Best Deschutes County Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

Health, safety, and wellness 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible public agencies in Deschutes County, Oregon can apply for Pacific Power Foundation grants up to US $10,000 to support health and human services programs. Focus areas include addiction, mental health, domestic violence, first responders, food insecurity, senior services, youth services, and preventative healthcare within the utility’s service area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and other eligible charitable entities in Deschutes County, Oregon can apply for PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation grants up to US $10,000 to support community enhancement and environmental respect projects. With a mission to strengthen local communities, the foundation funds housing, recreation centers, parks, trails, conservation, resource stewardship, and related initiatives.

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.

Nonprofit organizations running education, community service, arts and culture, youth activities, or historic preservation projects in Deschutes County, Oregon can apply for grants up to US $15,000. Braemar Charitable Trust supports project-specific work rather than general operations, offering targeted funding that may benefit 501(c)(3) programs in the Central Oregon region.

Private forest landowners in Deschutes County, Oregon can seek funding to conserve working forests and prevent development conversion through conservation easements or fee-title acquisition. With a mission to protect forest resources, Oregon Department of Forestry provides up to US $20,000,000 to support sustainable management under a State Forester approved Forest Stewardship Plan.

Public, volunteer, community college, and tribal libraries serving rural areas in Deschutes County, Oregon can receive up to US $3,000 to create humanities-focused community events. Grants from Oregon Humanities help libraries host dialogues, speaker events, storytelling, and other programs exploring the 2026 theme “Fear and Belonging,” including related planning, materials, and accessibility costs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Deschutes County, Oregon can receive up to US $50,000 for community-focused programs in areas like education, health, basic needs, environment, and community development. Grants from BECU Foundation help Deschutes County nonprofits advancing local well-being through direct-impact services within BECU’s People Helping People giving areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Deschutes County, Oregon seeking support for cultural, educational, environmental, or community enrichment projects can apply for grants from Bend Foundation. With a mission to enrich Bend residents’ lives, Bend Foundation prioritizes one-time capital and start-up initiatives that enhance livability, public art, intellectual enrichment, and conservation.

U.S.-based nonprofit, tax-exempt schools and similar educational entities in Deschutes County, Oregon can apply for H.E.L.P., The Charity’s grants to support academic success and educational access programs. Eligible groups include schools, bands, and athletic teams in communities served by participating Figaro’s Pizza or related restaurants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on youth development and leadership in Deschutes County, Oregon can apply for Lithia Motors’ Lithia 4Kids support. Grants help enrich the lives of children and their families and strengthen local communities. Deschutes County nonprofits working with children and teens may benefit from these locally managed partnerships.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

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.​

St. Charles Health System provides Deschutes County, Oregon nonprofits and community groups with small grants up to US $500 for community services and projects addressing health disparities and social determinants of health. Organizations in Crook and Jefferson Counties are also eligible, with priority for those demonstrating substantial St. Charles employee engagement.

St. Charles Health System offers sponsorships to support charities that align with its mission of promoting community health and well-being. Proposals can be submitted year-round, with reviews occurring three times annually. Events must provide visibility for St. Charles and be vetted for inclusivity. Special consideration is given to health-related projects and those involving St. Charles caregivers. This initiative reflects a commitment to community engagement and enhancing the quality of life in Central Oregon.

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 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.

Deschutes County, Oregon local governments seeking funding for community development and public infrastructure can access funding through Business Oregon’s Community Development Block Grants, awarding US $100,000 - US $2,500,000. Eligible rural cities and counties can support low- and moderate-income residents through projects like water and wastewater systems, community facilities, housing rehabilitation, microenterprise training, and emergency needs.

Helen M Clabough Charitable Foundation provides Deschutes County, Oregon nonprofits and public entities with funding for social services, community-based programs, arts and culture, education, and environmental stewardship. 501(c)(3) organizations in the Deschutes River Watershed can request US $1,000 - US $15,000 for projects that create broad public benefit and support recreational or educational endeavors.

The St. Charles Health System Basic Needs Grant supports initiatives that serve medically underserved populations in Central Oregon. This grant prioritizes projects that address unmet needs, promote collaboration, and demonstrate innovation to improve community health. Organizations must provide detailed project descriptions and plan for self-sufficiency. Applications are accepted year-round, with reviews occurring in February, May, and October. This funding aims to enhance the quality of life and ensure sustainable development in the region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and foundations in Deschutes County, Oregon can seek event sponsorships supporting economic opportunity and community vitality programs. Onpoint Community Credit Union provides US $100 - US $10,000 for eligible events, with one sponsorship per organization every 12 months and applications due at least 90 days before the event.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and K–12 public or charter schools in Deschutes County, Oregon can receive US $250 - US $2,500 for education-related needs from Onpoint Community Credit Union. Onpoint Community Credit Union provides Deschutes County, Oregon education organizations with support for programs that advance Economic Opportunity and Community Vitality, including classroom projects, school-based initiatives, and related educational activities.

The PGE Foundation's Career Pathways Grant Program aims to enhance economic mobility for Oregonians by providing support for programs that facilitate access to family-wage jobs and entrepreneurship. This initiative prioritizes nonprofit organizations focused on skill development, mentorship, and wrap-around services. The foundation is particularly interested in proposals that address barriers faced by underrepresented communities, including BIPOC and women-owned businesses, and encourages collaborative efforts among nonprofits to achieve measurable outcomes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations raising money for community or environmental causes in Deschutes County, Oregon can partner with Abby’s Legendary Pizza Foundation through its $2/$1 Fundraiser Coupon program. With a mission to support local causes, the foundation helps groups earn $1 per redeemed coupon while offering supporters a discount on giant pizzas.

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.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.