Oregon Private Grants

The Career Pathways grant, accepting applications from May 27 to July 5, 2024, is dedicated to increasing economic mobility and generational wealth by providing access to family-wage jobs, entrepreneurship, and small business ownership. The grant supports programs that facilitate skill development, offer wrap-around services, and support entrepreneurship, especially for minority- and woman-owned businesses. Prioritizing culturally specific and minority-led programs, it aims to serve communities facing systemic barriers, ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion in all initiatives.

The D.E. & Jane Clark Fund, managed by the Oregon Community Foundation, is dedicated to supporting the general operations of nonprofit organizations. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to strengthen communities by providing flexible funding that allows nonprofits to address their most pressing needs and sustain their essential services. The grants are specifically targeted at entities within Baker County and the town of North Powder in Oregon, ensuring a focused local impact. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, churches, and schools operating within the specified geographic area. The fund's goal is to enhance the capacity and stability of these organizations, enabling them to deliver effective programs and services to their communities. While specific impact goals and measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond general operational support, the underlying expectation is that robust operational funding will lead to improved service delivery, greater community well-being, and sustained organizational health for the grantees. The fund's priorities and focuses are clear: providing general operating support to a defined set of organizations in a specific region. This approach suggests a strategic priority of empowering local institutions by giving them the autonomy to allocate funds where they are most needed, rather than restricting grants to specific projects. This flexibility is a core component of the foundation's theory of change, which posits that strong, well-resourced local nonprofits are critical drivers of community development and resilience. Grants from this fund typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, indicating a focus on providing accessible and impactful support to a variety of organizations. Proposals are reviewed by a committee, and grants are awarded in the fall, following a July 15th deadline. The application process requires standard documentation, including proof of tax-exempt status, board lists, and financial statements, ensuring due diligence in selecting eligible and accountable recipients. While a specific grant duration is not mentioned, the focus on general operations implies ongoing support for the fundamental work of these community anchors.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations in the Greater Hermiston area to support community development, education, health, and cultural enrichment projects that create lasting benefits for local residents.

The Oregon Community Foundation is offering flexible funding to organizations addressing pressing needs across Oregon. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to foster equitable access to resources, particularly for communities historically experiencing bias, discrimination, or underinvestment. The foundation encourages a wide range of nonprofits to apply, seeking to support initiatives that deepen, enhance, or grow work within their communities. The program specifically targets several Oregon populations who have historically faced significant challenges. These include Black, Indigenous, Latino/x, and communities of color (encompassing various ethnic and racial groups), people in under-resourced areas or those lacking critical infrastructure, immigrants and refugees, individuals with disabilities, people with low incomes, those experiencing homelessness, LGBTQ+ individuals, and survivors of domestic violence and/or child abuse. The impact goal is to clearly address community-identified needs and reduce systemic inequities for these populations. Funding priorities are categorized into three grant types: new or expanding programs or projects, capacity-building, and small capital. New or expanding programs should address a gap or need and demonstrate a significant increase in impact, reaching new populations or substantially more of the same population. Capacity-building focuses on organizational development through activities like strategic planning, board development, or marketing. Small capital grants support new or expanded construction, renovation, or equipment, with a total cost limit of $500,000. The expected outcomes are to strengthen organizations and enable them to better serve their communities through enhanced programs, improved organizational capacity, or updated infrastructure. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on addressing community-identified needs and "significant expansion" implies a focus on quantifiable improvements in service delivery, reach, or the well-being of target populations. The foundation's strategic priority is clearly to support equitable access and address historical disparities through community-driven solutions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to rural libraries in Oregon to create community-focused humanities events that explore themes related to public life and community engagement.

The Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation offers grant opportunities for nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local governmental bodies within Douglas County, Oregon. Focusing on Basic Needs, Abuse Prevention and Intervention, Education, Health and Wellness, and Community Support, the Foundation aims to fund projects that have a significant impact within the communities of Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, and Lane Counties. With a maximum grant amount of $15,000. The Foundation emphasizes support for small grants that contribute meaningfully to the project or program, limiting organizations to one proposal per year unless specified otherwise. A final report is required from all grantees before reapplying. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Fall opening/closing deadlines: March 2nd to September 1st

The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) is pleased to announce the Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant Program, an open and responsive grantmaking opportunity designed to offer flexible funding to organizations. This program aligns with OCF's mission to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion by supporting Oregon's diverse regions and populations. The Foundation is committed to funding across all regions of Oregon, including remote, rural, suburban, and urban communities, and prioritizes investments that creatively address needs and position entrepreneurs to thrive. The Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant specifically targets entrepreneurs who are women, people of color, living in under-resourced rural communities, or working in under-resourced sectors such as consumer products. The program's impact goals include providing flexible funding and prioritized support to organizations serving these priority populations. OCF anticipates awarding $750,000 in 2024, with each grant lasting for one year (12 months), aiming to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem for these underserved groups. Key priorities for the Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant include addressing clear and compelling business community needs, with goals relevant to Oregon's entrepreneurs, including small and micro businesses. Proposals that demonstrate cultural expertise of staff and board when serving specific populations, show meaningful leadership or influence from people with lived experience, reflect realistic goals and solid planning, and demonstrate strong potential to build organizational stability, effectiveness, or capacity are highly valued. Strong community support, a clear communication of OCF's impact, and a realistic plan for securing remaining funds are also critical considerations. The OCF's strategic priorities and theory of change are reflected in its guiding principles: valuing Oregon’s diverse regions and populations, advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion through funding, and prioritizing investments that demonstrate strong community support, solid planning, and wise stewardship. Expected outcomes include positioning entrepreneurs to thrive in Oregon and fostering positive, substantive change. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that primarily serve one or more of the identified priority populations, are reasonably positioned for long-term organizational viability, support OCF in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and reflect a strengths-based orientation.

The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute's Community Partnership Program (CPP) is designed to cultivate sustainable collaborations with Oregon communities to address identified cancer needs. The program's mission is to partner with these communities as allies in the Knight Cancer Institute's goal of ending cancer. This aligns with a broader strategic priority to enhance community-OHSU collaboration on local cancer issues and disparities, fostering long-term sustainability of local efforts. The CPP targets various Oregon community groups, including organizations, schools, government bodies, health/medical clinics, health systems, and businesses. A key focus is on proposals that address cancer-related health disparities and increase equity for historically disadvantaged and/or marginalized Oregon communities. Organizations led by and/or committed to serving these populations are highly encouraged to apply, underscoring the program's commitment to equitable cancer outcomes. The program's priorities revolve around supporting communities in identifying and addressing pressing cancer-related needs, enhancing collaboration, and building community skills for sustainable long-term efforts. This is operationalized through three grant tiers. Tier 1, "Define Need," focuses on developing local action plans through needs assessments or committee formation. Tier 2, "Develop and Pilot," supports the development and piloting of programs to address priority cancer issues or disparities. Tier 3, "Evaluate and Sustain," aims to evaluate existing approaches and establish sustainability strategies. Expected outcomes include communities effectively identifying their most pressing cancer-related needs, increased collaboration between OHSU and local communities, and enhanced capacity within communities to sustain efforts addressing local cancer issues. Measurable results would be tied to the specific objectives of each tier, such as the completion of community cancer needs assessments (Tier 1), the successful piloting of new programs (Tier 2), and the evaluation and sustained implementation of effective approaches (Tier 3). The overall impact goal is to collectively work towards ending cancer as communities know it, with a strong emphasis on reducing health disparities.

The Grant T. Johnson & Peggy Pipes-Johnson Memorial Grant Program, funded by the Hillsboro Community Foundation, offers $1,000 to $10,000 to arts and culture organizations in Hillsboro, Oregon, that demonstrate a commitment to community enhancement and support for arts and culture, excluding expenses like building improvements, staff wages, and for-profit activities.

This grant provides funding to agricultural professionals and organizations in the Western U.S. to implement educational and demonstration projects that promote the adoption of sustainable farming practices based on previous research findings.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local organizations in northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington for projects that enhance community services in areas such as education, public health, and cultural activities.

This funding opportunity provides up to $1,500 for urgent needs to government, Tribal, and non-profit organizations within specific counties in Oregon and Washington, excluding event sponsorships and operational budget support.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in California, Oregon, and Washington that create career pathways and development programs for young people aged 11 to 24, with a focus on fostering career readiness and personal growth.

The Ben Serafin Fund, established under the Oregon Community Foundation in 2007, honors the legacy of Ben Serafin—a notable community leader and founder of the Fall Creek Ranch Foundation. Residing in Glide, Douglas County, this fund annually allocates approximately $50,000 for competitive grants specifically aimed at supporting local service districts and nonprofits within Douglas County, with a preferential focus on organizations based in and serving the Glide community. The fund facilitates grant sizes ranging from $2,000 to $15,000, with possibilities for larger awards. The annual application window spans from June 1 to July 15, emphasizing projects that do not request multiyear funding. Additionally, the fund offers scholarships prioritizing graduates from Glide High School, extending financial support over four years with annual application requirements. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadline: June 1st to July 15th

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments and nonprofit organizations for projects that improve tourism facilities and enhance visitor experiences in Tillamook County.

This funding opportunity provides $5,000 in unrestricted support to emerging organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, or Wyoming that are focused on community organizing and align with social justice values.

The Douglas Community Fund offers competitive grants specifically aimed at supporting medical and other various needs within Douglas County. With its origins in funding a regional medical facility, the fund places a high priority on the medical needs of the community. Grants range from $2,000 to $10,000, with some reaching $15,000-$20,000. Applicants are notified of their status in late March to early April. This grant program does not support multiyear funding requests. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual opening/ closing deadline: December 1st to January 16th

The Ben Serafin Fund, managed by the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF), is dedicated to supporting local service districts and nonprofits within Douglas County, Oregon. A clear preference is given to organizations located in Glide and those actively serving the Glide community, highlighting a commitment to localized impact. While the overall strategic priorities and theory of change for the Oregon Community Foundation are not explicitly detailed in this specific grant description, the fund's focus on community-based support aligns with a common foundation mission of fostering local well-being and strengthening community infrastructure through targeted financial aid. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations and local service districts operating within Douglas County, particularly in Glide. The implicit impact goal is to enhance the capacity and reach of these organizations, enabling them to provide essential services and address community needs effectively. By prioritizing local entities, the fund aims to empower grassroots initiatives and ensure that resources are directed where they can have the most direct and meaningful impact on residents in the specified geographic area. The fund's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated by its geographic and organizational preferences. The emphasis on Glide and Douglas County organizations indicates a strategic intent to address specific regional challenges and opportunities. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed within this grant description (e.g., number of people served, specific program successes), the general expectation is that funded projects will contribute to the betterment of the community, whether through improved services, increased community engagement, or enhanced local capacity. Approximately $50,000 is available for grantmaking, with typical grant sizes ranging from $2,000 to $15,000, though larger grants of $20,000 or more are occasionally awarded. This funding structure suggests a strategy of supporting multiple, diverse projects that can collectively contribute to community development rather than focusing on a single large initiative. Eligibility criteria include demonstrating 501(c)(3) status, providing a list of the board of directors, and submitting current and past organizational budgets, audited financial statements if available, and multiyear project budgets if applicable. These requirements ensure that funds are allocated to reputable and well-managed organizations, reflecting a strategic approach to responsible grantmaking.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Oregon and Washington that provide innovative housing solutions and research initiatives to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The LIFE Center Fund, administered by the Oregon Community Foundation, provides two-year grants to organizations in North, Northeast, and Southeast Portland that assist individuals in critical need. The grants, ranging from $7,500 to $10,000 per year, support the provision of food, clothing, household items, prescription and hygiene assistance, and school supplies. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), and proposals from organizations outside Portland city limits are accepted if they allocate grant funds for residents in the specified areas. Priority is given to applications that align with the mission of the LIFE Center Fund, demonstrate a clear impact, and have not received funding in the previous grant year. The use of fiscal sponsors is permitted, subject to certain conditions. The application process requires the completion of forms and the submission of various attachments, including project budgets, board member information, financial statements, and supporting letters. Grantees will be required to submit reports on their activities. For more information, contact Michael Oreste, Program Officer, at moreste@oregoncf.org.