Oregon Environment Grants

The Gray Family Foundation's Outdoor School Grant Program is designed to bolster the capacity of schools and outdoor education providers in Oregon, ensuring that all 5th and 6th-grade students across the state have access to high-quality outdoor school experiences. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering environmental education and connection to nature, which are integral to the holistic development of young people and the long-term stewardship of Oregon's natural and built environments. The foundation acts strategically to address existing barriers, particularly for communities and schools not yet prepared to access programmatic funding directly from OSU Extension Outdoor School. The primary beneficiaries of this program are all Oregon 5th and 6th-grade students, with a specific focus on increasing access for those in geographic regions or communities with limited or no outdoor school opportunities, as well as students from private, charter, and home schools who may be ineligible for OSU Extension Service funding. The overarching impact goals are to improve access to outdoor school programs, systematically integrate environmental education into the K-12 system, and ensure outdoor school providers are better equipped to engage and support Oregon's diverse populations with culturally responsive programming. In 2024, the Gray Family Foundation is accepting three types of funding requests. These include planning grants for schools or districts to launch or revise outdoor school programs, and planning grants for outdoor school program providers to enhance their capacity to serve all 5th and 6th-grade Oregon students. A crucial priority is also given to program grants for schools or student groups currently ineligible for OSU Extension Service Outdoor School funding, acknowledging the limitations of how these funds can be distributed. While the foundation encourages exploring alternative Measure 99 funds, they remain committed to ensuring participation for all students. The anticipated outcomes and measurable results of the program include an increased number of districts and ESDs applying for OSU Extension programmatic funding in future years, improved access to outdoor school programs for all eligible students, and a greater integration of environmental education within the K-12 system. Furthermore, the foundation expects outdoor school providers to be more prepared to effectively engage diverse populations, leading to an outdoor school experience that truly reflects the varied perspectives, knowledge, and relationships of all Oregonians as stewards of their environment. The Gray Family Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its investment to build capacity, address funding gaps, and foster a more inclusive and equitable outdoor education landscape, with a recognition that 2024 may be the final year for direct outdoor school program funding.

This funding opportunity provides up to $5,000 to non-profit organizations in Portland for projects that address climate change while promoting racial and social justice.

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for individuals and communities in Oregon to assess the viability of water conservation, reuse, and storage projects, requiring a 50% cost match for feasibility studies.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest for innovative projects focused on environmental conservation, preservation, and restoration efforts.

This grant provides funding to organizations and entities in Oregon for acquiring water rights to improve instream flows, benefiting fish habitats and water quality.

This program provides funding to community groups in Portland for projects that improve local watersheds and promote environmental education and stewardship.

This program provides funding for community-driven projects in the greater Portland area that enhance access to nature, improve environmental quality, and restore habitats, targeting eligible applicants like local governments, non-profits, and schools.

This program provides funding for nature-based infrastructure projects in Oregon that enhance community resilience, particularly in underserved areas, by supporting initiatives like tree planting, bioswales, and green roofs.

This program provides financial support to farmers and ranchers in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington for implementing regenerative agricultural practices that enhance soil health and sequester carbon.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, Tribal governments, and government entities for innovative projects that enhance rural communities in Oregon, focusing on economic development, sustainability, youth engagement, and cultural enrichment.

This funding opportunity supports grassroots organizations and innovative projects with modest budgets, enabling them to develop scalable initiatives that can create a broader impact.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and local government entities in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest to support community development, education, cultural enrichment, and environmental initiatives that enhance the quality of life in their areas.

This funding opportunity supports projects that enhance conservation and outdoor recreation in Oregon, particularly those addressing drought impacts, and is open to a variety of eligible organizations, including tribes, nonprofits, and local governments.

This program provides funding to local and state entities in Oregon for acquiring land and developing outdoor recreational facilities to enhance public access to parks, forests, and beaches.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in Oregon to enhance their capacity to provide essential health-related social services, such as housing and nutrition support, to vulnerable populations enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Oregon working to advance racial, social, and economic justice through community organizing, leadership development, and resilience initiatives.

This grant provides funding to local nonprofits in the Columbia River Gorge to support a wide range of community-focused initiatives, including education, health, and cultural programs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations, tribal entities, and local governments in the Upper Klamath Basin to implement conservation and restoration projects that enhance watershed resilience and benefit native fish populations.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in Portland, Oregon, to provide afterschool programs that enhance youth development through activities like arts, sports, and academic support for children and teens aged 5-18.