Spotlight on Oregon State Grants: Home of the Oregon Trail

Ah, Oregon state! From the mysteries of Crater Lake to the gorgeous Painted Hills, Oregon beckons us with the promise of awe-inspiring wonders and majestic landscapes. Oregon has such a wide variety of sights to see. And, as part of our spotlight series, GrantWatch shines a light on Oregon. In recognition of this fine state, the site provides listings of grant opportunities specifically for the purpose of improving local community services throughout. In addition, GrantWatch offers a list of close to 1,600 grants in its Community (and Economic Development) grants listing category and some of those are specific to the state of Oregon.

Quirky Tidbits About Oregon

Most of the pioneers who used the Oregon Trail did not settle in Oregon. Even more interesting, wheel ruts from pioneer wagons are still visible today.

The Oregon hazelnut is the state’s official nut, and Oregon grows 99 percent of the entire U.S. commercial crop.

There are more than 750 vineyards in Oregon, growing 72 different varietals of wine grapes. It’s not just about Pinot Noir.

Oregon has the only Scenic Bikeway program in the nation and a total of 17 Scenic Bikeways throughout the state. Way better than spin class.

Letting an attendant pump your gas is mandatory; you may not pump your own in the state of Oregon (except in rural areas and at night).

Munchies? The Tater Tot was invented in Oregon by two brothers, Nephi and Golden Grigg, founders of Ore-Ida. We’re also home of the corn dog and have the world’s first riding mechanical corn dog.

industry.traveloregon.com/press-room, “Oregon Fast Facts“

More Fun Facts About Oregon

Oregon residents own 1/4 of the country’s total Llama population.

Springfield, Oregon is the real life inspiration for The Simpson’s hometown.

We have a holiday called “Exploding Whale Day”. Each Nov. 12th we commemorate the 1970 incident in the coastal town of Florence, Oregon where a large deceased beached whale was stuck on the shore. Not sure what else to do, the whale was filled with explosives and blown up.

The historic Timberline Lodge was used in the exterior shots of Stanley Kubrick’s version of The Shining.

Oregon is home to more ghost towns than any other state.

urbannest.pdx.com/life-in-portland/2020/10/30/10, “10 Weird Things You Didn’t Know About Oregon“

Below is a list of grants for community development funding opportunities in Oregon.

Oregon Grants

1. Grants of up to $1,500 to eligible Oregon nonprofits, individuals, and groups for arts and cultural projects to benefit residents and visitors. In fact, funding is for activities and programs that address community needs and create a positive impact.
2. There are grants to eligible Oregon nonprofits and government agencies for projects that positively impact local communities. Funding is for programs and activities within the focus areas of cultural tourism, social and human services and natural resource management. Focus areas also include education and training, and job creation. The goal of the Discretionary Grant program is to assist organizations with projects that benefit either a specific community or the area at large.
3. Also, grants to Oregon local governments for planning activities to foster economic/workforce development and enhance local communities. Funding supports projects that include transportation plans, master plans, and planning activities for airports and parks. Projects must benefit local communities.
4. Grants of up to $25,000 to eligible Oregon land owners, school districts, Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), businesses, local governments, nonprofits, and individuals for economic development projects. Also, funding is for programs that will embrace opportunity and vitality by way of innovative and creative solutions.
5. There are grants of up to $10,000 to eligible Oregon nonprofits for programs and projects that contribute to the betterment of the local community. Focus areas for funding include social and community services, health and wellness, arts and culture, and education.

Additional Oregon Grants and In-kind Support

1. Also, grants to eligible Oregon nonprofit and civic organizations, schools, and groups for a wide range of programs to address local community needs. Moreover, funding supports initiatives in the areas of health and human services, education, and youth development. Funding is also to support economic and community vitality, the environment, and arts and culture.
2. Grants of up to $10,000 to eligible Oregon nonprofits for capital projects that benefit the community. As a result, funding is for projects that have a positive community impact and activities that promote the cultural, educational, economic, and social betterment of the community.
3. There are grants and in-kind rural community support to benefit local residents in Oregon. The goal of the program is to enhance the quality of life and bring prosperity to small communities. Grantees will receive project funding as well as planning and analysis support. In fact, the Small Community Initiative supports rural Oregon communities outside of metropolitan areas.
4. In addition, there are grants to Oregon nonprofits, agencies, IHEs, schools, neighborhood associations and faith-based organizations for projects to enhance local communities.
5. Grants of up to $5,000 to eligible Oregon nonprofits and businesses for programs, events, and activities to attract visitors and generate overnight lodging revenue. Funding is for marketing and development projects to promote local tourism.
6. Lastly, grants of up to $5,000 to eligible Oregon commercial property and business owners for building improvement projects. As a result, funding is to improve the appearance of commercial areas and support local businesses.

Now you know a bit about Oregon. Maybe it’s enough for you to think about coming to visit!

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