Best Portland Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

PLTW Gateway

onsemi is a leading semiconductor manufacturer serving tens of thousands of customers across several markets with intelligent power and sensing technologies.

The ON Semiconductor Foundation, an onsemi Giving Now program, has named PLTW a strategic partner and made an initial investment of $150,000 to support grants for middle schools in Arizona, California, the Northeast, the Pacific Northwest, and Texas to implement or expand the PLTW Gateway program.

PLTW is one of seven strategic partners named this year, with support focused on increasing diversity in STEM fields while increasing middle school students' awareness of semiconductors.

PLTW Program Status

Program Expansion

The June & Julian Foss Foundation, established in 1997, prioritizes support for children and young adults, especially those facing mental illness or physical disabilities. With a mission to foster healthy, responsible adults and promote family philanthropy, the Foundation emphasizes family strength, diversity, and self-worth. Grants typically do not exceed $5,000 and are directed towards programs that enhance self-sufficiency and recognize individual capabilities, while upholding values of integrity and respect.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

The Portland Arts & Culture General Operating Support program provides essential funding for local arts organizations that enhance the cultural ecosystem of the city. With a focus on accessibility, these grants support a wide range of activities including community events and arts education. Eligible organizations must be based in Portland, hold IRS 501(c)(3) status, and demonstrate a commitment to serving diverse communities. Over 1.5 million attendees benefit from these programs annually, bolstering the local economy.

Legacy Health

Legacy Health is a nonprofit, community-based health system dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families across the Pacific Northwest. Founded on a mission of compassionate, patient-centered care, Legacy Health operates a network of hospitals, clinics, and specialty services that emphasize high-quality medical care, health equity, and community benefit. The organization is committed to advancing health through clinical excellence, education, research, and partnerships that address both immediate healthcare needs and the broader social factors influencing health outcomes. Through its integrated system and community-focused approach, Legacy Health strives to deliver accessible, innovative, and trusted care to the populations it serves.

Good Samaritan Nursing Scholarship

2026 Good Samaritan Nursing Scholarship provides educational support to eligible employees of Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center who are pursuing advanced nursing degrees. Applicants must have been employed at the Medical Center for at least one year and be accepted to or enrolled in coursework leading directly to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students may be considered only if they intend to remain in nursing practice (non-prescribing roles), though BSN and MSN candidates are prioritized.

Legacy HealthLegacy Health is a nonprofit, community-based health system dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families across the Pacific Northwest. Founded on a mission of compassionate, patient-centered care, Legacy Health operates a network of hospitals, clinics, and specialty services that emphasize high-quality medical care, health equity, and community benefit. The organization is committed to advancing health through clinical excellence, education, research, and partnerships that address both immediate healthcare needs and the broader social factors influencing health outcomes. Through its integrated system and community-focused approach, Legacy Health strives to deliver accessible, innovative, and trusted care to the populations it serves.

Legacy Health: Community Health Grants

Community Health Grants are offered through Legacy Health to advance its vision of being essential to the health of the region and its mission of promoting good health for people, communities, and the world. Through strategic investments and partnerships across Oregon and Southwest Washington, Legacy Health supports nonprofit organizations whose work aligns with its Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) and Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIPs), with a strong emphasis on advancing health equity and serving historically underserved and underrepresented populations.

For organizations serving Marion County, current funding priorities include access to health care, economic stability, and mental health and substance use. For organizations serving the Portland metro area, priorities focus on expanding access to affordable and culturally and linguistically responsive health care; strengthening essential community services and resources such as economic and educational opportunities and access to culturally specific and healthy foods; and promoting safe, inclusive neighborhoods that support physical safety.

Legacy Health typically solicits proposals one to two times per calendar year. Organizations interested in future funding opportunities are encouraged to complete the grant inquiry form to share information about their work and alignment with Legacy Health’s mission and goals.

Legacy Health

Legacy Health is a nonprofit, community-based health system dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families across the Pacific Northwest. Founded on a mission of compassionate, patient-centered care, Legacy Health operates a network of hospitals, clinics, and specialty services that emphasize high-quality medical care, health equity, and community benefit. The organization is committed to advancing health through clinical excellence, education, research, and partnerships that address both immediate healthcare needs and the broader social factors influencing health outcomes. Through its integrated system and community-focused approach, Legacy Health strives to deliver accessible, innovative, and trusted care to the populations it serves.

Legacy Health Sponsorships

Legacy Health Community Benefit provides sponsorship funding for community events and activities that align with priority areas identified through Legacy Health’s Community Health Needs Assessments and Community Health Improvement Plans. Funding is intended to support initiatives that address key social and health-related needs within the communities served by Legacy Health.

For organizations serving Marion County, current community health grant priorities include improving access to health care, strengthening economic stability, and addressing mental health and substance use challenges.

For organizations serving the Portland metro area, funding priorities focus on expanding access to affordable, culturally and linguistically responsive health care; supporting essential community services and resources such as economic and educational opportunities and access to culturally specific and healthy foods; and promoting safe, inclusive neighborhoods that enhance physical safety in the community.

The Northwest Neighborhoods Parks & Recreation Fund Grant, managed by the Oregon Community Foundation, supports the capital development and renovation of parks and recreation facilities in northwest Portland. This initiative prioritizes projects within the Northwest District Association, Northwest Industrial Neighborhood Association, and Hillside Neighborhood Association. Grants typically range from $3,500 to $35,000, focusing on enhancing community recreation and fostering public/private collaboration.

The LIFE Center Fund Grant, established by the Oregon Community Foundation in 2005, provides crucial support through two-year grants of up to $10,000 per year for food, clothing, and hygiene assistance to residents in North, Northeast, and Southeast Portland. This program prioritizes organizations that enhance services aligned with the LIFE Center's legacy, particularly those with smaller budgets and innovative solutions to community needs. For further details, refer to the Request for Proposals.

The EUReka EDI Undergraduate Research Award, offered by the American Association for Anatomy, supports underrepresented minority undergraduate students pursuing research. This award provides a $3,000 research stipend, along with $2,000 for travel to present research at an annual meeting. The initiative aims to enhance graduate training opportunities and facilitate entry into science and health research fields, ultimately contributing to a more diverse scientific community.

The Child and Dependent Care Grant, provided by the American Association for Anatomy, offers up to $1,000 in reimbursable funds to assist members with child and dependent care costs while attending the Anatomy Connected conference. This grant aims to support primary caregivers, allowing them to present their research without the burden of care expenses. Eligible scenarios include travel costs for caregivers and transportation for dependents, enhancing accessibility for members in the anatomical sciences community.

The Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award recognizes a member of the American Association for Anatomy who fosters inclusive teams and promotes diversity within the anatomical sciences community. This award highlights initiatives that create equitable environments and showcases the positive impacts of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Recipients receive a $1,000 honorarium and an additional $1,000 for travel to the Annual Meeting, where the award is presented.

The A.J. Ladman Exemplary Service Award, presented by the American Association for Anatomy, recognizes members who have demonstrated exceptional service and mentorship in anatomical sciences. With a funding of $2,000 towards travel to the AAA Annual Meeting, this award aims to honor individuals who have significantly contributed to the association and the discipline. Nominations must include a nomination form, a letter of recommendation, and the nominee's CV.

The Henry Gray Distinguished Educator Award, presented by the American Association for Anatomy, recognizes exceptional contributions in human anatomy education across various formats, including gross anatomy and embryology. This prestigious award is open to full-time or emeritus faculty who are current AAA members. Nominees must submit a nomination form along with letters of recommendation. The award includes a $2,000 travel stipend for attending the AAA Annual Meeting, supporting educators dedicated to advancing anatomical sciences.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

The JetBlue Foundation is dedicated to enhancing aviation-related education and STEM initiatives, aiming to inspire future aviation leaders. Offering grants up to $50,000, it supports educational organizations that focus on aviation technology, engineering, operations, and maintenance. The foundation prioritizes programs benefiting under-represented communities in aviation, including veterans, women, and diverse groups, ensuring a broader range of voices in the industry.

The Community Cultural Participation Grant, administered by the Multnomah County Cultural Coalition (MCCC), aims to support underrepresented communities in accessing arts and culture. By focusing on historically marginalized groups, including Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, MCCC prioritizes funding for projects that foster inclusivity and creativity. This initiative reinforces the coalition's commitment to equitable access to cultural resources across Multnomah County, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented in the arts.

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 American Association for Anatomy offers the Basmajian Award to recognize early-career health science faculty who teach human or veterinary gross anatomy. This award honors those with documented excellence in teaching and significant achievements in biomedical research or educational scholarship. Recipients will receive a $2,000 honorarium, membership for two years, annual meeting registration, and $1,500 for travel to the meeting. Nominees must be within ten years of their highest degree and must be nominated by a member.

The City of Hillsboro Community Impact Grant provides up to $120,000 in funding for nonprofit organizations to address community concerns over three years. Organizations can submit one application per cycle and must be qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Hillsboro residents. Priority areas are identified collaboratively, focusing on unique projects that deliver measurable outcomes and financial stability, especially in housing stability initiatives.

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 Gresham Community Enhancement Grant, initiated in 2017, supports various projects aimed at improving neighborhood appearance, enhancing public safety, and preserving local wildlife. Funded by Metro's solid waste collection fees, it prioritizes initiatives that benefit under-served populations and promote community engagement. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, and local government entities, making it a vital resource for enhancing livability in Gresham.

The Joan Krahmer Historic Preservation Grant honors a community advocate for historic preservation, providing matching funds up to $4,000 for eligible property owners in Hillsboro. Grants support projects like preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of historic features, with a focus on improvements visible from public areas. Applications are accepted year-round, with decisions made within two weeks. This initiative encourages the maintenance of local heritage while allowing property owners to enhance their historic homes.

The Wilsonville - Metro Community Enhancement Grants, overseen by the Metro Council, support projects enhancing local communities impacted by solid waste facilities. Funding is available for initiatives that improve environmental quality, promote recycling, and benefit underserved populations. Nominations for projects will be accepted from November 12, 2025, to January 9, 2026, with selections made in spring 2026. Grants aim to rehabilitate and enhance city areas, fostering community enrichment through various programs.

The Community Arts & Culture: Project Grants provide funding for short-term arts and culture initiatives in Hillsboro, supporting organizations with budgets under $100,000. Grants range from $500 to $3,000 and aim to enhance access to the arts for underserved populations, foster collaboration, and promote community engagement through diverse projects such as performances, workshops, and cultural festivals. Applicants are encouraged to consult with Cultural Arts staff to ensure eligibility.

The Community Arts & Culture: Core Support Grants program, administered by the City of Hillsboro, Oregon, aims to support arts and culture projects, as well as core operations of local non-profits. Grants range from $3,000 to $10,000, intended for organizations with annual budgets under $250,000. This initiative enhances access to cultural experiences for underserved communities, fostering collaboration and expanding arts programs that benefit Hillsboro residents.