Best Washington County Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

The Holzman Foundation Grant supports arts, education, humanitarian, and religious organizations in the Portland Metro area, continuing the philanthropic legacy of the Holzman family since 1990. Grants typically range from $500 to $10,000, focusing on nonprofit organizations within the community. The foundation upholds a commitment to charitable giving, providing essential funding to enhance local initiatives while fostering a culture of philanthropy among its family members.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Metro offers sponsorship opportunities aimed at supporting community programs and projects that benefit the public and address local challenges. Emphasizing diversity and equity, Metro prioritizes requests that align with its key initiatives, including affordable housing and urban development. Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply, while funds cannot be used for political activities or for-profit entities. The review process can take up to six weeks, particularly during peak request periods from August to November.

The Regional Refresh Fund, offered by Metro, provides up to $5,000 in flexible funding for community-led cleanup projects in the greater Portland area. This initiative aims to support underserved communities by addressing immediate cleanup needs. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, public agencies, schools, and business associations, with funds usable for expenses like cleanup supplies, educational materials, and disposal costs. This program encourages community engagement and environmental stewardship.

The Community Enhancement Grants in Sherwood, funded by Metro, aim to uplift neighborhoods impacted by garbage transfer facilities. Since 1986, over $6 million has been invested in local projects, enhancing community well-being through initiatives that support youth, improve environmental quality, and boost recreational opportunities. Each spring, approximately $90,000 is awarded to various projects, fostering collaboration between non-profits, local governments, and community organizations. This program exemplifies a commitment to creating thriving communities in the Sherwood area.

Metro's Nature Education Grants aim to foster connections between communities and nature in the Portland area. These grants support projects that enhance environmental education, promote cultural equity, and engage diverse populations. By prioritizing programs that address racial equity and climate resilience, the grants seek to create partnerships that improve local ecosystems and community engagement. Offered every two years, they encourage innovative projects that restore habitats and provide hands-on educational experiences for all ages.

The Nature in Neighborhoods Capital Grants, provided by Metro, support diverse community projects aimed at enhancing local parks, restoring streams, and promoting nature education. These grants prioritize projects led by community organizations and local governments, focusing on publicly owned capital projects that advance racial equality and climate resilience. With funding available for land acquisition and urban transformations, the program seeks to engage communities and foster connections with nature throughout the greater Portland area.

The Metro Planning and Development Grants, specifically for planning inside the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), aim to foster equitable development in the Portland area. Grants of up to $4 million support diverse projects, including community visioning and economic strategies, helping cities and counties implement the 2040 Growth Concept. Since 2006, Metro has invested over $30 million in community projects to enhance housing and employment opportunities, ensuring a sustainable future for over 1.7 million residents.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

Metro Planning and Development Grants support urban planning efforts in the Portland area, aimed at enhancing community potential through the development of new housing, shopping, and employment opportunities. With a funding capacity of up to $4 million, these grants are available for projects that comply with regional growth management plans and focus on inclusive, sustainable development. Since 2006, Metro has funded over 135 projects, promoting collaborative growth across Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties.

The Lithia 4Kids Program, initiated by Lithia Motors, aims to enhance youth development through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Since 1946, Lithia has prioritized community enrichment, focusing on supporting 501(c)3 certified nonprofits dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. With over 200 locations nationwide, Lithia empowers its employees to engage meaningfully in local initiatives, fostering confident youth ready to face future challenges. Volunteering is a core value, creating a collaborative environment for positive impact.

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.

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 PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The Storefront, Security, and Lighting Improvement Grant assists Downtown Hillsboro commercial property owners in enhancing storefront designs and improving security through cameras and lighting. With a maximum grant of $40,000 and a required dollar-for-dollar match, the program aims to boost the aesthetic appeal of buildings, stimulate economic growth, attract investment, and foster community pride. This initiative focuses on visible improvements to increase overall attractiveness and safety in the downtown area.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

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.

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 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.

Jewish Federation of Greater Portland: Gather Grant

Get up to $180 to host an event at the place and with the people you choose

Holiday meals can be larger and therefore more costly. We've got you!

If you are hosting 6-9 folks the subsidy is $120, but if you are hosting 10+ people outside your household, Gather Grants will reimburse you up to $180. 

How to use the Grant

You can spend the Gather Grant in whatever way you need to bring your event to life! Some examples include:

• Food: ingredients, pick-up, or dine out!
• Supplies: decorations, art supplies, books, paper goods,
• Tickets (movies, activities, events)

The Portland Rotary Charitable Trust Community Grants support 501(c)(3) organizations in the Portland Metro area that empower underserved youth. Grants, ranging from $2,000 to $8,000, focus on capital expenditures, ensuring inclusivity without discrimination. Organizations must refrain from non-capital expenses, operational costs, and religious requirements. This initiative fosters equal opportunities, addressing disparities in access to resources and promoting community development.

The Multnomah Athletic Foundation offers community grants aimed at promoting athletic participation among youth, particularly those from underserved communities. By prioritizing access and opportunities, the foundation seeks to enhance confidence and character in young athletes. The funding is unrestricted, encouraging innovative projects that foster sustainable growth in nonprofit organizations. Emphasizing transparency and collaboration, the foundation aims to create equitable outcomes for all participants in the Portland metropolitan area.

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.