Several regional and national foundations provide significant grant funding for healthcare and community services in Oregon. These awards typically have simpler application processes than federal grants but competitive review.
Oregon Community Foundation
Community development, education, health, and human services across all 36 Oregon counties. One of the largest community foundations in the state.
Focus Areas
- Community grants for health and human services nonprofits across Oregon
- Donor-advised fund grants to healthcare organizations
- Leadership and capacity building for Oregon nonprofits
- Place-based grantmaking in rural Oregon communities
Details
Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) is one of the largest funders in the state, distributing grants from both its own endowment and donor-advised funds. Healthcare organizations can access OCF funding through competitive community grants (typically $5K–$50K), donor-advised fund grants, and place-based initiatives focused on specific Oregon communities. OCF's community grants program has a well-defined application cycle and is open to most Oregon 501(c)(3) organizations.
Meyer Memorial Trust
Equity-focused grantmaking for housing, education, and community building in Oregon. Significant multi-year grants for systems change.
Focus Areas
- Housing justice and homelessness prevention
- Education equity and access
- Community building and civic infrastructure
- Racial equity and justice initiatives
Details
Meyer Memorial Trust has shifted to equity-focused grantmaking with an emphasis on systems change rather than direct service delivery. Healthcare organizations are most likely to access Meyer funding through housing-related work (housing as a social determinant of health) or community building initiatives. Meyer typically makes larger, multi-year grants and prioritizes organizations led by and serving communities of color. The application process involves an invited proposal stage after initial inquiry.
Collins Foundation
Health, education, social welfare, arts, and humanities for Oregon nonprofits. General operating and program-specific grants.
Focus Areas
- Health services and public health programs
- Social welfare and basic human needs
- Education programs and institutions
- Arts, culture, and humanities
Details
Collins Foundation is a broad-based Oregon funder that accepts unsolicited proposals year-round — no fixed application deadlines. This makes it accessible for healthcare organizations that may miss cyclical deadlines. Collins funds both general operating support and program-specific grants, with a preference for established organizations with clear track records. Typical grant sizes range from $5K to $100K, with most in the $10K–$50K range.
Kaiser Permanente Northwest
Community health, health equity, and workforce development in Oregon and southwest Washington.
Focus Areas
- Community health improvement in Kaiser Permanente service areas
- Health equity and addressing social determinants of health
- Workforce development and pipeline programs for healthcare careers
- Mental and behavioral health access
Details
Kaiser Permanente's community health investments in Oregon are concentrated in their service areas (primarily the Portland metro area, Salem, and parts of southern Oregon). Funding supports both direct service delivery and systems-change work. Kaiser's community benefit programs also include sponsorship funding for health-related events and conferences, separate from their competitive grant programs. Healthcare organizations in Kaiser's service area should also explore partnership opportunities beyond traditional grants.
Cambia Health Foundation
Palliative care, health equity, and whole-person health across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
Focus Areas
- Palliative care integration and access — Cambia's signature focus area
- Whole-person health approaches addressing social determinants
- Health equity for underserved populations
- Innovation in healthcare delivery models
Details
Cambia Health Foundation (the philanthropic arm of Cambia Health Solutions/Regence) has a distinctive focus on palliative care that sets it apart from other regional funders. Organizations providing palliative care, serious illness management, or end-of-life services are strong candidates. Cambia also funds broader health equity and whole-person health initiatives. The foundation operates across multiple Pacific Northwest states but has significant Oregon presence given Cambia's Portland headquarters.