Best Umatilla County Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

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.

The Wildhorse Foundation offers grants to support the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and surrounding areas in Oregon and Washington. With a commitment to community welfare, the foundation donates over $1 million annually to various projects, including arts, education, and environmental protection. Organizations must operate within the designated areas and adhere to specific eligibility criteria. The foundation emphasizes charitable giving and aims to enhance the quality of life for tribal members and their communities.

Blue Mountain Community Foundation

Blue Mountain Community Foundation (BMCF) started in 1984 based on the idea that the area needed a place for donors who cared about the community to make long-term charitable investments. A group of 36 local leaders and citizens, under the guidance of Pete Peery and John Reese, met and resolved to form a community foundation. Too many endowment gifts from people who cared deeply about their communities were lost to local control for lack of a community foundation. Since 1984, BMCF has received and grown assets to exceed $115 million in more than 440 charitable funds which benefit the entire community!

Milton-Freewater, Athena, Weston Community Grants 

Funding Focus: General operating support

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.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

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 Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

The Community Benefit Initiative Reinvestment (CBIR) Grant is designed to enhance healthcare access in Eastern Oregon. Funded by the Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization, this initiative supports one-year projects focusing on specific healthcare improvements. Eligible applicants include various organizations like healthcare providers and food banks, addressing needs such as health technology and primary care access. Technical assistance is mandatory for all applicants. For more details, visit the EOCCO website.

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.

The Roundhouse Foundation's Technical Assistance & Professional Development Grants aim to enhance the capacity and skills of nonprofit partners in rural Oregon. Open for applications from late February 2025 to November 30, 2025, this program supports initiatives such as staff training and strategic planning. With a maximum funding of $5,000 per organization, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate community support and innovation. Interested nonprofits must be IRS-designated 501(c)3 entities or government bodies.

Purpose

The STIF Formula Fund is intended to expand, improve, and maintain public transportation services in Oregon.​​​​  

Eligible Projects

STIF funding may be used to finance investments and improvements in public transportation services, except for light rail capital expenses. STIF may be used for public transportation purposes that support the effective planning, deployment, operation, and administration of public transportation programs.

STIF moneys are not intended to supplant local funding sources to maintain existing services. A STIF Plan that proposes to use STIF funding to replace local funding to maintain an existing service may result in denial of the funding request.​

The Pendleton Foundation Trust offers community-based grants aimed at enhancing civic and educational initiatives in Pendleton. The foundation supports projects that promote the well-being of residents, focusing on tangible improvements and encouraging collaboration with local merchants. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofits and government subdivisions, while past recipients must have completed prior projects to qualify. Notably, funds cannot be utilized for general operating expenses, ensuring resources directly benefit the community.

Baker Boyer is committed to building community legacies through sponsorships and donations. By supporting local non-profits and community programs, they aim to enhance health, education, and economic development in the Walla Walla, Milton-Freewater, Tri-Cities, and Yakima areas. Their contributions include financial support, in-kind services, and volunteer efforts, prioritizing organizations that assist low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. With a focus on creating lasting relationships, Baker Boyer plays a vital role in strengthening community ties.

Sherwood Trust offers Core Grants to enhance community well-being in the Walla Walla Valley. The Trust prioritizes funding for initiatives that strengthen organizations and support collaboration. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations focused on local needs. With a commitment to equity and sustainability, Sherwood Trust seeks to empower communities through impactful investments, ensuring that all individuals feel a sense of belonging and can contribute to the region's vibrancy.

The Blue Mountain Community Foundation's Unforeseen Needs Grant provides crucial financial support to nonprofit organizations facing unexpected crises that jeopardize their operations. This program aims to ensure that these organizations can continue to serve their communities effectively during emergencies. Applications are accepted year-round, allowing nonprofits to seek assistance when they need it most. However, it's important to note that this grant program is currently out of funding for the year, with more availability expected in the fall of 2025.

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.

The SHARE Grant, offered by the Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization, aims to enhance health access for Eastern Oregonians by funding projects addressing Social Determinants of Health and Equity (SDOH-E). Supported areas include housing, transportation, food, and community health. Grants range from $15,000 to $250,000, with projects lasting between one to three years. This initiative is designed to empower local organizations in providing essential services that improve overall community well-being.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Umatilla County, Oregon can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 for programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability that primarily benefit a Union Pacific–served community. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Union Pacific Foundation supports direct services and capacity-building efforts, especially those advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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.

The Wildhorse Foundation offers a Rapid Response Grant for urgent needs throughout the year, with no set application deadline. Typically, one grant of up to $1,500 is awarded annually, adhering to the same guidelines as full grants. Eligible recipients include the Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and various non-profit organizations within the surrounding regions of Oregon and Washington. This grant is not intended for event sponsorship or operational budget supplements.

The Milton-Freewater Area Foundation Community Grant aims to support charitable and educational projects for the benefit of the Milton-Freewater community. Grants are awarded throughout the year on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible applicants must provide proof of non-profit status. The foundation's quarterly distribution committee evaluates funding requests, ensuring that projects enrich the lives of local residents. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of the Milton-Freewater area and its inhabitants.

The Spirit Mountain Foundation offers the SMF: General Purpose - Small Grants program, which supports 501c3 nonprofits in 11 Oregon counties. With a maximum funding request of $7,500, this program emphasizes flexibility across various sectors, including education and environmental preservation. Eligibility is limited to organizations that haven't completed previous grants and do not exceed 50% of the total project budget. Priority is given to projects aligning with the foundation's key areas.

The Oregon Food Bank's Capacity Building Grants aim to empower organizations addressing food insecurity, particularly among underserved populations such as BIPOC, immigrants, and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. These grants support projects that enhance advocacy efforts, expand access to food programs, and improve infrastructure. By prioritizing equity and community engagement, the initiative seeks to dismantle systemic barriers to food security and promote lasting change across Oregon.

The Community Benefit Initiative Reinvestment (CBIR) Grant, offered by the Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization, supports one-year projects aimed at improving healthcare access for Eastern Oregonians. Eligible applicants, including public health departments, can propose initiatives targeting early childhood trauma, pre- and post-partum care, and data collection for health metrics. Technical assistance is required before application submission, ensuring applicants are well-prepared to enhance community health outcomes.

The Community Benefit Initiative Reinvestment (CBIR) Grant supports innovative projects aimed at improving healthcare access for EOCCO members. Grants of up to $50,000 fund one-year initiatives that foster collaborations, enhance telehealth, and address health disparities. Eligible organizations include healthcare providers and community groups in Eastern Oregon. Successful projects may inspire replication in other regions, ultimately benefiting underserved populations and improving health outcomes across the service area.

The Pacific Power Foundation is dedicated to enhancing community vitality through charitable investments, with a focus on arts and culture. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, supporting projects in performing arts, visual arts, and cultural heritage. In 2021, over $1 million was awarded to local nonprofits, underscoring the foundation's commitment to community growth in service areas across Oregon, Washington, California, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho.

The Community Benefit Initiative Reinvestment (CBIR) Grant supports one-year projects aimed at enhancing healthcare access for Eastern Oregonians, specifically targeting Tribes and Tribal organizations. This initiative, part of EOCCO's funding programs, focuses on improving the health and wellness of tribal members across multiple counties. All applicants must receive prior technical assistance to qualify. For the 2026 cycle, EOCCO offers five unique CBIR opportunities to foster community health improvements.