and photography. This annual fellowship awards $5,000 to underrepresented storytellers, fostering true stories that highlight diverse experiences. Each selected fellow will create multiple stories over an eleven-month period, supported by mentorship and editorial guidance. This initiative aims to amplify voices, bridge information gaps, and promote civic engagement within Oregon's diverse communities.

The Singer Foundation Scholarship, offered by the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation, empowers Jewish public high school graduates in Oregon to pursue full-time post-secondary education. This renewable scholarship supports students for up to four years, promoting academic success with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The foundation aims to foster philanthropy and strengthen Jewish community values, providing vital financial assistance to ensure that deserving individuals can continue their educational journeys.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

The Gus and Lola Rosenblatt Memorial Scholarship, provided by the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to Jewish male-identifying students from Oregon attending accredited colleges within the state. Established through Lola Rosenblatt's estate, this scholarship supports students pursuing higher education while emphasizing the values of philanthropy and community support. Eligible recipients can renew the scholarship for up to three additional years, ensuring continued educational opportunities for those who maintain a 3.0 GPA and meet residency criteria.

Service Objects In-Kind Grants support non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. By leveraging their data validation services, they aim to assist projects that promote ecological health and responsible resource management. The program prioritizes applications with clear, measurable objectives and impactful outcomes within one to three years. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. are eligible, while initiatives lacking detailed plans or focusing on generalized education will not qualify. This grant fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.