Roundhouse Foundation – Small Grants (Rolling) is sponsored by Roundhouse Foundation. Entry‑level grants for grassroots work in rural Oregon; can seed or test youth bike repair clinics, helmet/lighting distribution, or safety education pilots.

How to Apply for a Grant - Roundhouse Foundation How to Apply lynnette@lulish. com 2026-02-20T15:52:48-08:00 Small grants can support grassroots, innovative work and projects that may not have a need for a significant budget. Small grants also offer opportunities to explore and test new approaches and endeavors which can then be replicated for broader impact.

For new partners, this is a great first-time grant program to consider as we get to know each other. Amount: Grant requests between $500 to $2,500. Who: 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities (including special districts) and Tribal governments serving rural Oregon, especially first-time partners.

Cycle: Application open January through November 30; new applications considered monthly. Timeline: Decisions can take 6-8 weeks. Organizations that fit within our focus areas and eligibility guidelines may submit a proposal to one of our Open Call grant cycles.

Amount: Grant requests between $2,501 and $30,000 . Median award is approx. $20,000.

Who: 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities (including special districts) and Tribal governments serving rural Oregon. Spring : Application opens January 5, 2026 and closes March 13, 2026 at 5:00PM PST Fall: Application opens June 10, 2026 and closes August 14, 2026 at 5:00PM PST Timeline: Decisions announced 8-10 weeks after application deadline.

Contact Us: Please reach out to our staff with any questions about your project at least two weeks prior to the due date. We will focus primarily on addressing technical questions the two weeks ahead of the deadline.

Capital Grants for Building Maintenance, New Construction, & Vehicles We know brick & mortar improvements and vehicle acquisitions may be aligned with strategic objectives and typically are achieved with funding outside of an annual operating budget. Roundhouse will consider one Capital Program grant per year per organization, as long as the organization has no other active grants with the Foundation.

Amount: Building Maintenance up to $25,000. New Construction up to $100,00. Vehicle Purchase up to $25,000.

Who: 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities (including special districts) and Tribal governments serving rural Oregon. Cycle: Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) accepted January through November 30. Approved LOIs will be invited to submit a full application.

Timeline: Decisions can take 8-12 weeks. Technical Assistance & Professional Development Grants Grants support professional development and technical assistance opportunities that strengthen the skills, talents, and capacity of our partners in the nonprofit sector. We understand that while opportunities for skill development and strategic investments are highly valuable, they can often be difficult to pay for.

This pilot program is designed to gather insights and improve future offerings. Amount: Grants up to $5,000. Who: 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities (including special districts) and Tribal governments serving rural Oregon.

Cycle: Application open January through November 30; new applications considered monthly. Timeline: Decisions can take 6-8 weeks. More on Technical Assistance Grants Local Food Purchase Grants for Food Pantries & Eligible Entities Grants for food pantries, gleaners and backpack/summer meal programs to purchase fresh food from regional producers (farmers, ranchers, dairymen, fishers, etc.) or retailers/grocers.

Up to $6,000 for food pantries and gleaners Up to $2,500 for backpack/summer meal programs Who: Food pantries, gleaners and backpack/summer meal programs. Must be a partner agency of Regional Food Bank in Oregon. Cycle: Application open January through November 30; new applications considered monthly.

Timeline: Decisions can take 6-8 weeks. More on Local Food Purchase Grants Organizations may apply for one small grant per calendar year, as long as they have no other open grants with Roundhouse. Submitted applications are reviewed monthly.

The application closes on November 30 each year. Next year’s application will reopen in early January. Small grants can support grassroots, innovative work and projects that may not have a need for a significant budget.

Small grants also offer opportunities to explore and test new approaches and endeavors which can then be replicated for broader impact. For new partners, this is a great first-time grant program to consider as we get to know each other. Application review takes 6 to 8 weeks and funding for approved proposals is typically awarded within 2-3 weeks following the decision announcement.

We rarely consider requests for general operating or personnel expenses through the Small Grants process. If you’re not sure which of our grant programs will be the best fit for your proposal, please contact us. Download the Small Grant Application Question List – This PDF is provided for reference only.

All applications must be submitted via our online grants portal. Our application is subject to slight changes as we update and refine our grantmaking process. Download the Required Project Budget Template Organizations may submit one Open Call proposal per calendar year, as long as they have no other open grants with the Foundation.

Our deadlines are: Spring : Application opens January 5 and closes March 13, 2026 at 5:00PM PST Fall: Application opens June 10 and closes August 14, 2026 at 5:00PM PST Preferred proposals span 12-18 months. Requested amount is not to exceed $30,000, and it is rare Roundhouse awards the maximum. The median award is around $20,000.

Following the end of the application period, eligible applications are evaluated by a panel of external reviewers. Review takes 8 to 10 weeks, with funding for selected proposals typically disbursed within 3-4 weeks following the decision announcement. We do not fund capital requests for facility development or improvement through the Open Call process.

However, some program-aligned requests for infrastructure acquisition or enhancements (e.g. vehicles, coolers, software, or other equipment) can be considered in this process. We encourage applicants interested in applying to our Open Call process to connect with a Roundhouse representative prior to submitting their proposal.

We kindly request that applicants please reach out to Roundhouse Foundation staff with any questions regarding your application at least two weeks prior to the due date. We will do our best to respond in a timely manner as the due date approaches. Download the Open Call Question List – This PDF is provided for reference only.

All applications must be submitted via our online grants portal. Our application is subject to slight changes as we update and refine our grantmaking process. Download the Required Project Budget Template Learn about our previous Open Call grant partners Spring Open Call Grant Info Session – View recording We hosted our Spring Grant Info Session on January 28, 2026.

We invite you to view the recording here and contact us with any additional questions. Join us via Zoom for an overview of our Open Call grant cycle. Roundhouse Foundation staff will provide a 30-ish minute overview of the application process, but there will be plenty of opportunity for attendee questions.

Due to space limitations, we kindly request you only register if you plan to attend in person on the day of the info session. We will post the recording when it is available. Spring Open Call grant applications are due March 13, 2026 at 5PM PST.

We support rural Oregon communities, including Tribal communities. All grant proposals, regardless of an applicant’s location, must have a clear and compelling benefit to rural Oregon. Capital Grants for Building Maintenance or New Construction To support essential repairs and maintenance to existing facilities Grants of up to $25,000 will be considered to fund projects that improve the safety, functionality, and longevity of buildings.

Aligned projects include a wide range of maintenance needs, such as: Roofing and exterior repairs General facility upgrades To support the construction, expansion or significant renovation (e.g. new wing or structure) of new facilities Grants of up to $100,000 will be considered to fund the costs associated with building or significantly renovating new structures that meet the needs of the community and enhance organizational capacity.

Aligned projects may include but are not limited to: Health or wellness centers To support the acquisition of a specialized vehicle or the renovation of a vehicle for a specialized purpose Grants of up to $25,000 (median ~$10,000) will be considered to acquire/renovate a vehicle that will meet a unique community need and increase access to basic health or educational services in rural and remote areas of Oregon.

Vehicles owned and operated for municipal service (such as school buses or city buses) will not be considered. Mobile Food Distribution Vehicles (like mobile pantry vehicles or refrigerated trucks) are identified as a 2025 Roundhouse priority. Contact us to learn more.

We know brick & mortar improvements and vehicle acquisitions may be aligned with strategic objectives and typically are achieved with funding outside of an annual operating budget. Roundhouse will consider one Capital Program grant per year per organization, as long as the organization has no other active grants with the Foundation.

If your organization has another open grant with Roundhouse (i.e. reports that have not been submitted) or has received a grant in the last 12 months, please contact us before applying. All proposals must fit within the Foundation’s mission and vision, eligibility guidelines, and focus areas. Strong proposals have a clear budget with detailed community and financial support.

Roundhouse can award the maximum grant award in rare cases. If you have any questions about where your proposal will be a best fit, please reach out to us . Our staff welcome questions to ensure an organization’s application is most successful.

Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) can be submitted in our online grants portal January – November 30. They are reviewed on a rolling basis. The LOI is the first step in the Foundation’s review process.

We consider it an introduction to your project. Aligned projects can anticipate follow up from Roundhouse staff and an invitation to submit a full application at an invited amount. These PDFs are provided for reference only.

All applications must be submitted via our online grants portal. Our application is subject to slight changes as we update and refine our grantmaking process.

Download the LOI Question List Download the Application Question List Technical Assistance & Professional Development Grants The Roundhouse Foundation seeks to expand access to professional development and technical assistance opportunities that strengthen the skills, talents, and capacity of our partners in the nonprofit sector.

We understand that while opportunities for skill development and strategic investments are highly valuable, they can often be difficult to pay for. We want to support the organizational investment you most need and what is of most value to enhance your work.

Examples of aligned projects might include: Paying for staff or board members to attend a conference or training (Limited to 1 staff or board member per opportunity) Purchasing a highly specialized piece of equipment or software specific to your work Up to $5,000. Please right-size your request to support only what you need. Funds are available until they are exhausted for the budget year.

All proposals must fit within Roundhouse Foundation’s mission and vision, eligibility guidelines, and focus areas. We are open to creative approaches and helping your organization with what is most needed. If you’re not sure if your project is a good fit, please contact us.

We can consider only one request per organization. We have limited funds for this grant opportunity and we won’t be able to fund every worthy request.

This program prioritizes our partners who received a grant from Roundhouse previously , as well as organizations whose missions align with the following initiatives: Journalism & Storytelling Arts, Culture & Heritage, including Libraries Rural Fire & Emergency Services Food Banks & Food Pantries & Other Partner Agencies (‘Partner agency’ refers to an organization that works with a food bank to distribute food to individuals and families in need within their local community.

In order to be eligible, partner agencies must be affiliated with an Oregon Regional Food Bank.) Organizations whose missions are aligned with the above initiatives do not have to be previous grant partners. We are generally unable to reimburse for projects/programs that have already been funded or paid for.

Grants can only be made to 501(c)3 non-profits (including groups represented by a fiscal sponsor), government entities (including special districts) and Tribal governments . Roundhouse Foundation is unable to fund individuals, religious or faith-based organizations, or political activity. In all of our programs, the Roundhouse Foundation aims to amplify the work of our grant partners and foster regional collaboration.

When relevant, we may share application details with regional funding partners to help them become familiar with projects or organizations that align with their own priorities. These technical assistance grants are an additional opportunity for you to apply—you are still welcome to approach us for other grants that you were planning to submit this year.

What We Will Be Looking For Because this is a competitive process and we expect to only be able to fund a fraction of the requests, applications that rank the highest will: Be specific about the opportunity and the cost, right-size your request for the funds needed to be successful. Clearly articulate who will be participating in the opportunity and how it will benefit the participant(s), your organization and your community.

Show how the opportunity will have a positive effect on the organization as a whole and what benefit(s) will be achieved Demonstrate that there is organizational buy-in for this opportunity from the staff and board, such as a letter of support from supervisor or board Explain how the opportunity connects to the greater mission, vision and/or long-term plan of the organization For technical assistance opportunities , we ask that organizations upload supporting documentation, such as a scope of work from the outside consultant, the agenda for the conference or training, or quote for a piece of equipment.

For staff professional development opportunities , we will need a letter of support from an organizational supervisor, executive director, or board member. Application Period: January – November 30, or until funds are exhausted for the budget year. Review: It can take 4 to 8 weeks to review projects.

We will consider opportunities that take place up to 12 months after application submission. For time-sensitive projects, please contact us . We are generally unable to consider projects that take place within four weeks following the submission date.

Final Report: If awarded funding, Roundhouse will request a brief final report that will include a reflection on the activity and how it benefitted your organization/community. We encourage final reports to be submitted as soon as the project has been completed, but no later than 2 months after the completed activity.

Download the Technical Assistance and Professional Development Application Question List – This PDF is provided for reference only. All applications must be submitted via our online grants portal. Our application is subject to slight changes as we update and refine our grantmaking process.

Local Food Purchase Grants for Food Pantries, Gleaners & Backpack/Summer Meal Programs The Roundhouse Foundation is offering grants to support food access through local purchasing. Food pantries, gleaners (that offer direct distribution) and backpack/summer meal programs can apply for grants to purchase fresh food from producers (farmers, ranchers, dairymen, fishers, etc.) or retailers/grocers within the state and/or your local region.

These funds are designed to strengthen local food systems and support food access in rural, remote, and Reservation communities. Learn more about our Rural Oregon Food Bank Support> FOOD PANTRIES & GLEANERS: Grants up to $6,000 BACKPACK / SUMMER MEAL PROGRAMS: Grants up to $2,500 Entities that are both a food pantry and a backpack program/summer meal site would be eligible for one grant from Roundhouse Foundation.

Be a partner agency of a Regional Food Bank in Oregon . Gleaners must distribute food directly to the community in order to qualify. Serve rural, remote and reservation communities.

Metro areas (pop. 40,000+) are not eligible for this opportunity. Be an IRS-designated 501(c)3 non-profit or a government entity, including Tribal governments.

Faith-based institutions are ineligible for Roundhouse funds, but are eligible to apply and we will do our best to connect them with other aligned supporters. All awards from Roundhouse are subject to the Foundation’s grantmaking policies . Please contact us with questions.

Limited funds are available. This application will be open January through November 30 or until all grant funds are expended. Review & distribution can take 6-8 weeks.

We will work closely with other aligned regional supporters. If a grant is awarded, Roundhouse will ask for a report about how the grant funds were used. Reports will be brief.

We will never ask for client information; we just want to know high-level reflections (successes, challenges) about how the program went. All reports will be due 12 months following the grant decision date, though they can be submitted earlier if all funds are used. Download a PDF version of the application questions – This PDF is provided for reference only.

All applications must be submitted via our online grants portal. Our application is subject to slight changes as we update and refine our grantmaking process. Ready to Apply?

Access Our Grant Application If your organization has not previously received a grant , you will need to register before accessing the grants application system. Click the ‘Apply for a Grant’ button below, then click the ‘Create New Account’ button. Watch a tutorial video for a walk-through on how to register, access our grant applications and submit reports.

Contact us with questions. Get to know some of our grant partners and how they support rural Oregon communities. We offer multiple grant programs.

Prior to applying, please review our focus areas and eligibility guidelines to ensure your proposal is a good fit. We are happy to meet with applicants ahead of submitting an application. We kindly request that applicants please reach out to Roundhouse Foundation staff with any questions regarding your application at least two weeks prior to the due date.

We will do our best to respond in a timely manner as the due date approaches. We will prioritize assisting with technical questions regarding our application system. Ready to apply?

Click here. We want to hear from you! Contact us with grant application questions or for information about Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture.

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