Best Portland Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

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

The department was created as a branch of the Highway Department in 1921. The 1989 Legislature created a separate Parks and Recreation Department, effective in 1990. State park user fees, Oregon Lottery dollars, and recreation vehicle license fees are the main fund sources for department activities.

Veterans and War Memorials Grant

The Veterans and War Memorials Grant Program was created and authorized by House Bill 2739 during the 73rd Oregon legislative assembly in 2005. It created opportunities for organizations to receive grant funds to construct or restore veterans and war memorials on public property pursuant to ORS 390.180(1)(d) and Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 736, Division 17. The OPRD was designated as the state department to administer this grant program. Funding for this program comes from the OPRD budget.

The Veterans’ and War Memorials Grant Program provides funding assistance to local governments for the construction and restoration of veterans’ and war memorials. There is approximately $300,000 available for this program. Grant amounts are generally between $10,000 and $70,000. Grant funds are let on a biannual basis in January of odd-numbered years, subject to availability of funds.

Oregon Department of Justice - Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division

The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) serves state government while supporting safe and healthy communities throughout Oregon. It serves as general counsel for all legal proceedings affecting the state. The Oregon DOJ has programs in ten divisions, including child support, district attorney assistance, crime victim compensation, charitable activity oversight and consumer protection services.

Oregon Department of Justice Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division (CVSSD) connects many different programs with a single goal: to serve victims effectively and compassionately. We fund statewide victim service programs, help victims cover crime-related costs, and through our advisory committees and partnerships, we help shape best practices statewide and bring a diverse collection of voices to the issue of victims’ rights.

Trauma Informed Response Training Grant

The 2021 Legislature passed HB 2575 requiring the Department of Justice to establish a Trauma Informed Response Training (TIRT) grant program along with rules to govern it. HB2575 was passed to help create systems that understand and know how to work with individuals who have experienced trauma. The ODOJ will partner with TIRT to deliver the TIRT model curriculum through both day-long regional trainings and four-day statewide Train the Trainer facilitator trainings.

The purpose of TIRT funds is to fund training for groups and agencies that interact with persons who have experienced trauma. Specifically, the training is intended for law enforcement, district attorneys, sexual assault nurse examiners, emergency communications workers, victim advocates or any other group or agency the law enforcement agency or local government determines appropriate for the training.

KBF Ski Racing Safety

The KBF helps alpine ski clubs around the country purchase safety equipment like netting and padding, and also contributes to venue improvement initiatives. Funding requests are reviewed through an annual grant cycle with an application process. Over the past decade, the Kelly Brush Foundation has purchased thousands of rolls of b-netting, supported trail widening projects, and helped with the purchase of other safety equipment. 

KBF Ski Racing Safety Equipment Grants are all matching grants–meaning that any grant awarded by the Kelly Brush Foundation will need to be matched by the ski club. We expect that clubs will join us in making safety a priority by fundraising or finding room in their budget for safety.

The BJA FY 2026 Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program aims to support community organizations and tribal governments in providing essential mentoring and transitional services for individuals returning from correctional facilities. This initiative targets those assessed as moderate to high risk for recidivism, addressing their needs both pre-and post-release. By fostering successful reintegration into society, the program contributes to public safety and reduces recidivism rates, aligning with the mission of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The BJA FY 2026 Capital Case Litigation Initiative aims to enhance legal representation in state capital cases. By providing essential funding, this initiative supports both prosecutors and defense attorneys to ensure equitable legal processes for indigent defendants. The U.S. Department of Justice emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens' rights. Applications are due by November 5, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET, marking a critical opportunity for improvement in capital case litigation.

The BJA FY 2026 Upholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrongful Convictions Program aims to enhance justice by strengthening the capacity of entities that review wrongful convictions. By supporting partnerships among criminal justice and victims' services, the program seeks to effectively manage post-conviction claims of innocence and prevent future errors. This initiative will help identify actual perpetrators and ensure justice for victims, contributing to public safety and the integrity of the legal system.

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Inc

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is the only nonprofit charity organization dedicated to ending mesothelioma, and the suffering caused by this cancer, by:

• funding research to improve treatment options;
• providing treatment support and education for patients and their families;
• and advocating for federal funding of research.

The mission of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation spans across four distinct areas: through research, education, support, and advocacy the Foundation seeks to eradicate the vicious effects of mesothelioma. Led by the Board of Directors, our team works collaboratively to develop and administer our programs, and to fundraise to pay for those programs (the Foundation is funded by private individual and corporate contributions only — it does not receive any government funding).

Patient Travel Grant Program

A mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment often require the patient and their family to incur numerous expenses as part of their treatment. Travel to treatment, alone, can cause a significant financial burden on the patient, which might even cause the patient to not seek treatment away from home, even it’s their best option. To ensure that all patients have the ability to seek specialized help and treatments, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation administers its Travel Grant Program.

The Meso Foundation’s Patient Travel Grant Program, founded by Mary and Bob Cosentino, provides travel grants to patients and one caregiver traveling for an initial consult and/or for clinical trial treatments.

• The type of eligible travel must fall into at least one of these two categories:
  • One trip for one initial consultation with a mesothelioma specialist.
  • Multiple trips to participate in an interventional clinical trial (found on clinicaltrials.gov).

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Inc

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is the only nonprofit charity organization dedicated to ending mesothelioma, and the suffering caused by this cancer, by:

• funding research to improve treatment options;
• providing treatment support and education for patients and their families;
• and advocating for federal funding of research.

The mission of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation spans across four distinct areas: through research, education, support, and advocacy the Foundation seeks to eradicate the vicious effects of mesothelioma. Led by the Board of Directors, our team works collaboratively to develop and administer our programs, and to fundraise to pay for those programs (the Foundation is funded by private individual and corporate contributions only — it does not receive any government funding).

Bret A. Rosenthal Patient Assistance Fund

Patients diagnosed with cancer at a younger age often face greater financial burdens. This is a time in a patient’s life when they are raising a family, starting a career, or have not accumulated savings. For patients 49 and under, the Foundation administers the Bret A. Rosenthal Patient Assistance Fund grant program. This program is made possible by the generosity of the Rosenthal family.

Utilizing the Full Power of Empire AI Request for Applications

The Simons Foundation (SF) intends to support cutting-edge mathematics and basic science research, drawing on the advanced computational power of the Empire AI.

Toward this goal, SF plans to initiate a new program to fund six to 12 proposals through a competitive open call to the Empire AI research community.

A successful proposal will outline an ambitious two-year research program in one of the following fields, or at their intersections: computational astrophysics and physics, computational biology, mathematics, neuroscience and computational physical chemistry. Each proposal will necessarily rely on the development and utilization of foundational machine learning models, aimed at solving problems of fundamental importance in the above-listed disciplines.

Computational biophysics, neuroscience, ecology and evolution, plant biology, optimal transport, multiscale physics, fluid dynamics and numerical general relativity are representative examples of fields that could use multinode clusters of GPUs of Empire AI, which is a requirement of the program. All submitted proposals should detail how their work will use multinode clusters of GPUs in Empire AI. Proposals focused on data curation and creation of datasets can be considered in exceptional cases, as long as the attained data will be used by the proposers for solving scientific problems as part of the same proposal.

The program’s total budget is expected to be $6 million USD over a two-year period.

Funding

Award Amount: There is no maximum budget total for an individual award. The total amount requested should reflect the proposed research. All award amounts are inclusive of indirect costs (see our grant policies). Please note that we anticipate funding six to 12 applications. The total program’s budget of $6 million USD over two years will be spread across all awards.

Award Duration: June 1, 2027, through May 31, 2029.

Number of Awards: We expect to select six to 12 applications for funding.

The Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Energy Program, initiated by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), aims to enhance rural electric systems through substantial funding of approximately $175 million. This initiative focuses on increasing emission-free nuclear power and improving transmission infrastructure efficiency, promoting long-term reliability and affordability. Eligible entities include electric cooperatives serving rural areas and their subsidiaries. The program aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, thus fostering a sustainable energy future.

Greenawalt Foundation

Our Mission

The Greenawalt Foundation advances opportunities in the skilled trades through funding for accredited pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, workforce training initiatives, and youth career exploration experiences. These programs promote technical readiness and connect STEM education to modern trades careers, building a stronger, more sustainable workforce. Foundation support focuses on expanding access and creating equitable pathways to prosperity for individuals pursuing skilled trades careers. Through these efforts, the Foundation helps develop the next generation of skilled professionals who will shape the future of our communities.

Community Grant

The Greenawalt Foundation extends its commitment to opportunity and well-being through community grants that support nonprofit organizations serving women, children, and vulnerable populations. These grants focus on programs that promote safety, stability, and self-sufficiency, including initiatives supporting domestic violence recovery, foster care, the working poor, and animal welfare. Foundation support strengthens the social fabric of communities and expands access to essential resources for those in need. Through these efforts, the Foundation helps build stronger, more compassionate communities where individuals and families can thrive.

Areas of Support

We focus our community grants on initiatives that align with our mission of compassion, opportunity, and empowerment. Areas of support may include:

• Domestic violence prevention and survivor support
• Programs for women and children
• Family assistance and poverty relief initiatives
• Foster care, youth development, and educational support
• Animal welfare and community-based rescue programs

Greenawalt Foundation

Building Stronger Communities

At The Greenawalt Foundation, we believe that opportunity is the foundation of prosperity. By supporting organizations that educate, train, and empower people in the trades, we’re helping to build a stronger, more sustainable future for all.

Skilled Trades Grant Opportunities

The Greenawalt Foundation advances opportunities in the skilled trades through funding for accredited pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, workforce training initiatives, and youth career exploration experiences. These programs promote technical readiness and connect STEM education to modern trades careers, building a stronger, more sustainable workforce. Foundation support focuses on expanding access and creating equitable pathways to prosperity for individuals pursuing skilled trades careers. Through these efforts, the Foundation helps develop the next generation of skilled professionals who will shape the future of our communities.

Eligible Grant Categories

• Skilled Trades Training Support
• Pre-Apprenticeship or Apprenticeship Programs
• Youth Career Exploration Camps

Seeding Research, Networking, and Capacity Building at Minority-Serving Institutions

Introduction & Purpose

RWJF is committed to ensuring everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. To achieve this goal, we support research that examines the historical and systemic factors that cause health inequities. Some of those determinants are poverty, discrimination, and limited access to quality education, housing, safe environments, and healthcare. As attacks on data and academic freedom and ongoing funding cuts to federal health equity research and programs continue, philanthropy’s work to achieve fair and equitable health, including a more equitable research funding ecosystem, is more important than ever. While philanthropic support for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) has increased in recent years, there is more to be done to rectify historical disparities in funding. 

This call for proposals (CFP) provides support to health equity research centers at MSIs to strengthen research infrastructure and capacity-building. Capacity-building will help develop staff, skills, culture, resources, and systems that enable research to happen effectively. Specific work that RWJF may fund under this CFP includes specific skill or methodology training; faculty release time; support for research assistants, advisors, and project staffing; mentoring, professional development and collaboration, and more.

Through this CFP, RWJF will expand its efforts to transform deeply rooted beliefs about which data and research methods are valued, whose perspectives are prioritized, and which populations deserve resources. By supporting the infrastructure and capacity-building needs of MSIs, this opportunity strengthens their ability to generate critical evidence and to cultivate transformative, actionable solutions toward health equity. 

RWJF believes in health equity research that is grounded in systems thinking; supports and disseminates evidence identifying and implementing structural solutions to racial and health inequities. This CFP seeks mission-aligned institutions to participate in cohort-style peer learning to advance their ability to engage in health equity research and apply for competitive funding opportunities in the future.

Although no single philanthropy can fill the gap left by federal funding cuts, this CFP demonstrates strong support for research, historically underrepresented researchers, and research centers that are positioned to pave the way toward a future where health is not a privilege, but a right.

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Recovery Land Acquisition Grant Program, initiated in FY 2001, aims to foster collaboration between State and Federal entities in conserving listed species. This program provides funding for acquiring critical land parcels to support U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-approved recovery plans. By securing habitats at risk from development, the initiative directly addresses the primary threat to endangered species, ensuring effective and immediate conservation actions.

The Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues (SMaHT) Program aims to enhance our understanding of biological processes driven by somatic mutations in human tissues through innovative technology development. Since its inception in 2023, the program has produced multi-omic datasets from human tissues representing all germ layers. The NIH is now advancing to Stage 2, focusing on collaborative efforts to refine and implement validated technologies for somatic mutation detection and functional interpretation, promoting rigorous and cost-effective methodologies.

The Cancer Prevention and Control Programs aim to eliminate cancer through collaborative efforts among state, territorial, and tribal organizations. Funded by the CDC, this program supports initiatives such as breast and cervical cancer screening, cancer control planning, and cancer surveillance. By fostering partnerships and community involvement, the program seeks to improve health outcomes and achieve the mission of 'All People Free of Cancer.' This comprehensive approach ensures that resources are effectively coordinated to address the cancer burden in communities.

This funding opportunity from the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH) aims to advance mechanistic research on metal exposure and its effects on human health. Studies should focus on biological processes altered by metals, including their absorption, transport, and immune interactions. Innovative methodologies and human biospecimens are encouraged to explore how metals might impact immune homeostasis and cross biological barriers, providing insights into health risks associated with metal exposure.

The TURTLE Program aims to empower Tribal Entities by fostering a skilled workforce in biomedical research. It supports undergraduate and graduate students in health research, ensuring they complete their degrees and transition into impactful careers. With phased awards, the program emphasizes effective training and mentoring, inviting eligible organizations to apply. Applications will undergo NIH's peer-review process, ensuring only the most meritorious proposals are funded, ultimately enhancing Tribal health research capabilities.

The TIRBEE funding opportunity supports federally-recognized Tribes and Tribal Entities in establishing or enhancing Institutional Review Boards. This initiative aims to strengthen the capacity for biomedical research involving human participants within these communities by improving review and oversight capabilities. Eligible organizations are invited to apply, with applications subject to NIH's standard peer-review process to ensure only the most meritorious proposals are considered.

The Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues (SMaHT) Program aims to enhance our understanding of somatic mutations and their impact on human biology and disease. This initiative will establish a Tissue Procurement Center (TPC) to collect and provide clinically relevant tissue samples from a diverse set of healthy donors. The TPC will support ongoing research by ensuring high-quality, well-characterized specimens are available for functional analyses, advancing the field of somatic mosaicism.

The Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues (SMaHT) Program aims to enhance understanding of biological processes and disease mechanisms due to somatic mutations in human tissues. Since 2023, it has produced multi-omic datasets from various human tissues. The NIH plans to advance this initiative by establishing the National Somatic Mosaicism Commons Data Analysis & Organizational Center, which will oversee data management, develop analytical tools, and provide training to facilitate research and clinical applications.

The Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues (SMaHT) Program aims to uncover biological processes and disease mechanisms influenced by somatic mutations. Since its inception in 2023, it has produced valuable multi-omic datasets from diverse human tissues. The upcoming Stage 2 Genome Characterization Centers will focus on understanding the impact of these mutations in both healthy and clinically significant samples, enhancing our knowledge of somatic mosaicism's role in human health and disease.

Oregon Housing and Community Services

Oregon Housing and Community Services provides resources for Oregonians to reduce poverty and increase access to stable housing. Our intentional focus on housing and community services allows the agency to serve Oregonians across the housing continuum, including preventing homelessness, providing housing stability supports, financing the building and preservation of affordable housing, and encouraging homeownership.

Youth Emergency Housing Assistance (YEHA) Program

The Youth Emergency Housing Assistance (YEHA) program provides funding to organizations dedicated to supporting K-12 students and their families who are unhoused or facing the risk of homelessness.

The program aims to provide housing-focused services to school-age children and their families to enhance family stability and school success. These services can include (but are not limited to):

• rent and utilities (including amounts owed),
• hotel stays,
• security deposits,
• moving expenses,
• application fees,
• civil legal services,
• pet rent and deposit,
• direct cash transfers,
• housing-related fees,
• work and educational supports,
• furniture and household goods,
• transportation.

This program also aims to establish and promote intentional collaboration between the local education system and housing providers to build a comprehensive family support network and optimize the funding’s impact.

Transportation and Growth Management (TGM) Grants help local jurisdictions plan for transportation systems and land use patterns that create livable, sustainable, and economically vital communities. The resulting plans increase opportunities for transit, walking and bicycling. TGM awards grants in two categories:

• Category 1: Transportation System Planning. Grants for Transportation System Plan work, that meet the requirements of the Oregon Transportation Planning Rules, including complete or updated TSPs; TSP refinement plans; individual TSP elements (like bike and pedestrian or transit plans); and Safe Routes to School-related infrastructure plans. 
• Category 2: Integrated land use and transportation planning. This includes area plans, downtown plans, and concept plans for areas being brought into an urban growth boundary. 

The BJA FY 2026 Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Program aims to enhance school safety by funding initiatives that train staff and students, develop threat assessment teams, and implement technology solutions like anonymous reporting systems. This program supports effective strategies to identify and mitigate risks of school violence, ensuring students have the tools necessary to foster a secure learning environment while adhering to the guidelines set forth by the STOP School Violence Act.

Social Justice Fund Northwest- Sponsorship

At Social Justice Fund Northwest (SJF), we utilize sponsorships as a way of building bridges. Our sponsorships are only available to recent and current SJF grantees (within the past two years) in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming. We hope that organizations utilize this resource to fund their most ambitious, innovative projects that are often not supported by other funders.

Overview

Grant Awards: One-year sponsorship of $1,000

Focus:

• Ambitious and innovative projects that are often not supported by other funders in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and/or Wyoming.

Oregon Department of Transportation

The Oregon Department of Transportation began in 1913 when the Oregon Legislature created the Oregon Highway Commission to "get Oregon out of the mud."

Today, we develop programs related to Oregon’s system of highways, roads, and bridges; railways; public transportation services; transportation safety programs; driver and vehicle licensing; and motor carrier regulation.

Mission statement: ​We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive.

Safe Routes to School Programs

“Safe Routes to School” refers to efforts that improve, educate, or encourage children safely walking (by foot or mobility device) or biking to school. The Oregon Department of Transportation has two main types of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs: Construction and Education and technical assistance. Construction programs focus on making sure safe walking and biking routes exist through investments in crossings, sidewalks and bike lanes, flashing beacons, and the like. Education programs focus on education and outreach to assure awareness and safe use of walking and biking routes.

Safe Routes to School Construction Program

The Safe Routes to School Construction Program provides grant funding for cities, counties, tribes, transit districts, and the state through a reimbursement process for investments that address barriers to students walking and biking to school.

Program Description

The Safe Routes to School Construction Program is housed in the Public Transportation Division and divided into three types of grants: Competitive Construction Grants; Rapid Response Constructions Grants; and Project Identification Program (Planning Assistance).

Grant cycles will be every two years starting in 2019. All subsequent funding cycles will be determined by the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and the Safe Routes to School Construction Program Manager.

Competitive Construction Grants

87.5 percent or more of Safe Routes to School funds will be set aside to build street safety projects to reduce barriers and hazards for children walking or bicycling to or from schools. Funds will be distributed through an application-based, competitive, process every two years.

All projects must have at least 40% local cash match for the Competitive Construction Grant Program. Projects may qualify for a reduced 10.27% or 0% local cash match if certain criteria are met.

Commitment to Outreach

Applicant must commit to completing a minimum amount of outreach informing the community about the new construction project and how to use it safely.

Focus Area

Project will primarily affect students at a Title I school as defined as a school where 40% or more students are low income including data sets to address transportation disparities.