The Autzen Foundation
The Autzen Foundation (Portland, OR) supports charitable work in Oregon and primarily awards grants to small nonprofits focused on social services, arts & culture, education, environmental initiatives, and youth. The foundation uses an online grant portal for applications and lists a contact email ([email protected]).
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small-to-medium nonprofit based in Oregon (or Southwest Washington) working in social services, arts & culture, education, youth development, or local environmental work, seeking modest program or general operating support and able to apply via an online grant portal.
Good Fit
- • Organization primarily serves Oregon residents or local Oregon communities.
- • Request size in the typical small-to-mid range (roughly $1K–$25K).
- • Asks for general operating support, scholarships, capacity building, or small capital/improvement projects.
- • Clear, demonstrated local impact and alignment with youth, arts, education, social service, or environmental missions.
- • Ability to complete an online LOI/application and provide a recent Form 990, board list, and budget.
Geography
Observed giving is highly state-focused: nearly all dollars (about 98%) went to organizations in Oregon, with only minimal out-of-state activity across two other states.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows roughly 300 distinct recipients across many mission types and low dollar concentration (largest grantee ≈1%, top five ≈6%), indicating a broad and diverse recipient set for this foundation.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of applicant turnover exists (about 202 new recipients in the latest year) and a public application route is provided via an online portal with seasonal deadlines, supporting a high likelihood that unfamiliar applicants can enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
