The Small Community Initiative funds economic and community development groups supporting rural Oregon. Once a community is approved for SCI, we will partner with the community... providing up to four annual grants of up to $15,000 each.

Town’s population is under 15,000 people | Focus of mission and primary activities is in that small town in Oregon | Not adjacent to an urban area | Not inside of a metropolitan area | Activities formally support or engage multiple agencies and businesses

Small Community Initiative

General grantmaking to nonprofit organizations; cycles alternate between people-focused funding (poverty alleviation, youth education, improved health outcomes) and an animal-focused cycle (animal welfare/protection). Eligibility and application windows are listed on the foundation's application page.

Must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization | Must be described in IRS section 509(a)(2) (or in certain cases 509(a)(3)) | Fund recipient organizations based in the United States (foundation funds efforts in United States, Sri Lanka, and India) — see page for scope | Final report must be submitted no more than 60 days after the end of the grant period and is required before a new application is reviewed | The foundation does not fund scholarships or direct financial awards to individuals | The foundation does not fund sectarian activities for religious organizations | The foundation does not fund political causes, candidates, organizations, or campaigns | The foundation does not fund sponsorship of events, conferences, or meetings | The foundation does not fund disease-specific initiatives and/or medical research | The foundation will not fund organizations that discriminate based on age, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, cultural beliefs, disability, or sex

Chandramohan Family Foundation Grants

BlackRock Future Builders is a $100 million philanthropic initiative funded by The BlackRock Foundation to expand economic opportunity and power the next generation of America’s skilled trades workers; includes a $25M RFP to support nonprofits expanding access to skilled trades training and career pathways.

Nonprofit and workforce development training providers (organizations) are the intended recipients | Proposals must expand access to skilled trades training and career pathways

Future Builders

Kingdom Foundation is a faith-inspired movement backing institutions, churches, enterprises and communities across Africa. It provides catalytic capital and runs open grant calls (listed on /grants) for community organizations.

Registered community organizations, churches, social enterprises, cooperatives and grassroots networks | Must be based in or serving countries across the African continent

Women Enterprise Grants

We value community. Our mission is to connect with our communities to support young minds, invest in our current and future workforce, create vibrant culture and vital communities, improve health and human services and protect our natural resources.

Must be a 501(c)(3) public nonprofit | Must provide organization's tax exempt status letter under Section 501(c)(3)

Otter Tail Corporation Foundation Grants

Church & Faith-Based Grants

A participatory grantmaking initiative led by Native Americans in Philanthropy that supports Indigenous youth leadership and community-defined solutions; in 2026 the fund will invest $1.65M to expand support for Native-led solutions.

Native-led and Native-serving 501(c)(3) organizations | Tribal Nations across the U.S. and its territories

The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund

Local cash grants awarded by Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and Distribution Centers to support local organizations addressing community needs.

Must have a Spark Good account on Walmart.com and be verified by Deed | Must serve the same service area that the facility they are requesting funding from serves | Eligible entity types limited to 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, schools, and faith-based organizations (Deed verified)

Small Community Initiative

About this program

Eligibility

Geographic eligibility

Contact & website

thereserfamilyfoundation.org

Past recipients

2024

Oregon State University Foundation

$1,000,000

Patricia Reser Center For The Arts

$342,000

Oregon Ffa Foundation

$50,000

Imbler Education Foundation

$50,000

Dougy Center

$50,000

Linfield University

$50,000

Lincoln City Parks And Recreation

$50,000

City Of Mosier

$50,000

Rose Haven Cic

$40,000

Closes Apr 1, 2027

Up to $15,000

Oregon

Similar Grants

Chandramohan Family Foundation Grants

~$20K

Future Builders

~$250K

Women Enterprise Grants

~$17K

Otter Tail Corporation Foundation Grants

~$5K

Church & Faith-Based Grants

~$17K

The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund

$25.0K–$100.0K