MRG Foundation -- Funding Social Change in Oregon

Types of Grants
Eligibility Assessment
How to Apply
Deadlines
Grantmaking FAQ

MRG only funds Oregon
based organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I determine if my group is eligible for funding?

Go to the "Eligibility Assessment Questionnaire" below. If you believe that your group meets our criteria after reviewing the questionnaire, call the Program Director at the Eugene MRG Foundation office at 1-800-489-6743 or 503-234-2338 (in Portland). We will help you decide whether or not it is a good use of the time you have available for fundraising to apply to MRG Foundation.

How do I apply to MRG Foundation?

The first step for groups who have not been funded previously is that you MUST talk to MRG Foundations Program Director. If you decide that it is worth your while to proceed, the Grants Director will place you on a list to receive an application packet when they are ready for distribution at the beginning of each funding cycle. The packet includes an application form - MRG Foundation only accepts proposals that are submitted on this form. (Note: there is an electronic version of the form available). Previously funded groups must also request an application packet from the Program Director if it has been more than four funding cycles (two years) since they were last funded. Groups that have been funded within the past four cycles automatically receive an application packet.

What is the average grant size?

The average grant size is $5,000. Grants vary between the $2,000 minimum and $10,000 maximum. Applicants are urged to ensure that their funding request reflects the grant amount actually needed rather than simply asking for the maximum. Very few groups receive the upper grant range. These higher grant amounts are typically awarded to previously-funded groups who can demonstrate that they meet all criteria well and that their proposal is particularly strategic.

When can I apply?

You can submit your proposal any time between your receipt of the application packet and the application deadline. All proposals must be postmarked by the application deadline date.

Does MRG Foundation fund election activities, lobbying or civil disobedience?

No. These are not IRS 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt activities. While the IRS allows some lobbying, MRG has particular constraints that do not allow us to fund lobbying.

Can MRG Foundation fund labor organizing?

The IRS does not allow us to fund direct labor organizing projects that support a specific union's strategies. We can, however, support general organizing around labor issues -- again as long as it is not on behalf a specific union campaign.

What if my organization does not have 501 (c) (3) status?

You do not have to an official IRS tax-exempt status to apply. The application form directs you to inform us of available options, which include:

Using a fiscal sponsor (state the fiscal sponsor in the space provided; do not apply in the application heading using the fiscal sponsor name rather than your own).
Not having tax-exempt status, in which case your group can apply for a 6-month grant, as long as the work is 501 (c) (3) eligible work.

Also, MRG Foundation cannot fund for-profit endeavors.

Can individuals apply for grants?

No. We cannot fund individual projects or scholarships. The one exception is the Lilla Jewel Fund for Women Artists; information on this fund is included below in the listing of MRG Foundation's funding programs.

What if my group is based outside the state but doing work in Oregon?

Sorry, but we can't fund a group outside of Oregon even if they are doing work in Oregon. The primary address for the organization must be an Oregon address. We do fund groups based in Oregon whose work extends into neighboring states, but they must request funding for the Oregon portion of their work.