The Carpenter Foundation
The Carpenter Foundation is a private family foundation based in Medford, Oregon (established 1942) that awards grants and scholarships focused on human services, education, the arts, and public interest in Jackson and Josephine counties.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Jackson or Josephine County (or serving those counties) seeking one‑year operating or program support in human services, education, youth development, or the arts, typically for small-to-midsize grants (most awards in the $1k–$30k range).
Good Fit
- • Located in Jackson or Josephine County or serving residents there
- • 501(c)(3) status with board approval and standard financials available
- • Requesting one-year program or general operating support rather than long-term capital or equipment
- • Asking for an amount in the foundation's observed grant range (roughly a few thousand up to ~$30k)
- • Programs aligned with education, scholarships, arts, food security, housing, or youth services
Geography
Observed giving is overwhelmingly in Oregon (about 98% of dollars) and the foundation's guidelines state grants are made only within Jackson and Josephine counties except for rare statewide issues.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 115 distinct grantees (116 grants) with many new entrants (66 new recipients in 2024) and low dollar concentration (largest recipient ~3%, top five ~13%), indicating a broad and varied recipient set.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of applicant access exists (public application instructions, quarterly deadlines, a named program officer, and an online portal) and the foundation funded a large share of new recipients in 2024 (~57%), so unfamiliar applicants appear plausibly able to enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
