MISSION, Ore.- The Wildhorse Foundation recently announced grant awards totaling $495,628 for the first quarter of 2026.
“This was a highly competitive grant cycle, with over $1.5 million requested from 70 eligible applicants,” said Ella Meyers, Foundation Administrator.
A total of 35 organizations across Northeastern Oregon and Southeastern Washington were awarded grants ranging between $3,000 and $30,000 for projects concerning public health, public safety, arts, education, environmental protection, cultural activities, and salmon restoration, according to the foundation.
“The organizations applying for funding are doing meaningful work in communities throughout our region, often while navigating ongoing funding challenges,” said Meyers. “We’re honored to play a part in supporting those efforts through these grants.”
Northeast Oregon organizations receiving Wildhorse Foundation grants
- Anthony Lakes Ski Patrol, North Powder, OR: $7,397 for equipment upgrades
- Baker County Community Literacy Coalition, Inc, Baker City, OR: $3,700 for North Powder Charter School: Little Free Library and Books
- Burns Paiute Tribe, Burns, OR: $22,850 for Wadatika First Foods Restoration
- City of Hermiston: $30,000 for Agape House food pantry construction
- City of La Grande Parks and Recreation Department: $20,000 for Pioneer Park Splash Pad replacement
- City of Milton Freewater: $20,000 for Yantis Park Tennis Court replacement
- City of Ukiah: $16,000 for expanded food service for the elderly and disabled
- Eastern Oregon Cancer Network, Pendleton, OR: $20,000 for rural cancer care lodging and transportation support
- Echo Rural Fire Protection District, Echo, OR: $22,240 for a new water pump and engine
- Friends of the Opera House, Elgin, OR: $20,000 for the Pendleton Playhouse renovation
- Hands and Feet, Inc. Pendleton, OR: $6,000 for strengthening resource families in Umatilla County
- Heppner Fire Department: $28,885 for wildland equipment and gear
- Island City Parent Teacher Organization, La Grande, OR: $28,000 Island City Pathway Project
- La Grande High School: $3,700 for high school track tower renovation
- Oregon East Symphony, Pendleton, OR: $7,500 for Playing for Keeps-Music Lesson Assistance
- Pendleton School District: $20,000 for PTTC-Culinary Arts dishwasher
- PNW Veteran Fishing Charter, Milton Freewater, OR: $5,000 for Disabled Veterans on the Water
- Rural Engagement and Vitality Center, La Grande, OR: $9,000 for Cottonwood Crossing Summer Institute
- Umatilla County Fire District #1: $10,000 for UCFD turnout gear acquisition
- Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District: $18,581 for Enhanced Emergency Response and Firefighter Safety Initiative
- Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness. Enterprise, OR: $12,000 for Wallowa Valley Wellness Park and Community Garden.
- Willow Creek Valley Assisted Living Corp. Heppner, OR: $6,380 for Willow Creek Valley Assisted Facility Compliance Rehabilitation Project
Southeast Washington organizations receiving Wildhorse Foundation grants
- Blue Mountain Land Trust. Walla Walla, WA: $27,058 for Equipment Support for BMLT Stewardship Staff
- Blue Mountain Therapeutic Riding. College Place, WA: $3,000 for Healing with Horses
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties. Pasco, WA: $5,000 for Life and Workforce Readiness
- Camp Fire Walla Walla: $8,750 for Building Sustainable Systems for Youth Success: Equitable Arts, Innovation, and Active Learning for Walla Walla Valley children
- Carnegie Picture Lab. Walla Walla, WA: $10,000 for Expanding Opportunities for Growth in Every Student Through School-Based Arts Programs
- College Place School District: $18,000 for College Place Public Schools Capital Request for Inclusive Preschool Playground
- Columbia Walla Walla Fire District #2. Walla Walla, WA: $16,558 for upgrading rescue tools
- Service Peace Warriors. Eltopia, WA: $6,000 for Service Dog Training Program
- Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities. Kennewick, WA: $8,298 for Adaptive Riding Program-Equine/Facility Support
- Walla Walla Alliance for the Homeless: $25,000 for Hygiene, Health and Food Provision for Shelter Community
- Walla Walla Fire Department: $21,156 for Technical Response Team UTV
Five Oregon-based organizations also recently received Rapid Response Grants (RRGs), designed to help with financial needs throughout the year.
According to the Wildhorse Foundation, Central Middle School in Milton Freewater, Irrigon Elementary School in Irrigon, Umatilla-Morrow Head Start, Inc in Hermiston, the Umatilla Museum and Historical Foundation, and Winding Waters Clinic in Enterprise, OR, all received RRG grants of $1,500 or less.
A full list of Washington and Oregon organizations receiving Wildhorse Foundation grants is available online.
The Wildhorse Foundation is a community fund managed by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in partnership with Wildhorse Resort & Casino that makes grants available to eligible nonprofit, government, and Tribal organizations within the homeland area of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people.
Wildhorse Foundation grants are awarded quarterly, with deadlines of January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.
More information on Wildhorse Foundation grants, including how to apply, is available online.
