Local People, Local Solutions: Oregon Nonprofits Receive $5.3 Million in Community Grants

New grants support 259 organizations serving communities across Oregon through wide range of causes Oregonians care about

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Community Foundation is investing more than $5.3 million in 259 organizations through its Community Grants program. The funding supports nonprofits serving all 36 counties of Oregon.

Behind each grant from the statewide funder are people stepping forward to meet local needs and opportunities. They launch new ideas, strengthen local institutions, care for their neighbors and create possibilities for the future.

The Fall 2026 Community Grants support a wide range of causes Oregonians care about: arts and culture, economic vitality, a healthy environment, housing, education and culturally responsive work. Community Grants is Oregon Community Foundation's broadest competitive grant program and often serves as an entry point to philanthropy for nonprofits seeking support from foundations.

LiFEBoat meal delivery to day shelter.

Community engagement is a cornerstone of the program. This cycle, 67 volunteer community reviewers from across the state worked alongside Oregon Community Foundation staff to evaluate applications and help inform recommendations. 
  
“The Community Grants Program works best when local voices are part of the decision-making process,” said Rachel Alm, Senior Program Officer, Community Grants, based in OCF’s Bend office. “Volunteer reviewers from across Oregon bring local knowledge, lived experience and a deep understanding of their communities. Their insights help ensure these investments reflect the priorities, strengths and opportunities that matter most where people live.”

For nearly three decades, Community Grants have supported nonprofit organizations serving communities in all 36 counties of Oregon. The program continues to prioritize organizations serving people and communities that have historically experienced significant bias, discrimination or underinvestment.  

“There is so much need in the communities we serve,” said Amy Drake, Senior Program Officer, Community Grants, based in OCF’s Medford office. “These nonprofits are trusted local partners doing important work. We encourage anyone inspired by their efforts to support a nonprofit they care about, whether through Oregon Community Foundation or by giving directly to organizations making a difference close to home.”

In addition to funding from this specific program, Oregon Community Foundation donors helped expand the impact by recommending more than $1 million in grants to organizations that applied during this year's Fall Community Grants cycle, helping more local solutions take root in communities across Oregon.

Coos Watershed Association

Community Grants is also supported by OCF's Stronger Together Fund, a collective giving fund that allows anyone to join with other donors to support community-led solutions across Oregon.

The complete list of Fall 2026 Community Grants recipients is available here.  

Applications for the 2027 Spring Cycle of OCF's Community Grants Program will be accepted November 17 through December 15, 2026. Additional information about eligibility, funding priorities and application requirements is now available on the Community Grants webpage.

Fast Facts: Fall 2026 Community Grants  

• 259 grants awarded
• More than $5.3 million invested in Oregon communities  
• 67 volunteer community reviewers  
• Organizations serving communities in all 36 counties of Oregon  
• Funding for arts and culture, economic vitality, healthy environments, housing, education, culturally responsive work and emerging opportunities

Community Grants Across Oregon

Across Oregon, Community Grants support local organizations responding to the needs and opportunities they see in their communities. This year's grants include support for: 

College Housing Northwest

Portland Metro

• Black Oregon Land Trust in Corbett: Launching an incubator farm program for emerging farmers. 
• Camp Starlight Commission in Portland: Expanding summer programming for LGBTQ+ youth. 
• Islamic Social Services of Oregon State in Portland: Expanding driving lessons, skills development and peer support for immigrant and refugee women. 
• College Housing Northwest in Portland: Expanding support services for low-income students. 
• 

  Dawn Inc.

  DAWN Inc. in Hillsboro: Building community and belonging for Ukrainians affected by war and displacement. 

Northern Oregon Coast 

• Providence Seaside Hospital Foundation: Expanding transportation and treatment support for people with substance use disorders. 
• Conexión Fénix in Otis: Expanding its community support model for Latino families on the North Coast. 
• LiFEBoat Services in Astoria: Strengthening wraparound services for people navigating addiction, mental health challenges and housing instability. 

Bandon Food and Flourish

Southern Oregon Coast

• Southern Oregon Coast Pride in Coos Bay: Supporting educational workshops and creating a community care directory
• Coos Watershed Association: Expanding outdoor education and recreation opportunities for adults with limited mobility and families with young children. 
• Bandon Food and Flourish: Expanding community support services through its CARE coordinator program. 

Northern Willamette Valley

• Shangri-La Corporation in Salem: Providing dental care for low-income residents. 
• Compass Perinatal Family & Community Support in Keizer: Strengthening the regional doula workforce.
• Traveling Light Foundation in McMinnville: Upgrading an outdoor sensory space for students with disabilities. 

Southern Willamette Valley

• Community Festival Association in Oakridge: Supporting construction of a community garden. 
• City of Harrisburg: Creating an outdoor fitness area at Eagle Park. 
• NextStep Recycling in Eugene: Expanding workforce training, digital skills development and technology access.

Ashland Family YMCA

Southern Oregon

• Maslow Project in Medford: Increasing food storage capacity to better serve vulnerable youth and families. 
• Ashland Family YMCA: Launching an early childhood education program at Orchard Hill Elementary School. 
• Illinois Valley Family Coalition in Cave Junction: Expanding access to community services through a new coordinator position. 

Central Oregon

• Upper Deschutes Watershed Council in Bend: Expanding environmental education opportunities for students in Sunriver and La Pine. 
• Dufur School District: Building a new playground for students and families. 
• Papalaxsimisha in Warm Springs: Expanding Native American Student Union programming. 

Harney Oregon Mural, High Desert Partnership

Eastern Oregon

• Fishtrap in Enterprise: Expanding theater programming for children and families in Union and Wallowa counties. 
• High Desert Partnership in Burns: Strengthening community-building efforts across Harney County. 
• Made to Thrive in Hermiston: Expanding opportunities for play and recreation for children and youth in Morrow and Umatilla counties.