Oregon Private Grants

The Oregon Community Foundation is offering a grant of $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that enhance economic vitality and workforce development in specified Oregon counties, with priority given to initiatives that improve prosperity, tax base, competitiveness, workforce skills, and image of the region, and can be used for equipment, facility upgrades, start-up costs, and other necessary services.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to tribal governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for solar energy projects that enhance energy independence and benefit low-to-moderate income communities.

Strategy Grants support projects that align with the foundation's goals of fostering thriving youth and families, promoting racial equity, building a just economy, and ensuring healthy ecosystems. Prioritized are proposals that address multiple goals, increase equity, and support vulnerable communities, particularly those led by or supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Eligible projects can receive general operating, capital support, capacity building, or programmatic support. Average grants range from $15,000 to $25,000, with a focus on organizations serving Curry, Del Norte, Humboldt, and Trinity Counties.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations in the Pacific Northwest working to address environmental justice and public health challenges in historically underinvested communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for innovative marketing projects that promote tourism and boost the local economy in the Tillamook Coast area.

The D.E. & Jane Clark Fund, established by the Oregon Community Foundation in 2013, is dedicated to supporting the general operations of nonprofits within Baker County and the town of North Powder. This fund focuses on charitable purposes, targeting organizations that contribute positively to these areas. The grant program offers financial support with an average grant size of $2,500, and considers applications from nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, churches, and schools. Eligible proposals undergo a committee review process, with grants awarded during the fall season. The application window is open annually from June 1 to July 15, strictly disallowing multiyear funding requests. Applicants must use the MyOCF portal for submission, with required attachments including IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status letters and organizational financial documents. Grant sizes typically range between $2,000 and $10,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual opening/closing deadline: June 1st to July 15th

The Judith Ann Mogan Foundation (JAMF) is offering its 2024 Grant Cycle, featuring two distinct grant programs: a Small Grant Program for requests of $25,000 or less, and a Large Grant Program for requests exceeding $25,000. JAMF's mission is to award grants to qualified organizations in Oregon that implement programs and projects benefiting communities in specific service areas. These service areas include Coastal Douglas County, Coos County, and Curry County, indicating a clear focus on supporting the well-being and development of these particular regions within Oregon. The foundation's overall strategy is rooted in fostering community health, economic development, and cultural enrichment within these designated geographic zones. JAMF primarily targets organizations serving communities within Coastal Douglas County, Coos County, and Curry County in Oregon. The grants are intended to create positive impacts by addressing critical needs within these areas, aligning with the foundation's goal of community betterment. While specific impact goals and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative outcomes, the focus on various priority areas suggests a desire for broad community improvement. The foundation implicitly aims to improve the quality of life, strengthen local economies, and enhance access to resources for residents in these regions. The foundation's priority areas underscore its strategic focus and theory of change. These areas include Arts & Culture, Children & Youth, Community Health, Convening & Gathering Places, Economic Development, Environment & Natural Resources, and Poverty Alleviation. This multi-faceted approach suggests a theory of change where addressing a range of interconnected social, economic, and environmental factors will lead to holistic community development and resilience. By investing in these diverse areas, JAMF seeks to create a robust and supportive environment for the communities it serves, fostering long-term positive change rather than short-term fixes. Eligible organizations for JAMF grants must be Oregon-based and fall into categories such as 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, publicly supported organizations, governmental units (City, County, Tribal), schools, hospitals, or organizations with a qualified fiscal sponsor. Conversely, the foundation does not support requests related to endowments, individual requests, scholarships, political campaigns, legislative activities, promotion of any religious doctrine, or financing/lending. This clear delineation of eligibility and ineligibility criteria ensures that grants are directed towards initiatives that align with JAMF's strategic priorities and avoid activities that fall outside its philanthropic scope, thereby maximizing the intended impact of its funding.

This grant provides funding for habitat restoration and conservation projects in the Klamath River Basin, targeting local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions to improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitats, and promote sustainable land management practices.

Our grantees work to build on the entrepreneurial spirit, strong community ties, and untapped potential within Native nations, communities of color, rural communities, and other resilient communities who have fewer opportunities to thrive on their own terms. We envision strong, vibrant communities where people are connected to good jobs and have the financial capability to build their assets and provide a secure future for their families and communities. A Need to Close the Opportunity Gaps Our economic system doesn’t work for everyone. It widens income and opportunity gaps, restrains economic mobility, and traps people and communities in a cycle of poverty and injustice. A disproportionate number of Native Americans, people of color, refugees, immigrants, and rural Americans are living in crisis—or just a paycheck away from it. Nationally, six in 10 families of color don’t have the cash on hand to cover basic expenses—like rent, medical emergencies, or the need to fix a car—for three months.

This grant provides funding for full-time graduate students in the Western U.S. to collaborate with their academic advisors and local producers on projects that promote sustainable agriculture through research and education.

The Deschutes Trails Coalition (DTC) is offering grants for small projects that improve or affect publicly accessible trails within the Deschutes National Forest and other trail networks in Deschutes County, Oregon. This initiative aligns with the DTC's mission to enhance and maintain local trail systems, promoting outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. The program targets projects that contribute to the accessibility, safety, and overall quality of trails for the benefit of all users. The grant program prioritizes various project types. "On-The-Ground Projects" focus on physical trail improvements such as new trail construction, infrastructure (e.g., bridges, culverts, signage), and essential maintenance (trail and road maintenance, trailhead improvements). "Capacity Enhancement Projects" aim to strengthen local organizations through tool purchases, training and education, and internships. Lastly, "Public Education and Outreach Projects" seek to inform the public about trail use and conservation, including public service announcements, video creation, brochures, programs, workshops, and other educational events. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, bikers, and all community members who utilize publicly accessible trails in Deschutes County. The impact goals are to create safer, more accessible, and well-maintained trail networks, foster a more informed and engaged trail-user community, and build the capacity of organizations dedicated to trail work. The program also aims to support the overall health and enjoyment of natural spaces within the region. The expected outcomes include a tangible increase in the number of improved trail miles, enhanced trail infrastructure, and a more knowledgeable public regarding trail etiquette and environmental responsibility. Measurable results could involve tracking the number of new trails constructed, maintenance projects completed, educational events held, and the number of people reached through outreach efforts. Projects are expected to be completed within 24 months of the grant award, with extensions available if necessary. The DTC's strategic priority is to ensure the long-term sustainability and quality of the Deschutes County trail system. Their theory of change suggests that by investing in tangible trail projects, organizational capacity building, and public education, they can foster a community that values, utilizes, and actively participates in the maintenance and preservation of its natural recreational assets. This program is a direct reflection of that strategy, empowering local efforts to achieve broader community and environmental benefits. Eligibility for this grant is open to 501(c)3 non-profit organizations with a trails-related mission, Federal Land Management Agencies, and private companies that are formal partners of one or more 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. The program will award up to $35,000 for multiple small projects, with individual grant sizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, underscoring a commitment to supporting diverse and impactful initiatives across the county.

This grant provides funding to local governments, tribes, and nonprofits in Oregon to improve tourism infrastructure and promote inclusivity for underserved communities, boosting the state's visitor industry and local economies.

The Tillamook Coast Tourism Signage Grant in Oregon aims to support tourism business owners by covering the costs of updated signage, ultimately enhancing the visitor experience. This initiative is made possible by lodging tax revenues collected by Tillamook County since 2013, fulfilling a commitment to use these funds to improve the community. Over $10 million has already been allocated to various tourism-related projects, with an additional $1 million provided in marketing grants to nonprofits and businesses by the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association.

This initiative provides funding and support programs for for-profit businesses in Portland, Oregon, that are at least 51% Black-owned and have been operating for over two years.

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.

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 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.