Grants Overview
Online Portal
BCF uses a fully online system for grants. Open grant applications and follow up forms can be accessed through the portal below.
BCF currently has two funding cycles a year, the Annual Community Grants and the Emerging Needs Grants.
About BCF Community Grants
The 2026 Community Grant Applications are now closed.
Applicaions for 2027 will open in December 2026.
BCF Community Grants focus on local funding opportunities that are tailored to support the long term success of children, youth and families throughout Benton County. BCF does fund capacity and capital projects but the project must also fit within one of the priority areas below. All grant requests must be for a program which supports the growth and success of children, youth, and families in Benton County and fit within one of the following priorities:
- Arts and Culture (e.g. art programs, musical opportunities for youth)
- Human Services (e.g. school supplies, emergency food, other basic need type asks)
- Education and Youth Development (e.g. education, mentorship, early literacy, scholarships for programs)
- Community Betterment (e.g.park improvements, community health and safety programs or events)
For additional information concerning grants or the Benton Community Foundation please feel free to contact the Foundation at 541-753-1603 or email Brittany Kennedy, Director of Grants and Programs, brittany(at)bcfgives(dot)org.
Please visit our grant history page for more information on previous recipients.
About Emerging Needs Grants
The Emerging Needs Grant Applications are closed for 2026.
Summary:
The Benton Community Foundation Emerging Need Grant provides timely funding for organizations in Benton County, Oregon, facing unforeseen challenges that significantly impact or disrupt their services. These grants address urgent, unforeseen needs that cannot be delayed. Emerging Need Grants are accepted on a rolling basis. All grant requests must be for a program which fit within one of the following priorities:
- Arts and Culture (e.g. art programs, musical opportunities for youth)
- Human Services (e.g. school supplies, emergency food, other basic need type asks)
- Education and Youth Development (e.g. education, mentorship, early literacy, scholarships for programs)
- Community Betterment (e.g.park improvements, community health and safety programs or events)
Grant Amount:
Emerging Need Grant requests can be made for up to $3,000 and funding can be received one time per calendar year.
Grant Eligibility:
This grant is designed to address emerging or urgent needs that temporarily disrupt an organization’s services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, public sector entities, and religious organizations serving Benton County, Oregon. The request must align with the Benton Community Foundation’s (BCF) priority areas. Organizations cannot use fiscal sponsorship to meet 501(c)3 status.
Grant Restrictions:
While BCF is flexible in considering urgent needs, grants will not typically be awarded for:
- Routine operational costs, including technology updates
- Requests already covered by the Community Grant Program
- Personnel or administrative/overhead costs to meet a shortfall
- General operating expenses or budget shortfalls
- Capital or operational debt reduction
- Political campaigns or advocacy efforts
- Direct financial assistance to individuals
Community Giving Fund
In 2021, BCF established the Community Giving Fund as a way for the community at large to be able to support local nonprofits. This fund supports the annual grant cycle which provides critical funding to charitable organizations across Benton County, including nonprofits focused on arts and culture; human services; community betterment and youth development. Because of generous support from donors BCF was able to award an additional $8,500 to local nonprofits through the 2025 community grant cycle. Join us in making an impact today!