Our Resilient Places Grant

Our Resilient Places Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Meyer Memorial Trust
Amount: Up to US $200,000
Last Updated: July 11, 2025

Summary

Our Resilient Places initiative supports Oregon's environment by empowering frontline communities affected by climate change. The focus is on building advocacy and leadership skills within these communities to foster climate and environmental justice. With a commitment to community-driven work, the initiative seeks to create lasting change through organizing efforts that center on the experiences of marginalized groups. This approach aims to establish a just transition to regenerative practices and affirm the connections of BIPOC communities to the land.

Overview

About the Portfolio Our Resilient Places prioritizes care for Oregon’s environment in ways that center both culture and community. This work aims to ensure that our lands, waters and historically marginalized communities are resilient in the face of the climate crisis. We will support projects that build power and capacity in frontline communities, advance a just transition to regenerative economic practices and affirm BIPOC communities’ deep connections to the land. Funding Goals This year, our funding is focused on a single goal: building power with frontline communities for climate and environmental justice. Specifically, this means we’re supporting community organizing because we know organizing is what fuels movements, strengthens wins and sustains long-term change. A subset of the portfolio’s overall goals and strategies are outlined in the chart below. Goal: Build power with frontline communitiesStrategy: Sharpen frontline communities' advocacy and leadership skills

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 We’re looking for the type of community organizing that:Grows a base of directly impacted communitiesSupports climate and environmental justice organizers of color to sharpen their skillsProvides political education that leads to strong issue campaigns and victoriesBrings supporters together to shape campaigns and programs that advance climate and environmental justice, andBuilds long term organizing infrastructureThis could look like: Starting or beefing up an organizer training program New or existing collaborations advancing a climate or environmental justice campaignsActivating a larger base for a campaign Creating an intentional space for organizers to network and deepen relationships

Ineligibility

We Won’t Fund Groups that are not explicitly focused on power building within the climate justice/environmental justice spaceUnallowable 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