Best Social Justice Grants in Oregon

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Oregon working on social justice, housing, education, environmental sustainability, and related community initiatives can seek sponsorship funding for programs, events, or capital campaigns. Beneficial State Foundation, through Beneficial State Bank, offers up to US $1,000 to organizations advancing transformative social justice and environmental work in its target sectors.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs can seek funding to develop or expand their work, including those serving Oregon communities. Grants from Creag Foundation help organizations that are pioneering new approaches to societal issues, including social justice and human rights, once they have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

Nonprofit cultural institutions offering arts and science programs in Oregon can apply for more than US $100,000 to support youth engagement and lasting impact projects. William Randolph Hearst Foundation funds program, capital, and limited general or endowment support for museums, performing arts centers, theaters, symphonies, ballets, arts schools, and related organizations serving broad U.S. audiences.

Oregon organizations working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for low-income urban youth can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for project support or scaling efforts. Eligible applicants include a wide range of nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public entities in the U.S., with requests of more than US $50,000 considered.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities addressing health equity, poverty, and related social determinants in Oregon and beyond can apply for the Ronald W Naito Foundation’s unrestricted grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $40,000 for programs and advocacy. Organizations advancing social justice and human rights through improved health outcomes and reduced inequities may benefit.

Ronald W Naito MD Foundation provides Oregon social justice and human rights nonprofits with unrestricted US $10,000 - US $40,000 grants to advance sustainable, equitable communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities with a U.S. office, including those working globally, may apply for initiatives in environmental justice, economic mobility, and health equity for under-resourced communities.

Nonprofit organizations and aligned for-profits working in preservation, education, or wellness can use this grant to tell powerful stories about their community impact, including work in Oregon. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports high-quality communications that highlight efforts like conservation, historic preservation, mental health, education, and related initiatives across its three charitable pillars.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation on social, racial, economic, or environmental justice can apply for recoverable grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000 from Impact Fund. These grants, available in Oregon and nationwide, cover out-of-pocket litigation costs like expert fees and discovery to advance systemic law reform.

Qualified 501(c) or 521(a) nonprofits in Oregon, including fiscally sponsored emerging groups, can apply for the City of Portland Oregon’s PCEF Mini Grants; awards up to US $5,000 for activities advancing racial and social justice while addressing climate change. Funding can support grant writing, small projects, events, and training on a rolling, quarterly basis.

Insperity provides Oregon community service nonprofits with philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to help meet key service and fundraising goals. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must either be Insperity clients, engage Insperity employees, or serve communities where employees live and work. Social justice and human rights organizations in Multnomah County may be especially interested.

Nonprofits, public agencies, Tribal organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects in Oregon can seek general operating support for arts and culture, education, environment, child welfare, health equity, and equity-focused work. The Collins Foundation supports organizations advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, which may include social justice and human rights initiatives benefiting Oregon residents.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and local governments in Wilsonville, Oregon can receive Metro support for community enhancement projects that improve environmental quality, safety, recreation, or community enrichment. Projects must be within city limits and can include efforts benefiting youth, seniors, low-income, or underserved residents, including social justice and educational initiatives, to be completed within one year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Oregon working on basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven initiatives can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, adult self-sufficiency, economic and neighborhood revitalization, small business and nonprofit support, and arts and cultural enrichment that benefits underserved or economically vulnerable residents.

Oregon social justice and human services nonprofits can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation to support projects in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental work. 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily in the U.S., may receive US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project-based support.

Oregon social justice and human rights organizers can access funding through Social Justice Fund Northwest’s Emerging Justice Fund, which offers US $10,000 one-year general operating grants. Nonprofits, 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) groups, tribal agencies, and fiscally sponsored organizations working on grassroots community organizing in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming may be eligible.

Oregon community groups, nonprofits, neighborhood and faith-based organizations can access funding for habitat restoration, environmental justice, and community stewardship projects benefiting residents of Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties. Metro’s Community Stewardship and Restoration Grants offer up to US $100,000 to improve water quality, support fish and wildlife, build equitable partnerships, and expand nature access for marginalized communities.

Grassroots nonprofit organizations, tribal agencies, and fiscally sponsored groups working on tenant and housing justice organizing in Oregon and the broader Northwest can apply for the Tenant and Housing Justice Grant, with awards up to US $25,000. Grants from Social Justice Fund Northwest prioritize BIPOC-led, rural, and small-budget groups advancing equitable, affordable, and supportive housing systems.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving quality of life in Oregon communities can seek project, operating, or capital support for programs serving underserved people. With a mission to strengthen economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding to local, non-discriminatory charities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

Nonprofits, schools, and local government entities in Sherwood can seek funding for community enhancement projects, including social justice, environmental, educational, and economic initiatives. Metro supports programs in Oregon that benefit underserved residents, improve neighborhood safety and cleanliness, expand recreation, enhance art and culture, and increase reuse, recycling, and environmental quality within city boundaries.

Oregon 501(c)(3) public charities running safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability programs can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Giving Program. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building in Union Pacific–served communities, and organizations advancing equity and inclusion or social justice within these focus areas may be especially competitive.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.