The Oregon Community Foundation’s grant programs reflect our desire to be innovative, inclusive and responsive to the needs of the state. Our grants include those that are open to nonprofit application and those that originate at a donor’s request. Here is a snapshot of OCF’s grant programs:
Grants Open to Application
Discretionary Grants – $10 million in 2010
OCF welcomes applications for discretionary grants. Three important programs under this umbrella are:
- Community Grants – Awarded statewide. Broadly accessible, with funding to support children and families; education, arts and culture; and increasing Oregon's livability through citizen involvement.
- Reed and Carolee Walker Fund Grants – Awarded in Jackson County. Focused on disadvantaged children and families.
- Ready to Learn Grants – Awarded statewide. Focused on programs that benefit young children. (At this time, the Ready to Learn program is only accepting renewal applications for the 2012-2013 grant year from organizations that received funding for 2011-2012. No new application opportunities are currently available, but may be in the future.)
Community Field of Interest Fund Grants – $2.2 million in 2010
Volunteer advisory committees, knowledgeable about a particular region or field, recommend grant awards through a competitive application process. Here is a list of our grant opportunities. Our newest is the Nike Employee Grant Fund Program, awarding at least $500,000 per year through two grant cycles.
Grants Not Open to Application
These grants are awarded at the recommendation of advised fund donors. Most support the general operations or standard programs of a nonprofit. The grants rarely involve a competitive process. It is more likely that a donor is aware of the good work of a nonprofit and recommends supporting it.
These annual distributions are designated by the donor at the time a fund is established. Usually, these designated grants support general operations of a nonprofit. The only requirement of the nonprofit is to submit an annual designated grant report on how the funds were used.
Endowment Distributions – $9 million in 2010
When a nonprofit establishes an endowment fund at OCF, distributions from the fund are made annually or semi-annually, depending on the nonprofit's preference. Participation in our Endowment Partners Program ensures the nonprofit a permanent source of revenue, professional guidance from OCF staff on complex gift transactions, and opportunities to learn more about building a strong revenue base.
Supporting Organization Grants – $3.4 million in 2010
Supporting organizations are foundations under the umbrella of OCF. They have their own funding objectives, board members and grant processes. In general, these foundations do not have competitive grant programs.