Portland nonprofits are at the forefront of driving meaningful change across the city — tackling everything from food insecurity and homelessness to environmental sustainability, education equity, and community health. These organizations are deeply embedded in the fabric of Portland, offering vital services, resources, and support to individuals and families in need.
What makes Portland’s nonprofit ecosystem so unique is its grassroots spirit, innovative approaches, and unwavering commitment to justice and inclusion. Whether it’s providing crisis care for survivors, planting trees in underserved neighborhoods, or helping immigrant families build a new life, these nonprofits are creating tangible impact every day.
In this list, we highlight some outstanding Portland nonprofits that are transforming lives, strengthening communities, and building a more compassionate, resilient city for all.
Nonprofit Resources
The Charity Charge resource hub is dedicated to providing tips, tools, and information to help your nonprofit create and grow a modern organization. Learn more
Oregon Food Bank
Mission: Fighting hunger and its root causes across Oregon and SW Washington
Oregon Food Bank is more than a food distribution network — it’s a statewide leader in hunger relief and advocacy. They provide meals to over 1.2 million people annually through a robust network of partners and community programs. They also tackle the root causes of hunger through policy change, education, and community empowerment.
Friends of Trees
Mission: Greening neighborhoods and connecting communities one tree at a time
Friends of Trees has been planting trees and native plants in the Portland area since 1989. With the help of volunteers, they’ve planted over 900,000 trees to date. Their urban forestry programs improve air quality, increase shade coverage, and bring neighbors together through hands-on community events.
Rose Haven
Mission: A sanctuary for women, children, and marginalized genders in crisis
Rose Haven provides a safe space and essential services to Portland’s most vulnerable — including people fleeing domestic violence, experiencing homelessness, or navigating trauma. Visitors can access meals, hygiene supplies, mental health resources, and clothing — all in a trauma-informed environment rooted in dignity and compassion.
Street Roots
Mission: Creating income opportunities through advocacy journalism
Street Roots publishes an award-winning weekly newspaper sold by people experiencing homelessness. Vendors purchase the papers at a discounted rate and sell them to the public, earning an income while building confidence and connections. The publication also gives voice to marginalized communities through powerful storytelling and advocacy.
Portland Street Medicine
Mission: Bringing healthcare to the streets for those who need it most
With a team of volunteer doctors, nurses, and social workers, Portland Street Medicine delivers mobile, patient-centered healthcare to unhoused individuals directly where they are — under bridges, in camps, or in parks. Their work fills critical gaps in the healthcare system with dignity, consistency, and compassion.
The Pongo Fund
Mission: Keeping pets and their people together during tough times
The Pongo Fund operates Oregon’s only full-time pet food bank, ensuring that no one has to give up their beloved animal due to financial hardship. They’ve distributed over 25 million meals and provide critical veterinary care to help families stay whole — especially for people facing homelessness or crisis.
Black United Fund of Oregon
Mission: Investing in Black-led solutions through education and empowerment
For over 35 years, BUF Oregon has supported Black communities through college scholarships, youth leadership training, and economic development initiatives. They fund grassroots programs that uplift and mobilize Black voices and build long-term generational wealth and equity in the region.
Outside In
Mission: Supporting Portland’s youth and marginalized individuals since 1968
Outside In helps unhoused youth and low-income adults access wraparound services — including healthcare, housing, education, and employment training. Their inclusive, judgment-free model is nationally recognized and empowers people to build stable, self-directed lives.
JOIN
Mission: Housing-focused solutions for ending homelessness in Portland
JOIN uses a relationship-first model to help people transition from the streets into permanent housing. Their outreach workers provide not only housing placements but long-term support services, job assistance, and mental health referrals to ensure individuals stay housed and supported.
IRCO – Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization
Mission: Empowering Portland’s newest residents through culturally responsive services
IRCO supports over 100 ethnic and cultural groups across Oregon, helping refugees and immigrants integrate into their new communities. Their services include language support, job readiness training, youth mentoring, and mental health programs — all tailored to meet the unique needs of each population they serve.
SCRAP Creative Reuse
Mission: Reducing waste while fueling Portland’s creative spirit
SCRAP diverts thousands of pounds of usable creative materials from landfills every year. They resell donated art supplies, school materials, and craft goods at low prices — making art more accessible and sustainable. Their workshops and programs encourage eco-conscious creativity for all ages.
Portland YouthBuilders
Mission: Rebuilding lives through education and hands-on job training
Portland YouthBuilders supports young adults who have experienced poverty, violence, or instability. Participants work toward their diploma or GED while gaining hands-on experience in construction or technology. The program blends mentorship, career training, and service learning to help youth transform their futures.
Call to Safety
Mission: 24/7 crisis support for survivors of abuse and violence
Call to Safety (formerly Portland Women’s Crisis Line) operates a 24-hour crisis line for survivors of sexual and domestic violence. They also offer safety planning, legal advocacy, transportation support, and shelter referrals — all in a confidential and culturally responsive framework.
Ecotrust
Mission: Innovating at the intersection of economy, equity, and ecology
Ecotrust works to restore social and environmental wellbeing across the Pacific Northwest. They support regenerative food systems, climate resilience projects, and Indigenous-led initiatives through partnerships, research, and capital investment. Their holistic, place-based approach makes them a model for sustainable development.
Latino Network
Mission: Championing Latino leadership and family empowerment
Latino Network serves Latino youth, families, and community leaders through education, civic engagement, and culturally specific programs. From early childhood learning to gang prevention and college prep, their work is rooted in equity, identity, and community pride.
