Best Quality of Life Grants in Oregon

The Arts ADA Accessibility Reimbursement Grants, offered by the Oregon Arts Commission, aim to enhance accessibility in arts organizations for individuals of all abilities. This program supports funding for specific accessibility-related expenses and ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Organizations must operate as nonprofits and prioritize arts programming as their main mission. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in the arts community.

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.

Idaho Power Company is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through financial and in-kind contributions that support various local initiatives. Their approach emphasizes accountability while balancing the needs of their customers and shareholders. The organization focuses on health services, education, arts, civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and diverse community support. Idaho Power aims to foster inclusive practices and timely responses to contribution requests, ultimately enriching the quality of life in the regions they serve.

The Oregon Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Funds Program provides financial assistance to enhance the quality of care and life for nursing home residents. Funded through penalties imposed on non-compliant facilities, these grants support initiatives such as relocation assistance, training for staff, and projects that foster resident engagement. Eligible organizations include advocacy groups and nursing home associations. However, funds cannot be used for capital improvements or to rectify compliance issues, ensuring they directly benefit residents.

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 OWEB Small Grant Projects support local restoration initiatives across Oregon, offering up to $20,000 for on-the-ground projects that enhance water quality, aquatic species, and wildlife habitats. This competitive program encourages community engagement and prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate watershed benefits and adhere to specific project guidelines. Eligible applicants include tribes, watershed councils, and local agencies committed to sustainable practices that align with the Oregon Conservation Strategy.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

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.

The Henry Lea Hillman Jr. Foundation Grant aims to elevate the quality of life in the Portland region by supporting innovative initiatives. With a focus on improving health, safety, and equity, the foundation encourages applications from organizations with proven track records in areas such as arts, education, and human services. This funding opportunity is designed for those who can demonstrate impactful contributions to the community.

The Hoover Family Foundation Grant, established in 1992, supports non-profit organizations in Portland, Oregon, and Indianapolis, Indiana. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster self-sufficiency, provide effective social services, and improve educational opportunities. Grants are limited to organizations serving the Portland metropolitan area, adhering to geographic restrictions. Due to high demand and limited resources, only a small number of applications can be funded each year, emphasizing the need for complete and compliant submissions.

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 Collins Foundation GO Grants support organizations in Oregon focused on advancing equity and justice. These responsive grants prioritize arts, education, health equity, and environmental protection, while emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in their operations. Eligible organizations must have been operating for at least one year, with a budget of $20,000 and an independent board. Notably, the foundation does not fund religious activities or certain educational institutions.

The Advancing Disability Justice Grants, offered by the Northwest Health Foundation, aim to empower disabled BIPOC leaders and organizations in Oregon and parts of Washington. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000 to enhance community building, civic engagement, and leadership development. The program emphasizes projects led by those most impacted by disability injustices, fostering equity and inclusion. NWHF also allocates additional funds for accessibility costs to ensure all community members can participate meaningfully.

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 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 Charlotte Martin Foundation's Wildlife and Habitat Program focuses on promoting biodiversity and habitat conservation in the Northwest. It engages communities in addressing climate change impacts while emphasizing the importance of ecosystem resilience. Through collaboration with local organizations, the program aims to restore critical habitats, enhance landscape connectivity, and support underserved populations in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. This initiative recognizes the vital role of community engagement and sustainable practices in protecting wildlife and natural resources.

The CCWC Cultural Coalition Grant supports nonprofit arts, heritage, and humanities organizations in Washington County. Through the Community Cultural Participation Grant Program, it aims to promote public awareness, support diverse cultural activities, and increase access to arts education. Grants range from $1,000 to $3,000, encouraging projects that enhance community engagement and cultural tourism. This initiative fosters cultural diversity and partnerships, enriching the region's cultural landscape.

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 Lane County Cultural Coalition Grant supports cultural programs and projects in Lane County, promoting arts, heritage, and humanities. Funded by the Oregon Cultural Trust, it aims to enhance public access, awareness, and education in cultural activities. Eligible applicants include individuals, organizations, and educational institutions. The grant prioritizes projects that stabilize cultural resources, raise awareness, and encourage education. It excludes tuition assistance, completed projects, and fundraising initiatives, ensuring support for meaningful cultural engagement.

The Zera Foundation Grant, established in 2011, supports nonprofit organizations in Oregon aimed at enhancing quality of life. With a focus on poverty, youth, animals, and Jewish-based initiatives, the Foundation seeks to fund new programs that help existing organizations achieve their mission. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities and can only receive one grant per year, ensuring a concentrated impact in their communities.

The Better Nursing Home Care Fund Grant, offered by The Oregon Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of care for nursing home residents in Oregon. This grant seeks applications from tax-exempt nonprofits and public agencies focused on innovative staffing solutions, training practices, and collaborative partnerships. It prioritizes projects that improve residents' quality of life and implement evidence-based best practices, while excluding funding for equipment or capital projects.

Dallas Community Foundation

It all started with an idea – a charitable fund that would benefit the present and future needs of the Dallas community. In 1995, that idea was transformed into reality with the establishment of the Dallas Community Foundation. The Foundation helps people put their charitable dollars into their own community, giving a hand up to those in need. With over $2 million in assets under management, the Foundation gives back to the Dallas community through an annual grant and scholarship distribution.

Grants

Through its annual grant distribution, the Dallas Community Foundation gives back, investing in solutions to address local needs. The Foundation funds a wide variety of programs and projects, reflecting the diverse needs and opportunities in the Dallas community, benefiting residents of all ages. Preference is given to proposals that serve urgent needs and/or have a broad and meaningful impact on the community. The Foundation grant funds are intended to assist those in need and improve quality of life to make Dallas a better, more vibrant place, in every corner of the community.

Funding Priorities

The Foundation will prioritize funding requests for the following project types and funding categories:

• Project types: new or existing projects/programs, equipment purchases, general operations. The Foundation may consider, but does not encourage, applications for capital projects or capacity building.
• Funding categories: educational, charitable, civic, recreational, cultural, youth, seniors, health and safety, general welfare.

For the 2026 grant distribution, the Foundation will focus particularly on the following funding priorities:

• Health and Wellbeing of Vulnerable Populations
• Opportunities for Youth and Seniors
• Community Livability

The Nike Community Impact Fund Grant Program, established in 2010, supports nonprofits and schools in the Portland area, focusing on promoting sport and physical activity. Annually, at least $550,000 is awarded to empower youth through play, fostering healthier and more inclusive communities. The program prioritizes projects benefiting underrepresented populations and encourages innovative solutions to local challenges. Applications are open to qualified organizations in specific Oregon and Washington counties, emphasizing collaboration with Nike employees.

The Small Community Initiative Grant provides essential funding to rural Oregon communities, fostering enhanced quality of life and sustainable economic development. The program offers up to four annual grants of $10,000 to support local initiatives. It encourages community participation and collaboration among stakeholders to drive meaningful change. This grant prioritizes towns with populations under 15,000, emphasizing the importance of community-led efforts in creating lasting revitalization and connections to broader regional economic opportunities.

Cambia Health Foundation is dedicated to enhancing healthcare experiences through its RFP, which aims to support older adult kinship and grand-family caregivers. By promoting strategies that strengthen social connections and improve access to mental health services, the foundation seeks to address the unique challenges faced by these caregivers. The initiative encourages tailored proposals that reflect the diverse needs of kinship families, ultimately fostering a more interconnected and supportive community for aging individuals.

PGE Foundation

The PGE Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization, aligns its grantmaking with Portland General Electric’s commitment to the communities it serves.

Founded in 1997, the Foundation was created through an endowment with the purpose of improving the quality of life for all Oregonians.

Since our inception, more than $33 million in investments has helped community-based organizations expand access to education, creative expression, and career pathways that strengthen long-term economic prosperity.

Climate Resilient Communities Fund

The PGE Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its new Climate Resilient Communities Fund. Opening in March 2026, the Climate Resilient Communities Fund will help strengthen community preparedness, protect vulnerable populations, and support long-term environmental and economic vitality across Oregon. This new investment builds on extensive engagement with community partners and reflects the growing urgency of climate-related risks facing Oregon communities today, particularly those historically under-resourced.

Record-breaking wildfires, extreme heat, and other climate-related disasters are challenging our communities like never before—especially those in historically underinvested areas. We support locally driven, community-based programs that address some of the most pressing climate challenges facing Oregonians. We believe solutions rooted in local leadership are best informed by the needs and lived experiences of the communities most affected.

We prioritize organizations and programs that demonstrate elements of the following:

Core Mission

The mission of the organization prioritizes:

• Wildfire Hazard and Preparedness: Supporting community-driven strategies to reduce wildfire hazards, enable preparedness and response, and build long-term recovery capacity in fire-prone areas before fire comes.
• Nature-based Solutions: Investing in community stewardship through habitat restoration, tree canopy, and green infrastructure projects that cool communities, improve water and air quality, and protect ecosystems
• Parks and Public Spaces: Expanding, enhancing, and sustaining equitable access to safe, climate-resilient outdoor community gathering spaces where people connect and find refuge.

Outcomes

The proposed project will result in:

• Increased local community capacity and ongoing stewardship for resilience (especially for small and rural organizations)
• Measurable improvements in wildfire preparedness, canopy cover, restoration and green infrastructure
• Greater access to climate-resilient public spaces
• Stronger collaboration and learning networks across sectors

The Community Enhancement Grant Program in Oregon City aims to improve the quality of life by funding projects that enhance cleanliness, promote recycling, and upgrade community spaces. Supported by Metro's funding, these grants target organizations that can demonstrate community benefit. Eligible applicants include non-profits and educational institutions. Projects must secure matching resources and comply with guidelines to ensure inclusivity and avoid discrimination. This initiative fosters community engagement and environmental awareness.