The Year Ahead

Thanks to the generosity of donors and a partial recovery in the stock market, OCF will be able to fund projects in 2010 at about the same level as in 2008. However, economic conditions in Oregon are still poor, and OCF will continue working with communities to address the impacts of the recession.

Please check OCF's website periodically for updates on recession-related programs, including special guidelines for Community Grant applications.

Grant Opportunities

OCF has a number of grant programs, some of them permanent and some temporary. Please explore the groups below to see if one of our programs fits your needs.

In most cases if the deadline falls on a weekend, the application is due at OCF the previous Friday. We are shifting away from our policy of accepting proposals post-marked on the due date as too many applications came in at the last minute. However, if you have an emergency situation, please contact us.

NIKE EMPLOYEE GRANT FUND - Entering year two of grantmaking

OCF launched a new grant program in 2010 — the Nike Employee Grant Fund, which awards at least $500,000 per year over two grant cycles. The grant application window in 2011 opens twice per year:

– April 15 through 5 p.m. June 1 for a board decision in September 2011

– October 15 through 5 p.m. December 1 for a board decision in March 2012

Click here for more information. The guidelines for the fall/winter cycle of 2011-12 reflect Nike's increased focus on environmental sustainability!

Statewide

Grant Program	Application Deadline	Purpose
Community Grants	February 1 & August 1	Grants (average $22,000) to community-based nonprofits whose work addresses one or more of OCF’s four funding objectives
Bailey Fellowship	Sept. 9	Fellowships (one or two per year at $20,000/each) to advance the professional development of mid-career architects and encourage greater contributions to their profession and community
Better Nursing Home Care Fund	February 7	Grants (average $8,000-$10,000) to ensure better care for nursing home residents in Oregon
Designated Grants	No application	Grant disbursements are made annually to nonprofits recommended by a donor; reports are due March 1
Early Childhood Program Grants	See link for more info	John and Betty Gray Community College Scholarship Program for students pursuing certification/degree in early childhood. John and Betty Gray Training & Certification Scholarship Program for child care providers seeking training. Standard early childhood grant program being redesigned in 2009 – stay tuned for more information
Oregon Historic Trails Fund	September 1	Grants (average $9,000-$10,000) to develop interpretive, educational and economic projects to preserve and protect the natural resources of Oregon’s historic trails
Oregon Natural Resources Education Fund	March 1	Grants to support forestry-related natural resources education in Oregon high schools
Oregon Parks Foundation Fund	April 15	Grants range from $1,500 to $5,000 and support acquisition, preservation, and improvement of land for public parks and other recreation
Gray Family Fund Environmental Education Program	Friday, January 28, 2011 — Grant notification by June Outdoor Exploration and Community Field Trips for fifth through eighth grades Environmental Professional Development for teachers and volunteer mentors Friday, July 29, 2011 — Grant notification by December Overnight, Residential Outdoor School Programs for fifth and sixth grade students	The Environmental Education Program seeks to encourage a strong local land ethic, sustainable communities, and stewardship of the natural environment by citizens throughout Oregon.

Specific Geographic Regions

Grant Program	Application Deadline	Purpose
Arts Foundation of Western Oregon Fund	Please check with specific funding opportunity	Lane County: Supports the arts, sustaining artistic creativity and building a more vibrant local arts community in Lane County
Reed & Carolee Walker Fund	January 10	Jackson County: Responsive Services Program – Grants (average $22,000) to Jackson County nonprofits to address emergency needs or for enrichment programs for disadvantaged children Legacy Program – Grants (average $65,000) to Jackson County nonprofits to address children’s dental care, children’s mental health, or substance abuse treatment for parents
Douglas Community Fund	February 1	Douglas County: Grants (average $5,000) to support nonprofits in Douglas County
Lilja Family Fund	August 1 for grants & March 1 for scholarships	South Douglas County: Grants (average $5,000) to support projects in South Douglas County that focus on early childhood, K-12 education, youth development, libraries, literacy and culture College scholarships (average $2,500)
Northwest Neighborhood Parks & Recreation Fund	November 1	Northwest Portland: Grants (average $10,000-$15,000) for the capital development and renovation of parks and recreation facilities in Northwest Portland
Oregon Natural Resources Education Fund [Terry Selby Memorial Subfund]	March 1	Benton County: Grants to support forestry-related natural resources education in Benton County high schools
Ben Serafin Fund	August 1 for grants & March 1 for scholarships	Douglas County, especially the community of Glide, Oregon: Grants (average $6,000) to nonprofits serving the needs of Douglas County, particularly the community of Glide Scholarships (average $2,500) for graduates of Glide High School
Chintimini Fund - Small Grants for Programs Serving High Potential Students	March 15	Lane, Linn, Benton, Douglas, Tillamook and Lincoln Counties: Since 2006, the Chintimini Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation has supported programs for Talented and Gifted (TAG) and other high potential students at schools and other community organizations in Lane, Linn, Benton, Tillamook, and Lincoln counties (and Douglas County beginning in 2011). The fund seeks to provide meaningful and stimulating opportunities for youth with high potential, either in school or in the community.
Whipple Foundation Fund	see link for deadlines	Douglas County: The Whipple Foundation Fund was established in 2003 by Mildred Whipple to improve, facilitate and enhance lifelong learning for the citizens of Douglas County.
Skyrman Techno Fund	see link for deadlines	Jackson County: The Skyrman Techno Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation was established by Wally Skyrman to provide financial resources to science and industrial arts teachers (grades 4-12) and other youth program instructors
The Trillium Fund	see link for deadlines	Newberg Area: This fund makes grants primarily for youth volunteerism and development.

Specific Topics

Grant Program	Application Deadline	Purpose
Bailey Fellowship	Sept. 9	Fellowships (one or two per year at $20,000/each) to advance the professional development of mid-career architects and encourage greater contributions to their profession and community
Better Nursing Home Care Fund	February 7	Grants (average $8,000-$10,000) to ensure better care for nursing home residents in Oregon
Oregon Historic Trails Fund	September 1	Grants (average $9,000-$10,000) to develop interpretive, educational and economic projects to preserve and protect the natural resources of Oregon’s historic trails
Oregon Natural Resources Education Fund	March 1	Grants to support forestry-related natural resources education in Oregon high schools
Oregon Parks Foundation Fund	April 15	Grants range from $1,500 to $5,000 and support acquisition, preservation, and improvement of land for public parks and other recreation
Early Childhood Program Grants	See link for more info	John and Betty Gray Community College Scholarship Program for students pursuing certification/degree in early childhood John and Betty Gray Training & Certification Scholarship Program for child care providers seeking training Standard early childhood grant program being redesigned in 2009 – stay tuned for more information
Gray Family Fund Environmental Education Program	Friday, January 28, 2011 — Grant notification by June Outdoor Exploration and Community Field Trips for fifth through eighth grades Environmental Professional Development for teachers and volunteer mentors Friday, July 29, 2011 — Grant notification by December Overnight, Residential Outdoor School Programs for fifth and sixth grade students	The Environmental Education Program seeks to encourage a strong local land ethic, sustainable communities, and stewardship of the natural environment by citizens throughout Oregon.
Chintimini Fund - Small Grants for Programs Serving High Potential Students	March 15	Since 2006, the Chintimini Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation has supported programs for Talented and Gifted (TAG) and other high potential students at schools and other community organizations in Lane, Linn, Benton, Tillamook, and Lincoln counties (and Douglas County beginning in 2011). The fund seeks to provide meaningful and stimulating opportunities for youth with high potential, either in school or in the community.
Skyrman Techno Fund	see link for deadlines	Jackson County: The Skyrman Techno Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation was established by Wally Skyrman to provide financial resources to science and industrial arts teachers (grades 4-12) and other youth program instructors
The Trillium Fund	see link for deadlines	Newberg Area: This fund supports youth volunteerism and development in and around Newberg.