Grant Opportunities

BUF-OR offers unrestricted general operating grants to organizations whose work aligns with BUF-OR’s mission and giving priorities. BUF-OR’s annual grantmaking cycle opens each year in the late fall with applications generally due in January for a spring decision. Priority for both tracks of grant support will be given to organizations whose mission and values align with BUF-OR’s.

The Black United Fund of Oregon’s mission is to assist in the social and economic development of BIPOC communities.

Funding focus areas include prioritizing organizations that:

Offer services to BIPOC business owners and community members.
Support BIPOC youth in achieving their career, college, and postsecondary aspirations.
Celebrate and showcase Oregon’s diversity.
Proactively address systems change to counter Oregon’s history of exclusionary and discriminatory policies towards ethnic and culturally diverse group.

All questions regarding the application process should be directed to the Community Giving & Volunteer Services Manager, Melissa Slanetz at melissa@bufor.org or 503-280-1978.

Standalone Grants

The Black United Fund of Oregon annually offers one-time monetary awards to several selected nonprofit organizations. Selections will be prioritized based on an organization’s alignment with BUF-OR’s mission and impact on BIPOC communities. Organizations must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply for a standalone grant:

Nonprofit or community organizations holding a current tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code OR organizations fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a formal agreement in place
Organization aligns with BUF-OR’s mission and focuses impact on BIPOC communities
Organization resides in and serves communities within the state of Oregon and SW Washington

Applications are closed for FY23. The grant cycle will open again in late November.

Nonprofit Leadership Program

THREE selected organizations will be awarded a $8,000 grant along with enrollment in our Nonprofit Leadership Program. The program is an approximate one year commitment. Participating organizations are required to meet on a monthly basis with independent learning conducted between meetings. This program is designed to accelerate the growth, stability and success of Oregon’s BIPOC- and women-led grassroots nonprofits. Learn more here.