Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

SITKA Ecosystem Grants support projects that enhance ecosystems and promote conservation efforts. These grants encourage both grassroots initiatives and larger organizational projects, aiming to improve habitat restoration, biodiversity, and the hunting experience. With funding ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, applicants must be 18 years or older and have relevant experience. The review process is ongoing, and projects should emphasize collaboration and measurable impacts on environmental goals, benefiting both society and ecosystems.

The Miller Foundation offers Arts Grants to support small organizations in Oregon, providing vital funding for artistic programming and operations. These grants enhance community engagement through visual and performing arts, ensuring that arts education is accessible to all children. With a focus on operating support, the foundation aims to strengthen local arts organizations, enriching Oregon's cultural landscape. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities dedicated to arts and education, fostering creative growth statewide.

The Miller Foundation supports arts organizations in Oregon through its Fast Track grants, which fund vital artistic programming, performances, and arts education. These grants prioritize operating support, enabling organizations to thrive and connect communities through the arts. The Foundation believes in the transformative power of arts education, ensuring access for all youth. Eligible applicants include established nonprofits and public entities dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of Oregon.

The Wildfire Resilience Initiative Grant Program, funded by the Gordon E And Betty I Moore Foundation, addresses the urgent need for wildfire resilience in Western North America. With increasing threats from extreme wildfires due to climate change and human activity, this initiative aims to transform fire's role from a destructive force to a beneficial element. By supporting research, early interventions, and community preparedness, the program seeks to foster a collaborative approach to enhancing ecosystem health and community safety.

The National Sea Grant Law Center is inviting proposals for the Coastal Resilience Program to research laws and policies addressing coastal resilience challenges such as sea level rise and flooding. With a funding cap of $150,000 over two years, this initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and promote informed decision-making in coastal management. Up to two projects will be selected for funding, supporting innovative solutions to enhance community resilience against environmental threats.

The Postdoctoral Grant Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health aims to support the growth and professional development of postdoctoral trainees, fellows, and associates. With funding up to $20,000 for one year, recipients can engage in independent research projects, attend workshops, or cover open-access publication fees. This initiative enhances research capacity and promotes health equity in Wisconsin, addressing critical health challenges while fostering career advancement in the medical field.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

About

With deep roots in California’s Central Valley, The Save Mart Companies and its family of stores prides itself in being a part of neighborhoods and putting people first. Our dedication to customers is reflected in the connections we’ve made in the communities we’ve served for more than 70 years.

The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation

In 2000, we established The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation, our philanthropic, non-profit organization, supporting programs and organizations that provide vital resources for children and families in the communities we serve. The CARES Foundation focuses on building stronger communities through fresh foods, accessibility, and programs that support youth and helping them to thrive. Annually, The CARES Foundation contributes approximately $500,000 in small grants to support community-based, non-profit organizations.

The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation Grant

The CARES Foundation’s focus is building stronger communities through fresh foods, access to food, and programs that support youth and helping them thrive.

The CARES Foundation will review, on a quarterly basis, among other things, the breadth of the audience served; the likely impact in the community; the importance of the need to be addressed in the community; and the community reputation, service history, and financial stability of the group or program seeking funds. No one of these or other factors will necessarily be weighted more heavily than another. Instead, each group or program will be measured against all groups and 2 programs seeking funding at the time. For example, a program serving a small segment of the community but that addresses an especially important community need, and thus has the potential for a strong and meaningful impact, would be favored over a group serving a wider clientele but that fills a less important community need. Requests for Grants should be a minimum of $500.00 up to $10,000.00. Programs and organizations requesting smaller grants should contact the Store Manager of the nearest Save Mart Companies’ store location for request consideration.

Recipients that receive grants for more than one year must demonstrate meaningful outcomes for the previous investment made by The CARES Foundation.

National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants

The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants Program annually provides grants of up to $1 million to coastal and Great Lakes states, as well as U.S. territories to protect, restore and enhance coastal wetland ecosystems and associated uplands. The Program is funded by revenues collected from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, electric motors and sonar, import duties on fishing tackle, yachts and pleasure craft, a portion of the gasoline tax attributable to motorboats and small engines, and interest on the fund, under the authority of the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950.

Eligible projects include the acquisition of real property interest in coastal lands or waters and the restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems.

OWEB Coastal Wetlands Grants

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program (NCWCGP) was established to acquire, restore, and enhance wetlands in coastal states through competitive matching grants to state agencies. The primary goal of the NCWCGP is the long‐term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems. Only legislatively approved state agencies may submit applications to the NCWCGP. Since 2013, OWEB has been an approved agency. OWEB serves as the official grantee of the federal award and makes the federal funds available to local conservation and restoration partners through sub-grants. All sub-grants are subject to the Rules and guidelines of OWEB’s grant programs.

Eligible Projects

All projects must ensure long-term conservation.

Eligible projects under the NCWCGP include:

• Acquisition of a real property interest (permanent conservation easement or fee title) in coastal lands or coastal wetlands ecosystems from willing sellers, and/or
• Restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems.

Restoration Grants

OWEB issues a solicitation for Coastal Wetlands Restoration Grant applications in the spring of each year.

Tenant and Housing Justice Grant

Social Justice Fund Northwest (SJF) is pleased to announce the 2026 Tenant & Housing Justice Grant, open to grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming.

Grant Awards:

• Maximum one-year grant award of $25,000

Focus:

• Tenant and housing justice organizing in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming

Description

This grant seeks to support organizations working to undo and/or create alternative solutions to exploitative housing systems which were built and are sustained by capitalism, colonialism, classism, racism, xenophobia, and ableism. This grant will fund organizations that meet SJF’s community organizing framework and prioritize communities underrepresented in traditional grantmaking.

Tenant and Housing Justice community organizing work can include, but is not limited to:

• Collective power building among tenants to dismantle and push against the current oppressive housing systems and structures 
  • Examples: rental and utilities assistance, tenants’ rights training, eviction prevention and intervention, etc.
• Local and statewide tenant and housing systems/policy change 
• Tenant leadership development
• Creating collective, cooperative housing structures
• Re-entry organizing by and for folks who were recently incarcerated to provide housing and resources, influence and set policy, etc.
• Disability justice organizing focused on affordable, accessible, and supportive housing for disabled folks and elders
• Survivor-led organizing for people transitioning out of abusive situations

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Arthur P. Krichevsky Memorial Scholarship, provided by the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation, supports Jewish education through funding for programs like Jewish day schools and post-high school educational pursuits. Established through a bequest from Mr. Krichevsky, it primarily allocates funds to Jewish day schools, enhancing access to educational opportunities within the Jewish community. This scholarship aims to empower recipients while promoting a culture of philanthropy and educational excellence.

The Irrigation Modernization Funding program, administered by the Oregon Water Resources Department, aims to enhance water use efficiency in irrigation systems across agricultural lands. This initiative supports diverse projects that yield economic, environmental, and cultural benefits while requiring federal matching funds linked to recognized watershed plans. Local governments, tribes, and individuals are encouraged to apply, provided they meet eligibility criteria, including the submission of a Water Management and Conservation Plan if needed.

The ODFW Fish Screening Cost-Share Program provides funding and tax credits for water users to install fish screening devices, by-pass devices, and fish ways. Eligible applicants include individual users, irrigation districts, and municipal suppliers. The program prioritizes projects that enhance fish passage while excluding certain ineligible project types, such as hydropower generation projects. For assistance, applicants can contact their regional field coordinator or refer to the Statewide Fish Passage Priority List.

The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) offers Water Project Grants to support local governments, tribes, and individuals in developing water projects with economic, environmental, and social benefits. Eligible projects must include a 25% cost match and can focus on conservation, storage, and water distribution. OWRD anticipates approximately $2 million available for the first 2026 funding cycle, with public comments on funding recommendations accepted until December 2024.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Kinsman Foundation offers conventional grants exceeding $5,000 for projects focused on historic preservation and wildlife rehabilitation in Oregon and southern Washington. These grants support public benefit activities, especially for 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of August 1 for annual review. The Foundation prioritizes architectural preservation and licensed wildlife rehabilitation, while no matching funds are required and there are no limits on reapplications.

The Kinsman Foundation Small Grants program supports projects that benefit the public in Oregon and southern Washington, focusing on historic preservation and native wildlife rehabilitation. Grants, typically under $5,000, are awarded to tax-exempt nonprofits and government agencies without matching fund requirements. Applications are reviewed every 6-8 weeks, with no specific deadlines for inquiries under $5,000. The foundation emphasizes project support while considering general administrative support valuable for nonprofits.

The OR Forest Stewardship Program aims to support landowners in creating effective Stewardship and Tree Farm Plans. Collaborating with state forestry agencies, it provides essential resources to manage forests sustainably, ensuring timber production, wildlife habitat preservation, and recreational opportunities. The program offers up to 75% cost-share for professionally written plans, promoting responsible forest management while enhancing environmental quality. This initiative not only benefits private landowners but also contributes to healthier landscapes adjacent to National Forest System lands.

The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects program invites eligible entities to secure funding for initiatives that enhance water resource management across various sectors, including conservation, infrastructure improvement, and watershed restoration. Priority is given to projects that collaboratively address community needs and yield significant environmental benefits. This funding opportunity aligns with federal priorities aimed at optimizing resource use and improving grant oversight, as outlined in recent executive orders.

The External Collaborative Research (ECR) program by Boehringer Ingelheim invites academic and community scientists to propose collaborative studies aimed at protocol development and result publication. This program offers potential drug and financial support, excluding direct salary for the Principal Investigator. Budgets must represent fair market value and will be negotiated further. Research interests span therapeutic areas including Cardio-Renal-Metabolic, Mental Health, Dermatology, and Oncology, encouraging innovative solutions to unmet medical needs.

The Bark Beetle Mitigation Fund Grant aims to support family forestland owners in Oregon by providing financial assistance for prevention and restoration projects related to bark beetle infestations. The program focuses on enhancing forest resilience, with a 50% cost-share available for qualified projects. Priority is given to areas at immediate risk of outbreaks. This initiative aligns with the Oregon Department of Forestry's mission to promote sustainable forest management and protect valuable natural resources.

The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) offers Grant-In-Aid (GIA) funding to support conservation and management programs for wild sheep populations across North America and Central Asia. Established in 1977, WSF prioritizes collaborative proposals that involve partners and matching funds. The organization has raised over $130 million for wild sheep conservation, emphasizing scientific management and public education about sustainable hunting practices. GIA funding decisions align with WSF's mission and identified priority goals.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is an initiative by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service aimed at enhancing conservation efforts on working lands. It provides technical and financial assistance to help producers improve soil health, increase crop resilience, and develop wildlife habitats. Participants can receive annual payments for implementing conservation practices and can opt for bundles to achieve higher payment rates. By fostering sustainable agriculture, CSP promotes environmental benefits and economic viability for farmers.

The Undergraduate & Graduate Grant Program, supported by the Anacortes Salmon Derby, aims to fund research focused on recreationally important fish species in the Pacific Northwest. This initiative prioritizes applicants studying Fisheries Biology or Management, encouraging the conservation of salmon and other marine species. Scholarships and grants are available for undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate a commitment to ecological research and sustainable fisheries management, ensuring the protection of vital aquatic resources for future generations.

The Western Division Scholarship Program offers up to $5,000 annually to support masters or doctoral students in fisheries science. Awards are based on academic excellence, potential contributions to the fisheries profession, and progress toward a graduate degree. Eligible applicants must be members of the American Fisheries Society and have completed at least one semester in a relevant graduate program within the Western Division's geographic boundaries.