[Oregon Community Foundation](https://oregoncf.org)

March 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)

$5,000–$50,000 per grant (average ~$14,000); $1M+ awarded annually

Supports Oregon educators and communities in integrating geographic concepts into K-12 education to foster stewardship and a sense of place.

--- ## Description This grant program aims to inspire and empower Oregon’s formal and informal educators, schools, and communities to creatively integrate geographic concepts and ideas into K-12 curriculum and instruction. The overarching goal is to foster a sense of place among children, youth, and educators, preparing them to become active stewards of their local communities and natural environments, and encouraging a deeper understanding of the world. The program supports projects that: - Improve students’ practice of geography skills, tools, and perspectives. - Support interdisciplinary instruction of geography as a foundation for other subjects. - Increase student participation in geography learning experiences, particularly those reflecting diverse voices and cultures impacted by Oregon’s geography. --- ## Due Dates - March 2027 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant awards range from $5,000 to $50,000. - The average award is approximately $14,000. - Over $1 million is awarded annually across all Gray Family Foundation grant programs. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - K-12 educators, individual schools, and school districts in Oregon - Community-based organizations - Colleges, government or recognized tribal agencies - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, or non-501(c)(3) groups with a designated 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor Additional requirements: - Projects must serve and/or benefit Oregon communities. - Fiscally sponsored programs must align with the applying organization’s mission and have written support from the fiscal sponsor. - Applicants must agree to the Foundation’s reporting requirements and anti-discrimination policy. Preference is given to: - Community-led and directly accountable organizations - Projects aligning with Gray Family Foundation’s equity and inclusion priorities - Initiatives benefiting rural, frontier, or historically underserved communities - Programs led by or directly benefiting Black, Indigenous, Latine, and other racial and ethnic communities facing disparities --- ## Application Process 1. **Review the Opportunity:** Ensure your project aligns with the geography education funding area. 2. **Contact Staff:** Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposal with foundation staff before applying. 3. **Prepare Application Materials:** Required documents include an organization overview, project summary, narrative, budget, organizational budget, audited financials, and letters of support (if applicable). 4. **Submit Application:** Applications are submitted through the [Oregon Community Foundation online portal](https://ocf.iphiview.com/ocf/login/tabid/444/default.aspx). 5. **Follow Up:** Confirm receipt of your application with Gray Family Foundation staff. Review process: - Proposals are scored and reviewed by community-based committees. - Recommendations are made to the Board of Directors for final funding decisions. - The process from RFP opening to award typically takes 4–6 months. --- ## Additional Information - The grant does **not** fund capital campaigns, land acquisition, deficit funding, endowment funds, religious activities, grants or loans to individuals, or projects outside the program’s priorities. - Projects that occur prior to the grant decision are not eligible for funding. - The foundation values community accountability, equity, and diverse representation in funded projects. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Gray Family Foundation Geography Education](https://grayff.org/grants/geography-education/) - [Oregon Community Foundation Grant Portal](https://ocf.iphiview.com/ocf/login/tabid/444/default.aspx) - [Grant Guidelines & Funding Areas](https://www.grayff.org/grants/grant-guidelines-funding-areas/) - [Contact Gray Family Foundation](https://www.grayff.org/contact-us) - [Featured Grantee Stories](https://www.grayff.org/our-impact/grantee-stories) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Address | |------------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Oregon Community Foundation | [info@oregoncf.org](mailto:info@oregoncf.org) | (503) 227-6846 | 1221 SW Yamhill St., Suite 100, Portland, OR 97205 | | Gray Family Foundation | [grants@grayff.org](mailto:grants@grayff.org) | See OCF phone | 1221 SW Yamhill St., Suite 100, Portland, OR 97205 | ---

Gray Family Foundation Geography Education

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