Best Multnomah County Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

The EUReka EDI Undergraduate Research Award, offered by the American Association for Anatomy, supports underrepresented minority undergraduate students pursuing research. This award provides a $3,000 research stipend, along with $2,000 for travel to present research at an annual meeting. The initiative aims to enhance graduate training opportunities and facilitate entry into science and health research fields, ultimately contributing to a more diverse scientific community.

The William Hart Scholarship offers a $5,000 award to Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color (BIPOC) undergraduate and graduate architecture students at the University of Oregon and Portland State University. Established in 2021 by Carleton Hart Architecture, this scholarship aims to support diversity in the architecture profession. Recipients can engage with CHA for mentorship and professional development, helping to remove barriers to entry and promote equity in the field.

Legacy Health

Legacy Health is a nonprofit, community-based health system dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families across the Pacific Northwest. Founded on a mission of compassionate, patient-centered care, Legacy Health operates a network of hospitals, clinics, and specialty services that emphasize high-quality medical care, health equity, and community benefit. The organization is committed to advancing health through clinical excellence, education, research, and partnerships that address both immediate healthcare needs and the broader social factors influencing health outcomes. Through its integrated system and community-focused approach, Legacy Health strives to deliver accessible, innovative, and trusted care to the populations it serves.

Legacy Health Sponsorships

Legacy Health Community Benefit provides sponsorship funding for community events and activities that align with priority areas identified through Legacy Health’s Community Health Needs Assessments and Community Health Improvement Plans. Funding is intended to support initiatives that address key social and health-related needs within the communities served by Legacy Health.

For organizations serving Marion County, current community health grant priorities include improving access to health care, strengthening economic stability, and addressing mental health and substance use challenges.

For organizations serving the Portland metro area, funding priorities focus on expanding access to affordable, culturally and linguistically responsive health care; supporting essential community services and resources such as economic and educational opportunities and access to culturally specific and healthy foods; and promoting safe, inclusive neighborhoods that enhance physical safety in the community.

Legacy HealthLegacy Health is a nonprofit, community-based health system dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families across the Pacific Northwest. Founded on a mission of compassionate, patient-centered care, Legacy Health operates a network of hospitals, clinics, and specialty services that emphasize high-quality medical care, health equity, and community benefit. The organization is committed to advancing health through clinical excellence, education, research, and partnerships that address both immediate healthcare needs and the broader social factors influencing health outcomes. Through its integrated system and community-focused approach, Legacy Health strives to deliver accessible, innovative, and trusted care to the populations it serves.

Legacy Health: Community Health Grants

Community Health Grants are offered through Legacy Health to advance its vision of being essential to the health of the region and its mission of promoting good health for people, communities, and the world. Through strategic investments and partnerships across Oregon and Southwest Washington, Legacy Health supports nonprofit organizations whose work aligns with its Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) and Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIPs), with a strong emphasis on advancing health equity and serving historically underserved and underrepresented populations.

For organizations serving Marion County, current funding priorities include access to health care, economic stability, and mental health and substance use. For organizations serving the Portland metro area, priorities focus on expanding access to affordable and culturally and linguistically responsive health care; strengthening essential community services and resources such as economic and educational opportunities and access to culturally specific and healthy foods; and promoting safe, inclusive neighborhoods that support physical safety.

Legacy Health typically solicits proposals one to two times per calendar year. Organizations interested in future funding opportunities are encouraged to complete the grant inquiry form to share information about their work and alignment with Legacy Health’s mission and goals.

Legacy Health

Legacy Health is a nonprofit, community-based health system dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families across the Pacific Northwest. Founded on a mission of compassionate, patient-centered care, Legacy Health operates a network of hospitals, clinics, and specialty services that emphasize high-quality medical care, health equity, and community benefit. The organization is committed to advancing health through clinical excellence, education, research, and partnerships that address both immediate healthcare needs and the broader social factors influencing health outcomes. Through its integrated system and community-focused approach, Legacy Health strives to deliver accessible, innovative, and trusted care to the populations it serves.

Irene Stephenson High School Scholarship Endowment

Irene Stephenson High School Scholarship Endowment provides scholarship support to graduating high school seniors from schools within the service area of Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center who plan to pursue a career in health care.

Legacy Health

Legacy Health is a nonprofit, community-based health system dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families across the Pacific Northwest. Founded on a mission of compassionate, patient-centered care, Legacy Health operates a network of hospitals, clinics, and specialty services that emphasize high-quality medical care, health equity, and community benefit. The organization is committed to advancing health through clinical excellence, education, research, and partnerships that address both immediate healthcare needs and the broader social factors influencing health outcomes. Through its integrated system and community-focused approach, Legacy Health strives to deliver accessible, innovative, and trusted care to the populations it serves.

Good Samaritan Nursing Scholarship

2026 Good Samaritan Nursing Scholarship provides educational support to eligible employees of Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center who are pursuing advanced nursing degrees. Applicants must have been employed at the Medical Center for at least one year and be accepted to or enrolled in coursework leading directly to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students may be considered only if they intend to remain in nursing practice (non-prescribing roles), though BSN and MSN candidates are prioritized.

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.

Multnomah County, Oregon anatomy educators at accredited colleges or universities can access funding through the American Association for Anatomy’s Henry Gray Distinguished Educator Award, which provides US $2,000 for travel to the AAA Annual Meeting. Full-time or emeritus faculty who are AAA members, with nominations and recommendation letters, may be considered.

The Julius Axelrod Award in Pharmacology, established in 1991, honors the contributions of eminent pharmacologists in neuroscience and biochemistry. Awarded annually by ASPET, it recognizes significant advancements in understanding drug mechanisms and mentoring in pharmacology. Recipients receive a $5,000 honorarium, a medal, and travel expenses for the annual meeting. ASPET encourages nominations from diverse candidates to promote inclusion in the field of pharmacology.

The David Lehr Award, funded by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, supports preclinical and clinical research aimed at enhancing human health. Offering $50,000 annually for two years, this award encourages applications from experienced investigators needing funds for competitive renewals or preliminary data for new grants. Emphasizing diversity, the award aims to empower underrepresented researchers in the field. Awarded biennially, it fosters innovative pharmacologic approaches to advance healthcare.

The Pharmacia-ASPET Award for Experimental Therapeutics recognizes groundbreaking research in pharmacology and experimental therapeutics. Established in 1969 and renamed in 2002, it honors research that significantly impacts disease treatment. The recipient receives a $2,500 honorarium, a commemorative plaque, and coverage for travel to the ASPET Annual Meeting. Nominations are welcomed from ASPET members, particularly those from underrepresented communities, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in the field.

The Reynold Spector Award in Clinical Pharmacology and Translational Medicine, established in 2014 by ASPET, honors excellence in clinical pharmacology research and teaching. Presented biennially during the ASPET Annual Meeting, this award includes an $8,000 honorarium, a commemorative plaque, and travel expenses for the winner and their spouse. Nominations are open to ASPET members, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the selection process.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The JetBlue Foundation is dedicated to enhancing aviation-related education and STEM initiatives, aiming to inspire future aviation leaders. Offering grants up to $50,000, it supports educational organizations that focus on aviation technology, engineering, operations, and maintenance. The foundation prioritizes programs benefiting under-represented communities in aviation, including veterans, women, and diverse groups, ensuring a broader range of voices in the industry.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

The Portland Arts & Culture General Operating Support program provides essential funding for local arts organizations that enhance the cultural ecosystem of the city. With a focus on accessibility, these grants support a wide range of activities including community events and arts education. Eligible organizations must be based in Portland, hold IRS 501(c)(3) status, and demonstrate a commitment to serving diverse communities. Over 1.5 million attendees benefit from these programs annually, bolstering the local economy.

Nonprofit and community groups supporting arts, culture, and heritage in Multnomah County, Oregon can seek US $1,000 - US $3,000 for community cultural participation projects. Oregon Cultural Trust, via the Multnomah County Cultural Coalition, prioritizes smaller organizations and creative projects serving historically underfunded communities and expanding access to arts and cross-cultural understanding.

The Hoover Family Foundation Grant, established in 1992, supports non-profit organizations in Portland, Oregon, and Indianapolis, Indiana. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster self-sufficiency, provide effective social services, and improve educational opportunities. Grants are limited to organizations serving the Portland metropolitan area, adhering to geographic restrictions. Due to high demand and limited resources, only a small number of applications can be funded each year, emphasizing the need for complete and compliant submissions.

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.

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.

Ninety-nine Girlfriends offers annual Impact Awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 to nonprofits in the Portland Metro/SW Washington area. The grants focus on four key areas: educational equity for youth, environmental sustainability, housing stability, and women's economic empowerment. Emphasizing equity and trust-based philanthropy, they seek organizations that demonstrate a commitment to community impact and inclusivity. Applications are open to 501(c)(3) entities and fiscally sponsored groups, requiring a minimum annual revenue of $100,000.

The CNN Small Grants Program, now in its 16th year, empowers grassroots organizations in D1EC to address community needs through collaborative projects. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 and a total funding of up to $40,000, this program provides essential resources, training, and support to strengthen community ties. By fostering connections among neighbors, it helps enhance living, working, and recreational spaces for future generations.

Christian young adults pursuing higher education or vocational training in Multnomah County, Oregon and nearby eligible counties can receive $1,000 - $1,500 through the Church at the Grove Scholarship. With a mission to strengthen communities, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington provides renewable awards supporting college preparation, persistence, and degree completion for students active in qualifying churches.

Students pursuing vocational, technical, trade, or business education in Multnomah County, Oregon can access funding through the Jack and Carol Kelly Scholarship. Community Foundation for Southwest Washington supports graduates of eligible local high schools or descendants of Instrument Sales & Services employees who will attend accredited colleges, universities, career or technical schools, or apprenticeship programs.

The Thesis Foundation Fund supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the Portland metro area, including Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Clark counties. Its mission is to promote racial equity and serve underserved communities through educational and digital programming. The fund prioritizes grants for projects that address these issues, particularly during crises. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies that advocate for equal opportunities and community support.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

Robison Foundation for Jewish Elders

Robison Foundation for Jewish Elders (RFJE) supports community organizations and initiatives by funding programs that enhance the lives of elders in the Jewish community of greater Portland and Southwest Washington by supporting their social, spiritual and physical well-being.

To achieve its mission, RFJE offers funding through four grant track opportunities:

• Nitzan Grants
• Kulanu Grants
• ChikChok Grants
• Kadimah Grants

Oregon Jewish Community Foundation ( OJCF) administers and supports RFJE's grantmaking programs. In 2025, OJCF announced and managed the application process for RFJE's ChikChok, Kadimah, Nitzan, and Kulanu grant programs that support Jewish elders in Greater Portland and Southwest Washington. OJCF specifically stated that it is proud to support the administration of these grants.

Nitzan Grants

Nitzan (blossom) grants are designed to support early-stage ideas and modest program expansions. These grants are intended to pilot new concepts with room to grow, expand existing programs in a limited but meaningful way; and bridge the gap between small, rapid-response funding and larger investments.

The Purpose of the Nitzan Grants

Grant awards for this Nitzan cycle will be $5,000-$20,000 per year. There will be two grant cycles per year. We strongly encourage organizations to self-evaluate how they can effectively use grant funds-given existing organizational constraints-ask for funding accordingly.

Collaboration with other aligned non-profit organizations in a joint grant application is encouraged. Funds will be awarded to the lead applicant who will also be responsible for measured outcomes reporting. 

Grant Size and Timeframe Parameters

RFJE will consider funding proposals for up to three years and encourages applicants seeking multi-year support to request reduced funding amounts in the second and third years (“step-down funding”). For approved multi-year grants, RFJE will commit to funding for the full proposed term, contingent on annual reporting requirements and on agreed-upon criteria and conditions established by RFJE and the applicant to assess the program’s progress.