Best Salem Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

The BECU Foundation's People Helping People Awards honor exceptional nonprofit work in communities served by BECU. Each year, BECU members can nominate organizations for grants up to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be active 501(c)(3) organizations with a direct impact in Idaho, Oregon, South Carolina, or Washington. This initiative highlights the importance of community service and encourages members to recognize local heroes making a difference.

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 Spirit Mountain Foundation provides funding to Oregon's nine federally recognized tribes through the Oregon Tribal Grants program. Each tribe can apply for a maximum of $100,000 for projects in diverse program areas, including Arts, Education, Environmental Preservation, and Health. Eligible projects must align with the foundation's priorities, while certain projects, such as debt retirement and sporting complexes, are not funded. This initiative supports the tribes' community development and cultural preservation.

Oregon Humanities is offering Mini Grants for Rural Libraries, providing up to $25,000 in funding for rural libraries in Oregon to host community events. These events should align with the theme 'Fear and Belonging' and can cover various relevant topics. Eligible libraries include public, volunteer, community college, or tribal libraries located in rural areas. This initiative aims to foster dialogue and connection within communities through engaging humanities activities.

The Do it Best Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on community needs, particularly in health and wellness, youth enrichment, the arts, and community development. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000, with no strict limits based on quarterly applications. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and be located near specific areas. This initiative aims to enhance community resources and foster connections among residents.

The Pacific Power Foundation offers grants to support health, safety, and wellness organizations within its service areas across Oregon, Washington, California, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho. Eligible candidates include nonprofit groups with 501(c)(3) status and government entities. The foundation focuses on initiatives addressing food insecurity, mental health, and public safety, aiming to enhance community well-being. Grants are awarded in four cycles, ensuring thorough review for maximum impact. Applications must demonstrate relevance to the served communities.

OnPoint Community Credit Union offers grants and sponsorships to nonprofit organizations that align with their focus areas of Economic Opportunity and Community Vitality. They support various initiatives including financial education, workforce development, and community development. Funding ranges from $100 to $10,000, with a priority on organizations demonstrating diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to events and organizations must have a 501c3 status or an active fiscal sponsor.

The Willamette Health Council offers Community Event Sponsorships to enhance local initiatives in the Marion-Polk region. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,500. Organizations may receive one sponsorship per calendar year, provided their events align with the Council's mission to improve community health. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with specific deadlines for review. This funding supports efforts to tackle health disparities and promote equity in healthcare access.

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 OFB Rapid Response Grant provides up to $5,000 for organizations to address food insecurity and inequities faced by marginalized communities. Eligible applicants include organizations working to become Partner Agencies with the Oregon Food Bank, as well as existing Partner Agencies. The grant prioritizes projects expanding access to food services, particularly for BIPOC, immigrants, LGBTQIA2S+, and single caregivers. This funding aims to enhance operations, improve accessibility, and support urgent needs in food distribution.

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

The PGE Foundation offers an Education Grant aimed at enhancing educational outcomes through community collaboration. The foundation prioritizes programs that connect students with real-world experiences, foster essential skills, and promote diversity and inclusion. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and based in Oregon, focusing on communities historically facing barriers. By supporting innovative education initiatives, the foundation strives to create pathways to higher education and career opportunities for young people.

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.

OnPoint Community Credit Union offers community grants aimed at supporting organizations aligned with their focus areas of Economic Opportunity and Community Vitality. Established in 1932, OnPoint is Oregon's largest credit union and is committed to community engagement through grants for programmatic and general operating support. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities located within the OnPoint region of Oregon and SW Washington. One grant request per organization is allowed annually.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities supporting education, environment, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment in Salem, Oregon may be eligible for this community-focused funding. Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes projects within 30 miles of its manufacturing communities that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability, so Salem-area nonprofits should confirm proximity to a GP facility before applying.

The PGE Foundation offers Creative Expression Grants aimed at enhancing educational outcomes through arts programs. These grants support organizations that foster critical thinking and socio-emotional skills via arts engagement. Priority is given to nonprofits based in Oregon that collaborate with the community and address systemic barriers to equity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations focused on youth development and integrated arts curricula, while ensuring compliance with non-discrimination policies.

The OR Forest Legacy Program, managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry, aims to protect privately-owned forestlands from conversion to non-forest uses due to development pressures. By providing funding for conservation easements and fee-title acquisitions, the program promotes sustainable management of forest resources. Projects supported by this initiative strengthen local communities through collaboration among various stakeholders, ensuring that forest conservation values are maintained for future generations.

H.E.L.P. Grants is a community initiative dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for children in the U.S. Founded by the owners of Figaro’s Italian Pizza, it aims to provide vital resources to local schools and non-profits, especially in communities where their restaurants operate. Since its inception in 2010, H.E.L.P. has been committed to combating educational disparities exacerbated by budget cuts, ensuring that every child has access to a quality education.

The Trust Management Services Grant - Mid Valley Region, funded by the Braemar Charitable Trust, supports Oregon non-profit organizations focusing on education, community service, arts, culture, youth activities, and historical preservation. Applicants must provide a Treasury Authorization Letter confirming 501c3 status. Note that the grant does not cover capital campaigns, individual scholarships, or projects exceeding $75,000. Special consideration is given to applications with an educational component.

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 Trust Management Services Grant in the North Coast Region invites applications for funding projects focusing on education, community service, arts and culture, youth activities, and historical preservation. Note that applications can be submitted 30 days before the deadline but must be postmarked by that date. Special consideration is given to projects with an educational component. However, the grant does not fund capital campaigns, individual scholarships, or projects with budgets exceeding $75,000.

The Nike Community Impact Fund in Portland Metro, Oregon, empowers local organizations to drive positive change through grants. This employee-led initiative focuses on inclusive, active communities, supporting youth to reach their potential. With a volunteer committee providing local insights, eligible organizations can apply for funding to enhance community engagement and make play accessible for all. By investing in grassroots efforts, Nike aims to create lasting impact in the neighborhoods where its employees live and work.

The Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Program, administered by Business Oregon, aims to enhance urban living conditions for low and moderate-income individuals. By providing funding and technical assistance, the program supports various projects, including public infrastructure, community facilities, and housing rehabilitation. Eligible applicants include non-metropolitan cities and counties in rural Oregon, while urban areas and specific counties are excluded. Grant amounts vary based on project needs, with maximums reaching up to $2.5 million for public works.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Union Pacific communities, including the Salem, Oregon area, can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Grants support direct services and capacity-building efforts with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The In-N-Out Burger Foundation supports organizations that aid children and youth affected by abuse and neglect, offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) registered, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate a commitment to the foundation's mission. Applications are considered for traditional, capital, and program support, focusing on sustainable solutions and clear objectives. Organizations must operate in areas with In-N-Out Burger locations to qualify.

The Salem Foundation, established in 1930, focuses on enhancing the greater Salem, Oregon community by providing funding to 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental agencies. With a commitment to excellence, the Foundation distributed $6.1 million in grants and scholarships last year, aiming to address local challenges and support impactful charitable initiatives. It serves as a vital resource for donors wishing to contribute to local causes, fostering a spirit of community and collaboration.

The Spirit Mountain Foundation offers General Purpose - Large Grants, which support 501c3 nonprofit organizations and government agencies in an 11-county service area in Oregon. Grant amounts can reach up to $50,000 for programmatic work or $100,000 for capital projects. The application process involves a Letter of Inquiry followed by a full application if selected. Priority is given to projects in Education, Environmental Preservation, and Health, aligning with the foundation's funding priorities.