Camp Maintenance Grant

Camp Maintenance Grant is sponsored by Gray Family Foundation. This program provides ongoing maintenance support to existing residential camp facilities in Oregon, including repairs and improvements to facilities such as masonry and concrete repairs, roofing, siding, windows, and utility systems.

Care and upkeep of outdoor camps Residential outdoor camp facilities are a critical factor in getting more kids into nature. Since 2014, we’ve invested over $500,000 annually into the improvement of Oregon’s outdoor residential camps.

The best memories are made outside Gray Family Foundation’s Camp Maintenance Grant Program supports positive outdoor experiences for all youth by helping existing camp facilities maintain spaces that fuel a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

Funds can be used for: Repair to facility structures and systems Improved usability for individuals of varying needs Grounds upkeep and natural hazard prevention Staff positions key for maintenance throughout the year Projects essential to effective, safe, accessible camp operations Current Grants & Opportunities Our Board of Directors meet four times annually to make decisions on Camp Maintenance requests.

An initial review is done by our Camp Maintenance committee who help us develop our recommendations. Grant awards are made until funds are fully expended. If you have a time sensitive request, contact us .

Provide ongoing maintenance support to existing residential camp facilities in Oregon $500,000 to support projects throughout the state Applications received by January 23 will be considered in mid February. Applications received by April 17 will be considered in mid May. Applications received by July 10 will be considered in late August.

Applications received by October 16 will be considered in mid November. Our Camp Maintenance Grants have been used across Oregon to support existing residential camps as they continue to provide positive outdoor experiences for youth.

Camp Namanu : completed septic, electrical, and excavation work for cabins Drift Creek Camp: replaced partitions and tiled showers in the bathhouse Camp Elkanah: updated cabin floors, roofs, and exteriors Camp Kiwanilong: maintenance on waterfront structures including accessibility updates Camp Latgawa: updated an historic bathhouse while preserving the site’s history Our foundation awards grants to overnight facilities in Oregon with maintenance and improvement needs.

Priority is given to applicants that host state-funded Outdoor School (5th/6th graders), are geographically dispersed, and reflect Gray Family Foundation’s values regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion . Non-profit camp facilities, schools, districts, tribal entities, or 501(c)3 non-profit organizations are eligible to apply.

Successful applicants will include facilities that are: Currently hosting 5th/6th grade outdoor school programs or actively working towards becoming a host site for outdoor school programming Licensed in the state of Oregon as an organizational camp Committed to dedicating staff and volunteer time to the success of the proposal Exhibiting expertise in facilities maintenance and an understanding of needs of outdoor school programs Demonstrating a commitment to creating inclusive and accessible camp facilities for students, teachers, and parents from diverse communities and lifestyles Willing and able to share best practices with peer grantee networks Repairs and improvements to existing facilities such as: Insulation and weatherproofing Roofing, siding, windows, gutters, and drainpipe replacements Dry rot correction and staining/painting Doors, decks, floors, and floor coverings Water, sewer, septic, irrigation, heating, electrical, and plumbing systems Roads, paths, trails, and signage Safety upgrades and features compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act Masonry and concrete repairs Facilities that do not host overnight programming Capital projects for new construction (i.e. new buildings) Purchase of additional property (including vehicles) Deficit funding or elimination of operating deficits Annual fund appeals or endowment funds Annual fund appeals or endowment funds Interested in learning about how camp maintenance projects support youth experiences at outdoor school and beyond?

Check out these stories of our awesome camp maintenance grantees. The Sherwood Project at Camp Namanu In late 2023, an extensive renovation project to build eight new cabins was completed at Camp Namanu.

OMSI’s Hancock Field Station Rustic, Remote, and Quite Comfortable – Striking a Balance for Outdoor School Students at OMSI’s Hancock Field Station We’d love to talk with you about funding areas, applying for grants, connecting with other organizations and how we can work together for a better Oregon.