Our Collective Prosperity Grant

Our Collective Prosperity Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Meyer Memorial Trust
Amount: Up to US $200,000
Last Updated: July 15, 2025

Summary

The Our Collective Prosperity Grant aims to close Oregon's racial wealth gap by supporting community-driven initiatives that address economic injustice. This grant prioritizes funding for organizations that empower historically excluded communities, promote housing justice, and foster long-term economic stability through various strategies. Eligible applicants include public charities, government entities, and faith-based organizations, all focused on creating equitable opportunities for marginalized groups in Oregon.

Overview

About the Portfolio To advance economic justice and improve the well-being of Oregonians who have been historically excluded from building intergenerational wealth, we must take a holistic approach — one that champions communities, strengthens movements and transforms unjust systems. Our Collective Prosperity focuses on closing Oregon’s persistent racial wealth gap, supporting families and promoting housing justice. Funding Goals This year’s opportunity is focused on one bold goal: closing the racial wealth gap. We are prioritizing community-driven work that targets the root causes of economic injustice. A subset of the portfolio’s overall goals and strategies are outlined in the chart below. Applicants will be required to select one goal and strategy that best aligns with their proposed work to be considered for funding. Goals (Choose One) Close the Racial Wealth GapSupport Thriving Families Strategies (Choose One) Support coalitions, initiatives and research focused on economic justice and systems changeAdvance equitable opportunities for entrepreneursPromote just employment with access to livable wages, benefits, worker protections and career pathwaysPromote multigenerational asset-building

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Meyer will accept applications from the following types of organizations:501(c)(3) public charitiesState, local and tribal governments (including public schools)Tax-exempt faith-based organizationsFiscally sponsored charitable groups or programsAdditional Eligibility Requirements: In order to start an application, you will be asked to confirm that the applicant organization(s) meet the following general eligibility requirements:Meyer will only fund work that takes place in or otherwise benefits people in Oregon.Meyer funds cannot be used for proselytizing.In addition, applicants must comply with Meyer’s policy regarding nondiscrimination.Examples of Work We May Fund Advocacy, organizing, coalition-building and research that shift the policies and structures driving economic inequalityCulturally specific programs that support micro and small businesses: from technical assistance and access to capital, to programs that build long-term sustainabilityEfforts that support workers’ rights, offer legal protections and create meaningful pathways to living-wage jobs, not just job training, but career-buildingMultigenerational asset-building efforts like matched savings, direct cash programs, community ownership, baby bonds and other wealth-building strategies

Ineligibility

We Won’t Fund One-off events (like expos or networking luncheons), construction or renovation of business spaces, direct grants to individual entrepreneurs or youth and artist programs that lack a clear business development componentBasic employment services like resume support or interview preparation, general career coaching or case management or unpaid youth internshipsGeneral financial education that lacks a cultural or asset-building potential, wraparound social services or capital expenses related to constructionHealth-related initiatives, including clinics and behavioral health programsUnallowable Costs Expenses incurred prior to the grant start dateCapital improvements or construction costsLobbying activities. See the “Projects with Lobbying” section of this document for more informationVoter registration activitiesEfforts to support or oppose candidates for political office