The Oregon Community Foundation aims to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy.
The foundation invites applications for the Oregon Historic Trails Fund. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 will be awarded in support of projects and programs that preserve and protect the cultural and natural resources of Oregon’s historic trails. Grants may also be awarded for marketing, education, advocacy, and research relating to historic trails.
The fund is dedicated to projects and programs related to Oregon historic trails as recognized by the state legislature in ORS 358.057. These trails include Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, Applegate National Historic Trail, Oregon National Historic Trail, Nez Perce National Historic Trail, Whitman Mission Route, Upper Columbia River Route, Meek Cutoff, Free Emigrant Road, Cutoff to the Barlow Road, Klamath Trail, Jedediah Smith Route, Nathaniel Wyeth Route, Benjamin Bonneville Route, Ewing Young Route, John Fremont Route, and Santiam Wagon Road.
Priority is given to projects or programs that interpret, preserve, or maintain trail-related resources. Funding also can be used for marketing, education, advocacy, or research related to historic trails.
To be eligible, applicants must be a governmental agency, a federally recognized tribe or be classified as tax-exempt as defined by section of the Internal Revenue Code and further classified as a public charity (as opposed to a private foundation). Grant awards will be primarily within the state of Oregon, but out-of-state partnerships are encouraged.
For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Oregon Community Foundation website.