Grants Fuel Community-Driven Solutions Across Oregon

Nonprofits Statewide Share $5.6M to Make Progress on Pressing Challenges 

PORTLAND, Ore. – Nonprofits tackling Oregon’s most pressing challenges are receiving a boost. Oregon Community Foundation has distributed new grants to organizations making progress on housing, child care, hunger, substance abuse, arts and culture, and those serving immigrants, refugees and others. In all, OCF’s Community Grants program is investing $5,629,398 in 241 nonprofits serving urban and rural communities.

Local Voices, Local Impact

One of those nonprofits in Eastern Oregon is Giggles & Grace Early Learning Center, which provides child care, early Head Start and preschool to 250 children in Ontario and Malheur County.

Giggles & Grace Early Learning Center

“We live in what's coined as a child care desert,” said Executive Director Shawn C. Reynolds. “We have the highest poverty rates, and people need to be at work and kids need an education so that they can overcome generational poverty.”

For 28 years, OCF’s Community Grants program has supported nonprofits, Tribal organizations and government agencies in all 36 counties of Oregon. The 2025 Spring Cycle prioritized nonprofits that are culturally specific, culturally responsive or small rural.

Portland’s El Jardín Recovery Centers received a $40,000 Community Grant.

“We work really hard to make sure that everyone who is seeking recovery can find it within a community that understands that intrinsic, deep part of them,” said Diana Aleman, Data and Development Manager. “It's easier for someone to start their recovery when they understand that the other person knows how they feel.”

Sande School of Horsemanship

Another nonprofit that received a new Community Grant is Sande School of Horsemanship in the coastal town of Warren. Founder and Executive Director Kassi Euwer says her organization uses horses to teach life skills and provide therapeutic services.

“Our county has a severe shortage of mental health providers. This summer, we're completing a new mental health wing with space for two more full-time providers,” said Euwer. “Oregon Community Foundation was the first funder to get on board with this expansion, leading the way for other foundations to support this important work.”

Flexible Grants Signal Trust and Respect

Funding from OCF's 2025 Spring Cycle of Community Grants is flexible, allowing organizations to invest the money where it is needed most.

“All over our state, Oregonians are working to make their communities better, and we rely on them to point the way to solutions and innovative ideas,” said Marcy Bradley, OCF’s Chief Community Engagement and Equity Officer. 

Bohio Cibanani

“Flexible operating funds through our Community Grants show the trust and respect we have for our local communities,” Bradley said. “We’re grateful to our donors for making this possible and to our nonprofit partners for their deep knowledge and desire to improve the lives of all Oregonians.” 

Grants Reflect Statewide Priorities

• Nearly 3 in 4 of the nonprofits receiving grants serve low-income communities.
• Nearly half serve communities that are Black, Indigenous or people of color.
• Grants went to 26 nonprofits that support Oregonians who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless or in need of affordable housing. Another 30 of the nonprofits receiving grants support immigrant or refugee communities. Twelve more fight hunger.
• For 127 of the nonprofits receiving funding, this is their first Community Grant from OCF.

Freedom Farm

Community-Reviewed, Donor-Supported

The funding is possible because of donors to Oregon Community Foundation. Grant applications from nonprofits were reviewed by OCF volunteers in every region of Oregon. The list below of representative grants from each region of Oregon demonstrates the impact these grants have on nearly every aspect of life for Oregonians.

A full list of grantees can be found here.

Community Grants by Region

• Central Oregon: 24 grants totaling $382,360
• Eastern Oregon: 17 grants totaling $264,715
• Metro Portland: 90 grants totaling $2,480,978
• North Coast: 14 grants totaling $242,112
• Northern Willamette Valley: 24 grants totaling $643,000
• Southern Oregon: 26 grants totaling $516,000
• South Coast: 11 grants totaling $178,524
• Southern Willamette Valley: 35 grants totaling $921,700

Next Opportunity: Fall 2025 Grants

The next cycle of Community Grants from OCF, in the fall of 2025, will focus on capacity building, small capital and new or expanding projects. Program applications will open June 12, 2025. Grants will be awarded in November.