Grantmaking

Grants fund projects from cancer prevention through survivorship
The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute created the Community Partnership Program to support the development of sustainable collaborations with Oregon communities to address community-identified cancer needs. Grants fund projects anywhere along the cancer continuum from prevention through survivorship. Projects range from the implementation of a community needs assessment about tobacco prevention to supporting the expansion of an existing cancer education program for elementary school students. Generally, proposals are accepted for submission twice per year, in January and July. Three tiers of grants are available to applicants to meet the differing needs of Oregon communities and to help applicants grow proposals into robust, sustainable programs.
The Community Partnership Program has awarded $4.3 million to 164 projects
Overall, 84% of funded projects are new and 86% are first-time applications. Focus areas include cancer prevention, survivorship and screening/early detection.



Geographic and demographic reach
Funded projects have impacted all 36 Oregon counties, and funded organizations are located in 37 cities across the state. The program has reached 61,690 Oregonians since 2014, with 82% of funded projects focusing on rural areas. View proposals filter by project characteristics on our interactive map.
Expand each section below to learn more






Addressing cancer-related health disparities
The Community Partnership Program highly encourages proposals that address cancer-related health disparities and increase equity for Oregon communities that have been historically disadvantaged and/or marginalized. By supporting communities in addressing cancer-related health disparities, including disparities related to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, geographic location and disability, the Community Partnership Program aims to help reduce the disproportionate impact of cancer.
Some Community Partnership Program-funded projects have taken steps to address cancer-related health disparities experienced by specific communities and populations.
Klamath Tribal Health and Family Services

Established a walking program in four communities in Klamath County aimed at reducing obesity and other risk factors for cancer.
Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation and Health Center
Utilized culturally appropriate strategies to increase colorectal screening among low-income Latino/as who were receiving care at Virginia Garcia’s community health centers.
Asian Health and Service Center

Created a cancer resource center that provides culturally and linguistically appropriate education and support services to the Asian community in the Portland metro area.
Special Calls
The Community Partnership Program periodically offers Special Call funding opportunities to address specific community and/or cancer institute priorities. Each Special Call is unique in its focus area, number of grants available, and application/review process.
Focus | Description | Year |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | 14 grants awarded to support community-driven projects related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) over three priority areas: 1) COVID-19 and its intersection with cancer, 2) COVID-19 in relation to social determinants of health, or 3) Impacts of COVID-19 on populations disproportionately affected | 2020 |
Community Action Model | Four grants awarded to support community organizations in increasing the awareness and acceptability of the HPV vaccine using a two-year, five step process resulting in policy, systems, and/or environmental changes. | 2019 |
Step It Up Survivors! | Four grants awarded to implement evidence-based walking programs among cancer survivors, their friends and family. Results from this initiative were published in a 2020 issue of Preventing Chronic Disease. | 2017 |
Community physical activity promotion and healthy corner stores | Four grants awarded to reduce obesity at the community level through implementation of one of two evidence-based approaches: 1) Improving healthy food offerings at corner stores, or 2) Promotion of physical activity at the community level | 2016 |