Schnitzer Foundation CommuniCare Grants

The Schnitzer Foundation CommuniCare Grants aim to foster community-minded leaders among students in Oregon. This year-long program encourages student-directed groups to tackle community issues by raising funds, which are matched 10:1 by the Schnitzer CARE Foundation. Students engage in the grantmaking process, researching and evaluating local nonprofits to fund initiatives that align with their mission. By supporting educational community service, the program inspires the next generation to become active agents of change.

Grantmaking is transformational for every kind of student, and we partner with diverse schools to ensure people in all parts of civil society will have these skills and attributes.
How the Program Works
In this year-long, student-directed program, CommuniCare groups act as “mini-foundations.” Students begin the year by selecting a community issue or service area that they feel passionate about and are challenged to raise $1,500 during the fall and winter months. Each dollar they raise is matched 10:1 by The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, up to a maximum gift of $15,000. Students spend the rest of the school year completing the grantmaking process – researching Oregon nonprofits whose work aligns with their mission, evaluating grant proposals, meeting with representatives from those organizations, and deciding which to fund.
Additionally, up to 25% of matching CARE funds can go to support projects and programs at their school/district.
Application Timeline
Student groups develop a mission statement that captures their funding priorities for that school year.Mission statements are made publicly available on our website.If your work aligns with one or more of the mission statements, download a copy of the grant application. Complete the grant application and upload it to the inquiry portal, indicating which mission statement(s) align with your work. Your application will be distributed to the corresponding CommuniCare groups, who will reach out directly to nonprofits they wish to speak with. Site visits, in-school presentations, and/or remote interviews are scheduled by student invitation only. Direct solicitations will not be considered.

Eligibility

Eligible organizations must be a 501(c)(3) and located in/directly benefit people living in the State of Oregon.Those with fiscal sponsors are also eligible.Organizations can apply every year.