The Renaissance Foundation
The Renaissance Foundation (Portland, OR) operates the Renaissance Scholars Program, providing scholarship support to first-generation college students and related scholar resources. The site lists a PO Box 80516 Portland address, contact info ([email protected]), program statistics, and application pathways.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Higher-education institutions or scholarship/program partners that support first-generation college students or direct scholarship awards.
Good Fit
- • Programs that provide scholarships or direct student support, especially for first-generation college students.
- • Colleges, universities, or scholarship-administering organizations seeking operating or scholarship grants.
- • Track record of administering scholarships or student support at scale.
- • Willingness to follow the foundation's application materials and provide budgets, board roster, and a concise narrative.
Geography
Grants were made to recipients in 36 states in the latest year, showing a broad national footprint even though a majority of dollars remain concentrated in Oregon (about 55%).
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 226 distinct recipients and hundreds of grants over three years, with a clear mix of universities and smaller scholarship partners rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
The foundation publishes application guidance and contact details and funded 41 new recipients in 2024 (about 18%), which supports the conclusion that unfamiliar applicants can plausibly gain entry, although many grants do return to prior partners.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
