The Roundhouse Foundation, a private family foundation based in Sisters, Oregon, has been serving rural communities in the state since 2002. The Foundation's mission is to foster creative thinking, innovation, and collaboration to address the unique challenges faced by rural Oregon. Through its partnerships with community organizations, Roundhouse supports creative, place-based programs that strengthen and celebrate these communities. Over the past 20 years, the Foundation has awarded over $30 million in grants across four primary areas: arts and culture, environmental stewardship, education, and social services. In addition to its grantmaking, Roundhouse Foundation operates the Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts and Agriculture.

The Spring Open Call Grant is part of the Foundation’s broader Open Call program, which supports projects that align with the Foundation’s mission and serve rural Oregon communities, including federally recognized and historic tribes. The grant prioritizes projects that fit into at least one of the four focus areas: arts and culture, environmental stewardship, education, and social services. Strong applications will show evidence of clear planning, committed funding sources, evaluation plans, qualified project staff, and strong community support demonstrated through letters from collaborative partners. The grant process emphasizes authenticity and encourages applicants to represent their community and project in their own words.

Applicants can request funding amounts between $2,500 and $30,000, with average grants falling between $10,000 and $25,000. Full funding at the maximum level is rare, and partial funding may be awarded to allow the Foundation to support more projects. Funded project activities should take place within 12 to 18 months following award decisions. Applications are reviewed by Foundation staff for completeness and eligibility before being forwarded to a review committee composed of external volunteers with knowledge of rural Oregon. Final funding decisions are made by the Foundation’s Board and are announced in early to mid-May, with funds distributed within 3 to 5 weeks of the decision.

Eligibility for the Spring Open Call Grant is limited to organizations with active IRS 501(c)(3) status, government entities (including special districts such as schools and libraries), and Tribal governments. Fiscal sponsorship is allowed, provided the fiscal sponsor takes responsibility for receiving and managing grant funds. All applicants must provide services in rural Oregon and cannot have an active open grant with Roundhouse at the time of application. Applicants may only have one small grant and one Open Call grant open in a year. The Foundation has the right to review eligibility at any time and withdraw ineligible applications.

Applications must be submitted online through Roundhouse Foundation’s grants portal by 5:00 PM PST on Friday, March 14, 2025. An optional information session will be held on January 29, 2025, to provide applicants with an overview of the process and an opportunity to ask questions. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation at least two weeks before the deadline to receive feedback on their applications. Required documents include an organizational annual budget, a board list, and a detailed project budget. Additional documents are required for fiscal sponsorships or projects partnering with schools. Letters of support are encouraged to demonstrate community and partner commitment.

The Foundation provides technical assistance for applicants and offers follow-up feedback after decisions are made. Final reports are required at the end of the grant period and must outline financial summaries, impact highlights, challenges, and lessons learned. Applicants are expected to submit final reports within 12 months of the award decision. For further information, applicants can contact Dawn Cooper (Grants Program Specialist), Chaney Coman (Grants Manager), or Rebeckah Berry (Grant Program Director - Access to Healthcare) directly via email.