Spirit Mountain Community Fund – Small Grants
Small Grants Supporting Community-Based Programs in Northwest Oregon
The Spirit Mountain Community Fund offers Small Grants to support nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and Tribal entities serving communities across Northwest Oregon. This competitive grant program funds short-term, project-based initiatives that align with SMCF’s priority funding areas and demonstrate clear community benefit.
Organization
Spirit Mountain Community Fund
Support Type
Small project grants
Geographic Focus
11-county service area in Northwest Oregon:
Benton, Clackamas, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill counties
Funding Focus Areas
SMCF supports projects across six broad program areas:
- Arts & Culture
- Historic Preservation
- Education
- Environmental Preservation
- Health
- Public Safety
Priority consideration is given to projects within:
- Education
- Health
- Environmental Preservation
Funding Amounts & Grant Term
💰 Maximum Award: $7,500
⏱ Grant Term: 12 months
⚠️ Grant requests may not exceed 50% of the total project budget
📌 Projects must begin within 90 days of the grant start date
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
- Government agencies in Lane, Polk, Tillamook, and Yamhill counties
- The nine federally recognized Tribes of Oregon
Applicants may hold only one active grant at a time (with limited exceptions under the Small-to-Large Grant pathway).
Application Timeline (Next Small Grant Deadline)
Small Grants follow a two-step process: LOI → Full Application (by invitation).
📅 Letter of Inquiry (LOI) Deadline: September 3, 2026
📅 Full Application Deadline: November 2, 2026
📅 Funding Notification: December 21, 2026
📅 Grant Start Date: January 25, 2027
Application / Request Process
Applicants must:
- Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
- If invited, complete a full application
- Demonstrate project readiness, community impact, and alignment with SMCF priorities
Apply / Learn More
➡️ https://www.thecommunityfund.com/grant-information/general-purpose-grants/
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This program is ideal for organizations that:
- Need small, flexible project funding
- Serve communities in Northwest Oregon
- Can demonstrate measurable outcomes within a 12-month period
- Align with education, health, or environmental priorities
