FOUR selected organizations will be awarded a $10,000 grant along with enrollment in our Nonprofit Leadership Incubator. The Incubator is an approximate six month commitment. Participating organizations are required to meet twice a month with independent learning conducted between meetings. This program is designed to accelerate the growth, stability, and success of grassroots nonprofits in Oregon that are led by and serve Black and other communities of color.

KEY DELIVERABLES OF THE PROGRAM

• $10,000 grant
• 3-year strategic plan & 5-year projection
• A strong network of peers & mentors through the cohort model and expert-led workshops & 1:1 consulting
• A polished pitch deck for funding proposals
• All workshop decks & foundational materials
• A powerful Rolodex of contacts
• Opportunities to connect with new funders

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• 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 Black and other communities of color,
• Organization resides in and serves communities within the state of Oregon,
• Organization is currently less than 5 years old,
• Organization falls under BUF-OR’s definition of “grassroots”, meaning the organization’s operating budget equals or is below $600,000 (minus exceptions of the organization’s physical move to a new space or capital campaign funds),
• Commitment to SIX months of monthly consultations with three plus Advisors, monthly workshops as a full cohort (meetings are a mix of in-person and virtual), and 6-8 hours of monthly independent learning/strategic plan work,
• Organization is ready to scale their nonprofit,
• Organization is hungry for constructive information and accountability from experts in the nonprofit sector,
• Agreement to participate in four-plus in-person events, including the Kick-Off Event, Grant Writing Workshop, Pitch Presentation, End-Of-Year Celebration, and others as scheduled,
• Staff team or leader representing the nonprofit must be willing to conduct a public presentation,
  Organization agrees to check email frequently and respond in a timely manner to program communications, and
• Organization agrees to end-of-year grantee reporting.
• Priority to Black-led organizations.

GRANT CYCLE SCHEDULE

• Application Opens on BUF-OR Webpage: February 3, 2025
• Grant Applications Due: April 15, 2025
• Decision Notifications Sent: June 20, 2025
  (all applicants will be informed whether they are awarded or denied)
• Program Start: September 2025
• Program End & Grantee Reports Due: February 2026