Oregon Community Foundation awards $5.3 million in fall Community Grants to 259 nonprofits
The grants announced on Nov. 9 reach organizations serving all 36 Oregon counties, chosen with help from 67 volunteer reviewers. Applications for the spring 2027 cycle open Nov. 17 and close Dec. 15.
Portland. Oregon Community Foundation said on Nov. 9 that it is giving more than $5.3 million to 259 organizations in the fall 2026 round of its Community Grants program, with the money going to nonprofits that serve all 36 of the state's counties.
The foundation, based in Portland, calls Community Grants its broadest competitive grant program and says it often serves as an entry point to philanthropy for nonprofits seeking support from foundations. This round covers arts and culture, economic vitality, a healthy environment, housing, education, culturally responsive work and what the foundation calls emerging opportunities. For nearly three decades the program has given priority to organizations serving people and communities that have historically faced significant bias, discrimination or underinvestment.
Beyond the program's own money, the foundation said, its donors have recommended more than $1 million in additional grants to organizations that applied in this fall's cycle. The program also draws on the foundation's Stronger Together Fund, a collective giving fund open to anyone.
Volunteers helped choose
This cycle, 67 volunteer community reviewers from around the state worked alongside foundation staff to evaluate applications and inform the recommendations.
“The Community Grants Program works best when local voices are part of the decision-making process.”
The announcement did not include the full list of recipients but gave examples by region. In Corbett, Black Oregon Land Trust is starting an incubator farm program for emerging farmers. LiFEBoat Services in Astoria is strengthening wraparound services for people dealing with addiction, mental health challenges and unstable housing. Coos Watershed Association is opening outdoor education and recreation to adults with limited mobility and to families with young children.
In Salem, Shangri-La Corporation is providing dental care for low-income residents, and NextStep Recycling in Eugene is widening workforce training and technology access. Maslow Project in Medford is adding food storage for vulnerable youth and families. Upper Deschutes Watershed Council in Bend is expanding environmental education for students in Sunriver and La Pine. In eastern Oregon, Fishtrap in Enterprise is adding theater programs for children and families in Union and Wallowa counties, and High Desert Partnership in Burns is supporting community building across Harney County.
The next round
The spring 2027 cycle will accept applications from Nov. 17 through Dec. 15, 2026, and the foundation says details on eligibility, funding priorities and requirements are on its Community Grants page. Founded in 1973, Oregon Community Foundation says it distributes more than $200 million in grants and scholarships each year.
About this story
501c3.help wrote this story from the sources listed with it, not from material an organization sent. Our editors approved it on Nov. 10, 2026. Stories in The Nonprofit Herald are free, and nothing is asked in return. Editorial rules.
Found an error? Write to [email protected] and we will correct it.
For the organizations in this story: put the badge on your website
Put it on your About page or wherever you list press mentions, rather than in a footer that repeats on every page. It links to this story.
Linking is welcome and never required. Nothing about the story changes either way.