OVERVIEW: This funder supports Salem, Oregon-based projects that address youth, human services, and arts and culture. It accepts grant requests twice per year from local groups.
IP TAKE: The Salem Foundation is a low-key funder that makes grants in a giving area limited to Salem, Oregon. A significant majority of this foundation’s funding is in the form of large grants to recurring grantees and beneficiaries of donor-advised funds, but it still maintains two grant cycles a year for responsive small grants. This funder prioritizes youth grantmaking, so grantseekers should pitch a local project that directly benefits local, disadvantaged youth in some way.
The Salem Foundation is not the most transparent or accessible funder. It does not maintain a comprehensive list or database of past grantees, but grantseekers may access only the previous year’s annual report, which does not contain information on individual grant values or projects funded. Grantseekers have access to a limited number of small, responsive grants, but it appears that the majority of this funder’s large grants are awarded by invitation only, typically through its donor-advised funds.
PROFILE: The Salem Foundation, based in Salem, Oregon, was founded in 1930 by the board of Pioneer Trust Bank. The bank’s history in Oregon dates back to 1869, when Asahel Bush and William S. Ladd organized Ladd and Bush Bank. Pioneer Trust Bank also formed the Pioneer Trust Bank, N.A. Foundation to benefit local groups in the Salem area. Its mission is to support local charities and causes that keep Salem’s “whole community strong and healthy.” To that end, the foundation manages donor-advised funds, distributes responsive grants, and awards scholarships to area students. The foundation is locally focused and backs causes related to youth, arts and culture, basic needs, and human services.
Grants for Education and Youth
The Salem Foundation makes grants to support education and youth well-being in Salem, Oregon. Its education grantmaking mainly centers around large recurring grants to Willamette public school district. It also supports higher education, with grants to Gonzaga University, Rollins College, Hillsdale College, and Chemeketa Community College, as well as a number of Catholic and Christian schools and organizations in the area, such as Jesuit High School, Holy Family Academy, Catholic Community Services Foundation, First United Methodist Church, Dayspring Fellowship, and Salvation Army.
The foundation also manages several Scholarship funds. These are available to students graduating from certain area high schools, but have varying eligibility requirements based on need, merit, demographics, academic interests, or other criteria.
Grants for Public Health and Diseases
The Salem Foundation funds hospitals, medical centers, and human services that address basic needs such as hunger and shelter. Past grantees include Acres of Hope, Home Share Oregon, CASA of Marion County, Marion-Polk Food Share, ALS Northwest, St. Vincent De Paul Society, United Way of Willamette Valley, Salem Health Foundation, Catholic Community Services of the Willamette Valley & Central Coast, and St. Francis Shelter.
Grants for Community Development
The Salem Foundation broadly funds organizations and initiatives that improve the community of Salem, Oregon, and benefit its residents. Grantees include Capital Futbol Club, Assitance League of Salem-Keizer, Mt. Angel Community Foundation, Church at the Park, The Gilbert House Children’s Museum, and Enlightened Theatrics.
Important Grant Details:
Responsive generally range from $1,000 to $5,000, while recurring grants and donor-advised grants range from $5,000 to $500,000. Grantseekers may review the foundation’s Annual Reports or tax filings for more information on its recent grantmaking habits.
The Salem Foundation’s grantmaking is limited to the state of Oregon. It strongly prioritizes the city of Salem, but it occasionally makes grants in surrounding areas.
The Salem Foundation has two grant cycles per year, with deadlines generally falling on December 1 and May 1. Grantseekers may submit an application through the online form.
Grants from donor-advised funds are by invitation only. Applicants for donor-advised grants may apply through the same portal, but deadlines may vary.
Direct General questions to the staff by email at salemfoundation@pioneertrustbank.com. Sign up on the website to receive the foundation’s newsletter for alerts about upcoming opportunities, and follow its blog.
PEOPLE:
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