Overview
As a responsive arm of OCF, the Community Grants program awards about 200 grants each year, mostly to small- and moderate-size nonprofits. Our belief is that meeting a broad range of locally identified needs helps nonprofits improve the quality of life in their communities.
The average grant is $20,000 to $22,000. Larger awards are for projects that promise a significant community impact. OCF receives 250 to 300 proposals per grant cycle and funds about 100. Here is information about our most recent awards.
Concerns Central to OCF’s Evaluation of Proposed Projects
The Community Grant program supports nonprofits that engage their communities in addressing local issues. Preference is given to proposals that:
- Demonstrate a close fit with OCF funding priorities
- Represent prevention or early intervention efforts
- Reflect significant community engagement, both in terms of volunteers and financial support (cash and in-kind)
See the links in the right sidebar for information about the Community Grant program and how to develop and submit a competitive grant proposal.
Strategic Priorities of OCF's Board
OCF's board has identified several strategic priority areas (such as early childhood, and jobs and the economy). The Community Grant program stands alone and may not reflect these strategic interests. Information about strategic priorities will be posted on OCF's website when grant opportunities are available.
Questions?
Once you have reviewed the information on this site, please contact us if you have questions about your eligibility or our funding priorities, recession-related principles, grant forms or timelines.
Portland Office, 503.227.6846
Megan Schumaker, Program Officer for Community Grants & Funds - mschumaker@oregoncf.org
Michelle Boss Barba, Program Officer for Portland Metro - mbossbarba@oregoncf.org
Melissa Hansen, Associate Program Officer & Lead Grants Administrator - mhansen@oregoncf.org
Michael Achterman, Program Associate for Grants - machterman@oregoncf.org
Caitlin Walker, Program Assistant for Grants - cwalker@oregoncf.org
Medford Office, 541.773.8987
Amy Cuddy, Program Officer for Southern Oregon - acuddy@oregoncf.org