• We will award grants of up to $30,000 per year ($500 to $15,000 each cycle).
• Organizations are allowed to reapply each cycle but may not exceed a maximum award of $15,000 per calendar year.
• The maximum amount a qualifying nonprofit can request is $7,500.
• Grant applications will be reviewed and selected by our board of directors.
• The requested amount should take into careful consideration the overall project size and complexity, organization size, and other funding sources.
• We expect to award a limited number of grants at the top end of the funding range, and the board may elect to award fewer funds than requested.

Organizations seeking grants must submit applications for projects that support issues of racial equity, and/or underserved communities in the greater Portland metro area. This includes but is not limited to leadership and mentorship programs. We also support projects and organizations that solve problems for communities in crisis or require additional timely support, such as pandemics or humanitarian crises.

Our board will award grants to work that aligns with our mission and focus areas.

• Potential impact of awarded funds on the community (50%).
• Organization’s connection to Thesis employee(s) through service, support, or other involvement (30%).
• Organization is well-positioned to carry out the proposed project (20%).

• Fall into one of these categories: a nonprofit agency recognized as 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service, a public educational institution, a government or recognized tribal agency, or an organization that is requesting funding for a project that has a charitable, tax-exempt purpose.
• Seek funding for work that takes place within the greater Portland metro area.
• Provide equal opportunity in leadership, staffing, and service, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, political affiliation, or religious beliefs.

• Individuals, private foundations, or organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, class, gender, or national origin.
• Organizations that support political campaigns or lobbyist groups, or fraternal or religiously affiliated organizations.
• Individual schools, PTOs, or PTAs.

• The fulfillment of personal pledges or general fund drives.
• Direct grants, scholarships, or loans to individuals.
• Payment for membership dues, annual appeals, or tickets to special events or conferences.
• Salary supplementation for new or existing positions.
• Annual appeals, debt reduction, endowment funds, or legal expenses.