Best Homelessness Grants in Oregon

Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups working on issues like homelessness services can access funding through Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Care Foundation’s CommuniCare program. Student “mini-foundations” match up to $15,000 per group, awarding US $1,000 - US $15,000 to Oregon organizations whose work aligns with their annually chosen mission statements.

Nonprofit organizations in Oregon addressing homelessness, affordable housing, or related community needs can apply for Banner Bank’s Banner Gives grants. Programs focused on housing stability, homelessness services, homeownership counseling, or creating and preserving equitable, affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents may be especially competitive.

Oregon 501(c)(3) public charities working on homelessness services, families in crisis, education, or mental health can apply for program support from Walters Foundation. The funder generally supports organizations in Oregon, with preference for metropolitan Portland. Nonprofits serving at-risk youth, families, and the elderly experiencing housing instability may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) agencies in Oregon addressing housing issues, homelessness, and related social welfare needs can seek $2,500 - $7,500 to start or expand programs. Charis Fund also supports food insecurity, at-risk youth, mental health, domestic violence, and substance abuse services, with priority for small-to-medium organizations under a $10M annual budget.

The NFL Grants program, in partnership with the Bob Woodruff Foundation, is dedicated to supporting veterans, service members, and their families. This initiative funds programs aimed at improving health and well-being, enhancing opportunities, and reducing barriers to care. Organizations providing direct services to the military community can apply for funding, ensuring financial responsibility and sustainability. Grants are awarded twice a year, with applications reviewed year-round.

The Imagine Learning Foundation's Signature Grant Program aims to enhance the well-being of learners by supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) initiatives. By bridging classroom and community efforts, it fosters healthier environments for youth, families, and educators. The program prioritizes funding for organizations addressing critical issues like chronic absenteeism and housing insecurity. In 2024, the foundation will allocate over $400,000 to impactful projects, furthering its mission to cultivate supportive learning experiences both in and out of the classroom.

501(c)(3) public charities in Oregon can apply for Looking Out Foundation’s US $5,000 - US $25,000 grants to support homelessness services alongside broader social justice and humanitarian work. Organizations aiding the unhoused, displaced people, immigrant communities, LGBTQIA2S+ communities, women, youth, or mental health access may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations providing homelessness and housing services in Oregon can apply for TruStage Foundation support for programs that advance economic mobility through affordable housing, supportive housing, and shelters. TruStage Foundation prioritizes communities near its headquarters but also supports efforts across all 50 states that address racial and socioeconomic disparities through housing-focused initiatives.

Oregon homelessness service nonprofits and related community organizations can access funding for programs addressing housing instability, hunger, poverty, health, and disaster relief. Through the O'Reilly Automotive Foundation, eligible U.S.-based 501(c)(3) groups near O’Reilly Auto Parts locations may request project, general operating, or capital support to improve quality of life for underserved individuals and families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing homelessness services, housing insecurity, or related community needs in Oregon and across the U.S. can seek program support from Affirm Cares. Affirm Cares provides grants for scalable, measurable initiatives in financial literacy, vibrant communities, and technology education that may benefit people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Youth leaders ages 13–23 in Oregon running homelessness, food insecurity, education equity, environmental justice, or other kindness-centered social impact projects can apply for Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship, with awards up to US $5,000. Funding supports project startup or expansion costs through a school, nonprofit, or other 501(c)(3) partner.

Nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Oregon can seek up to US $7,500 for projects in areas like homelessness services, health, education, and public safety. With a mission to support community-focused programs, Spirit Mountain Foundation provides small, competitive grants through a two-step LOI and full application process within its Northwest Oregon service counties and Tribal communities.

Nonprofit organizations and eligible public agencies in Oregon seeking support for programmatic work or capital projects can apply for large grants up to US $100,000. Focused on education, environmental preservation, health, arts and culture, historic preservation, and public safety, Spirit Mountain Foundation invites projects that may include homelessness services within its broad priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting homelessness services and related community programs in Oregon can seek funding for operating support, projects, or endowments. The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation prioritizes areas where its directors and members are active, and typically awards grants of up to $15,000 for innovative, effective initiatives.

Nonprofits, schools, faith-based groups, local government entities, and sponsored individuals in Oregon can apply for City of Gresham’s Community Enhancement Grant to support community improvement projects. Funding can back homelessness services, job readiness for unemployed or homeless residents, park and youth programs, safety and cleanliness efforts, and projects benefiting underserved populations in Gresham and surrounding neighborhoods.

Nonprofit organizations providing homelessness services, housing support, or related social services can apply for St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation’s community support grants, awarding US $500 - US $5,000. While the funder prioritizes New Hampshire communities, Oregon homelessness programs with similar missions may be eligible if they align with the foundation’s impact areas.

Nonprofit organizations providing homelessness and housing, social services, or related support can access funding through St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation for program or project needs, with awards ranging from US $500 - US $5,000. While the foundation primarily serves New Hampshire communities, Oregon homelessness services may review the priorities to see if their work aligns geographically and programmatically.

Nonprofit organizations in Oregon addressing homelessness, food insecurity, environmental improvement, or economic mobility can apply for Sensata Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 to support community-focused programs. U.S.-based charities serving people experiencing homelessness, including shelters and supportive housing providers, may be especially competitive if they also advance local community well-being.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions working on homelessness and related basic needs can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 from Middle Run Charitable Foundation; funding supports programs that build healthy, self-sufficient families. Focus areas include food insecurity, health access, innovative education, and life-skills programs addressing homelessness and poverty, primarily serving Delaware, with some exceptions.

The FY 2026 Continuum of Care Competition and Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program Grants aim to eliminate homelessness through community collaboration. The program provides funding to various entities to help rehouse individuals and families in need, especially those affected by domestic violence and youth experiencing homelessness. Additionally, it focuses on promoting access to mainstream resources and enhancing self-sufficiency among those impacted by homelessness, particularly targeting youth aged 24 and younger.

The Youth Homelessness NOFO for FY2024 and FY2025 aims to provide funding through YHSI and YHDP programs, focusing on comprehensive strategies to reduce homelessness among youth aged 24 and under. This initiative supports eligible communities in establishing or enhancing their response systems to youth homelessness, addressing housing needs alongside essential services for health, substance use, and employment barriers. Technical assistance will also be available for project implementation and evaluation.

The FY 2026 Basic Center Program (BCP) offers crucial support for runaway and homeless youth by providing emergency shelter and counseling services. Aimed at those who have left home involuntarily or face homelessness, BCPs help youth under 18 with food, clothing, and health care referrals, offering up to 21 days of shelter. The program strives to reunite youth with their families or find suitable alternative placements, fostering community-based solutions to meet their immediate needs.

The Street Outreach Program (SOP) offers vital street-based services to runaway and homeless youth at risk of sexual abuse and trafficking. By focusing on areas where these youths gather, the program aims to empower them with healthy choices, access to shelter, food, hygiene supplies, and information on available services, ultimately promoting their safety and well-being. Funded by the US Department of Health & Human Services, this initiative plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable populations.

Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network Grant

How the Public Exchange Network Works

No single university – even a large R1 – has enough faculty expertise available to meet the needs of every partner. The Public Exchange Network was designed to help universities work together seamlessly to build robust partnerships and generate more collective impact. Universities joining the network are independent but affiliated members, with full control over their own program and project portfolios. As a national network with local, on-the-ground capacity, Public Exchange Network members can also share approaches that work, scale solutions to common problems, and build cross-regional partnerships together. 

As an institutional partner in the Public Exchange Network, universities will build capacity to develop, test and implement solutions to the most urgent problems in their regions and beyond. Universities joining the Public Exchange Network get:

• The tools, templates and training they need to start right away;
• A shared brand they can plug into on day one;
• A network of faculty, past and potential partners and philanthropic relationships, benefitting everyone in the network. 

Public Exchange Network Expansion grants will cover 75-80% of the minimum estimated annual costs for two years to launch a new Public Exchange. To launch a Public Exchange, universities must have the following in place: (1) a staff executive director with experience launching and leading social impact partnerships, (2) a project seed fund, and (3) a modest operations budget. We also recommend some in-kind project management support from an existing university staff member. The grant includes a two-year Public Exchange Executive Director (ED) compensation subsidy of $300,000 to launch the Public Exchange on campus, and a 2-year license to use the Public Exchange brand. New Public Exchange Network members will also receive ongoing support and guidance from current Public Exchange leadership and staff at USC and WashU, including recruitment support and intensive training for hiring and onboarding an executive director, a sub-site on the Public Exchange website, incubation and project management support from current Public Exchange staff, and a suite of tools for developing and implementing Public Exchange projects.

Nonprofits, public institutions, and municipalities serving Weyerhaeuser communities in Oregon can seek funding for human services and homelessness-related programs. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports local priorities within focus areas like equitable and affordable housing, supportive housing and shelters, and human and social services, with grants of more than US $1,000 awarded throughout the year.

The Summer Lea Hillman Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable children, animals, and communities in the Portland metro area. The foundation prioritizes animal health and safety, child and youth development, homeless services, and environmental sustainability. Eligible organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt public charities. The foundation does not fund individuals, ensuring support is directed towards impactful community initiatives.