Meyer Memorial Trust
Meyer Memorial Trust is a private philanthropic foundation based in Oregon that focuses on accelerating racial, social, and economic justice. Since 1982 the foundation has awarded more than $1 billion in grants and program-related investments and is one of the largest private funders in Oregon. The site includes information about grantmaking, applicant resources, news, and organizational information.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
An Oregon-focused nonprofit (or program with clear Oregon impact) working on racial, social, or economic justice—particularly BIPOC-led organizations, affordable housing, community development, youth and grassroots advocacy groups.
Good Fit
- • Primarily Oregon-based programs or clear benefit to Oregon communities.
- • Work that centers racial equity, community power-building, housing, or economic justice.
- • Organizations seeking general operating or project support at a range of grant sizes (from small to large).
- • Demonstrated community partnerships or statewide/regionwide collaborations in Oregon.
Geography
Observed giving is heavily concentrated in Oregon: roughly 92% of dollars went to Oregon organizations, with only small shares to other states despite grants touching 13 states in total.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows a broad recipient set—684 grants to 413 distinct organizations across many program types and sizes—indicating substantial institutional and mission variety in the observed portfolio.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of applicant turnover across years is unavailable due to a single observed year, but the foundation publishes application guidance on its website and made hundreds of grants to hundreds of distinct recipients in the latest year, suggesting unfamiliar applicants can plausibly access funding.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
