Best Grants for Special Education in Oregon

The Ben B. Cheney Foundation Grant supports community improvement projects in areas where Mr. Cheney's lumber company operated. Focused on one-time project grants, the foundation emphasizes sustainability and local support. Eligible applicants include public charities and government units primarily in Washington, Oregon, and California. The foundation prioritizes projects that invest in long-lasting community needs and demonstrate innovative solutions. Since 1975, it has supported over 1,200 organizations, making a significant impact in local communities.

The Milton-Freewater Area Foundation Community Grant aims to support charitable and educational projects for the benefit of the Milton-Freewater community. Grants are awarded throughout the year on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible applicants must provide proof of non-profit status. The foundation's quarterly distribution committee evaluates funding requests, ensuring that projects enrich the lives of local residents. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of the Milton-Freewater area and its inhabitants.

The Ford Family Foundation offers Technical Assistance Grants aimed at bolstering the capacity of organizations serving rural communities in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. These grants, which can reach up to $5,000, support activities such as staff training, strategic planning, and consulting services. By enhancing internal capabilities, the foundation seeks to improve the effectiveness of nonprofits and agencies that focus on family, education, and community development, ultimately benefiting children and their families.

The TBF: Teen Pregnancy Prevention program offers financial support to 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington and Oregon focused on reducing teen pregnancy. Eligible projects must utilize evidence-based methods and can include health education initiatives and community clinic services. The program encourages applications from organizations with a clear budget and success criteria, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to this critical issue.

The Chambers Family Foundation, established in 1999, is a private non-profit based in Eugene, Oregon, committed to enhancing community welfare. It prioritizes funding projects in arts, education, medical, health, and human needs, specifically in Lane and Benton counties. The foundation supports initiatives that align with its values and have a significant community impact. Applications for operating funds are accepted, while capital project funding is considered under special circumstances.

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 Miller Foundation: Education Grant aims to ensure equitable opportunities for all Oregon students. It provides funding for K-12 education organizations that create supportive learning environments and prioritize student engagement, especially for those from underserved communities. The grant encompasses a variety of programs, including arts education and early childhood initiatives, while emphasizing the importance of family and community involvement. Organizations may apply for single or multi-year grants, fostering long-term partnerships to enhance educational equity across the state.

The Herbert A. Templeton Foundation, established in 1955, supports tax-exempt organizations focused on education, social services, and cultural arts in Oregon. It prioritizes funding for direct services to youth under 18 and requires applying organizations to be 501(c)(3) entities in good standing. Grant requests are processed biannually, with deadlines in March and October. The Foundation emphasizes accountability, requiring grant reports that demonstrate measurable outcomes related to its funding.

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 Roundhouse Foundation's Capital Grants program offers funding for building maintenance and new construction projects aimed at enhancing rural Oregon communities. Grants of up to $25,000 are available for essential repairs, while new construction projects can receive up to $100,000. Emphasizing sustainability and community impact, the foundation seeks innovative proposals that foster economic resilience, improve safety, and expand organizational capacity in arts, culture, and social services.

The Nature in Neighborhoods Capital Grants, provided by Metro, support diverse community projects aimed at enhancing local parks, restoring streams, and promoting nature education. These grants prioritize projects led by community organizations and local governments, focusing on publicly owned capital projects that advance racial equality and climate resilience. With funding available for land acquisition and urban transformations, the program seeks to engage communities and foster connections with nature throughout the greater Portland area.

The Reser Family Foundation offers Fast-Track Grants to established 501(c)(3) organizations in Oregon, focusing on Education, Health, Arts, and Environment. The grants aim to support innovative and inclusive projects that enhance community welfare. Eligible organizations must have a history of operations in Oregon, with funding requests capped at $12,499. The foundation seeks to empower nonprofits addressing local needs through streamlined application processes, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to vital community initiatives.

The Betty Kinsman Fund supports arts in Oregon and southern Washington, focusing on theatre, literary arts, and photography. Grants prioritize smaller organizations and aim to celebrate individual artists and innovative presentations. The fund does not support physical improvements, arts education, or activities aimed at specialty audiences. While all proposals are considered, preference is given to project support over general operating expenses. This initiative honors Betty Kinsman's passion for the arts while ensuring a public benefit.

The Trust Management Services Grant - Mid Valley Region, funded by the Braemar Charitable Trust, supports Oregon non-profit organizations focusing on education, community service, arts, culture, youth activities, and historical preservation. Applicants must provide a Treasury Authorization Letter confirming 501c3 status. Note that the grant does not cover capital campaigns, individual scholarships, or projects exceeding $75,000. Special consideration is given to applications with an educational component.

The Howard Wallis Irwin & Dorise Carlyon Irwin Foundation Grant aims to support youth, families, education, and the elderly. Established in 1992, the foundation focuses on social service projects that promote independence and self-reliance, primarily in the Portland Metropolitan area. Funding is limited to organizations with 501(c)(3) status, with an emphasis on efforts that enhance economic participation and community vitality. The foundation does not support medical research or grants to individuals.

The Roundhouse Foundation invites proposals for its Open Call for Proposals, focusing on enhancing rural communities in Oregon. Grants, typically ranging from $20,000 to $50,000, support projects in arts, education, environmental stewardship, and social services. Eligible organizations must demonstrate community impact and innovative approaches. Applications are reviewed by external panels, with funding decisions announced within 6-8 weeks. Organizations are encouraged to connect with the Foundation for guidance prior to submission.

The Dubs Foundation's Responsive Grants Program aims to empower youth and promote healthy families through innovative projects in Southern Oregon and Northern California. Established in 1996, the foundation prioritizes rural organizations that foster an active outdoor lifestyle and support veterans' reintegration. With a focus on community improvement, the foundation encourages partnerships with nonprofits to enhance access to basic needs and inspire a love of wilderness areas. Applicants should review fluid guidelines regularly as the foundation prepares for its 20th anniversary.

The Preserving Oregon Grant, offered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, provides matching funds for rehabilitation projects that aid in preserving historic resources on the National Register of Historic Places. This initiative reflects OPRD's commitment to protecting Oregon's cultural heritage while ensuring that future generations can enjoy and learn from these significant sites. Through these grants, OPRD aims to foster community engagement and enhance the understanding of Oregon's historical narrative.

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 Community Enhancement Grants in Sherwood, funded by Metro, aim to uplift neighborhoods impacted by garbage transfer facilities. Since 1986, over $6 million has been invested in local projects, enhancing community well-being through initiatives that support youth, improve environmental quality, and boost recreational opportunities. Each spring, approximately $90,000 is awarded to various projects, fostering collaboration between non-profits, local governments, and community organizations. This program exemplifies a commitment to creating thriving communities in the Sherwood area.

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 Charlotte Martin Foundation prioritizes funding for rural BIPOC organizations focused on youth programs, emphasizing education, athletics, and cultural expression for ages 6-18. Grants support initiatives that enhance access to diverse experiences, educational opportunities, and sports programs. The foundation is committed to addressing inequities in funding distribution, ensuring resources reach non-dominant communities. Organizations must be based in the Western states and demonstrate a commitment to racial equity and diversity in their leadership and programming.

The Trust Management Services Grant in Eastern Oregon aims to support projects focused on education, community service, arts and culture, youth activities, and historical preservation. With special consideration for applications that incorporate educational elements, this grant encourages innovative initiatives that benefit the local communities of Baker, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, and Wheeler counties. Ensure to submit your application 30 days prior to the deadline.

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.

Mission

The mission of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations.

Vision

To take the long view to protect Oregon's special places and provide the greatest experience while creating stable future funding.

Oregon Heritage Grant

The Oregon Heritage Grant provides matching grants to non-profit organizations, federal recognized tribal governments, universities and local governments for projects that conserve, develop or interpret Oregon’s heritage.

Oregon Heritage Grant funds are to be used for:

• Support of projects that preserve, develop, or interpret of Oregon's cultural heritage. Priority will be given to projects that preserve, develop, or interpret threatened heritage resources and/or heritage resources of statewide significance.

The grant may fund a broad variety of projects including, but not limited to:

• collections preservation and access,
• exhibits,
• oral history projects,
• public education events,
• organizational archives projects,
• films theatrical performances,
• teaching traditional practices,
• public history interpretation,
• organizational planning that supports heritage resources, and more.

Definitions

• Heritage is the array of significant things, thoughts, and activities associated with the human experiences in Oregon.
• Oregon’s heritage resources include:
  • artifacts and other manifestations of material culture,
  • documents,
  • publications,
  • photographs and films,
  • prehistoric and historic sites,
  • historic buildings and other structures,
  • cultural landscapes,
  • cultural practices,
  • heritage celebrations,
  • festivals and fairs, and
  • songs, stories, and recordings associated with the human experience in Oregon.

The Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards celebrate remarkable contributions to heritage preservation by individuals and organizations. Nominations for the 2026 awards will open in fall 2025, honoring outstanding efforts that inspire future work. This initiative, supported by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, emphasizes the importance of volunteers in maintaining Oregon's rich heritage, promoting inclusivity, and creating sustainable partnerships for the next century.