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The Community Grants program accepts applications in spring and fall to support projects that address the foundation's priorities for grantmaking.

Deadlines are February 1 for a board decision in May, and August 1 for a board decision in November. Completed applications are due on or before the deadline, in the Portland office. If the deadline falls on a weekend, applications are due the Friday before. Applications are accepted throughout the month of January and the month of July.

Grant proposals range from modest short-term projects and specific, one-time capital expenses to extended projects that promise long-term benefits for Oregon.

OCF awards about 200 Community Grants annually. Most Community Grants are between $5,000 and $35,000, but multi-year grants may range up to $150,000 for projects with particular community impact.

Only about 5 percent of Community Grants exceed $50,000. Larger grants are reserved for projects that demonstrate a close match with OCF funding priorities and have a broad scope of impact. In the case of large requests, OCF may give special attention to the applicant organization's history, including:

• Leadership in its field
• Stability in its staff and board
• Uniqueness of its programs in Oregon
• Breadth and depth in its private fundraising
• Competency in financial management
• Collaboration with other organizations