FAQ

What size of grants do you typically award?

Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000.

Does my organization qualify? Is my organization a good fit for this program?

• We focus on smaller progressive organizations whose work aligns with one of our priority areas.
• We prioritize organizations doing work in rural and exurban regions outside of Portland.  
• We primarily fund 501(c)(4) organizations but have on occasion contributed to 501(c)(3), multi-entity organizations and Political Action Committees serving communities in Oregon. 
• Organizations must be incorporated in Oregon, have an engaged board of directors, be in good standing with State and Federal agencies and able to articulate a project and strategy that will create impact for their community.
  •  Fiscally sponsored entities can be sponsored by an out of state organization but should only do work in Oregon.
• We work with committees and groups seeking to establish a 501(c)(4) or campaign effort.

Are there restrictions on who can apply??

Yes. 

• We do not fund direct service organizations, sponsorships or events  
• We do not fund national, international or out-of-state organizations/efforts
• All funding must stay in Oregon.

What is a 501c4 grant? How do they differ from other grants?

• 501(c)(4) grantees get more flexibility in political involvement than with 501(c)(3) charitable funds.
• 501(c)(4) grants can be used for a wide range of  activities, including, but not limited to: core organizational support, lobbying, organizing, non-partisan and partisan political work and political campaign activity as defined by the IRS etc. 
• Resources:
  • Internal Revenue Service https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/other-non-profits/social-welfare-organizations-political-campaign-intervention
  • Alliance for Justice, Bolder Advocacy: https://afj.org/bolder-advocacy/

(This does not constitute legal advice, please consult with your counsel.)

What is your application process?

Phase 1: Letter of Inquiry

• All applicants must first submit a Letter of Inquiry for review.
• Letters of Inquiry are accepted on a year-round basis.
• Oregon Raindrop Fund staff review Letters of Inquiry on a monthly basis and will follow up with each submission. 

Phase 2: Meeting and Grant Application Invitation

• If the Letter of Inquiry is a good fit, an Oregon Raindrop Fund staff member will schedule a meeting to discuss your application.
• A formal invitation to submit a grant application along with grant guidelines will be emailed to the organization’s contact.
• A target due date will be determined.

Phase 3: Grant Consideration and Award

• Grant applications are reviewed 4 times a year.
• If selected for grant funding, an Oregon Raindrop Fund staff member will notify the contact regarding contract, payment details and timeline.

Phase 4: Grant Report

All grant awardees are required to submit a final report within 2 months of the end grant date.