We provide direct financial support to make speech, debate, and mock trial more accessible for students in Oregon.

We currently offer two grant programs:

Team Support Grants – for student organizations and teams to cover competition-related costs.
Coach/Instructor Support Grants – for qualified coaches and instructors who provide training, leadership, and mentorship.

All grants are reviewed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Funding decisions are based on demonstrated need, alignment with the Foundation’s mission, and available resources.

What We Fund

Our grants are designed to support both the essential costs of competition (“hard costs”) and, when resources allow, additional program needs (“soft costs”).

Hard Costs (priority items):

Tournament registration and entry fees
Annual association dues (e.g., American Mock Trial Association)
Travel and lodging for students (and necessary coaches/chaperones)
Judge fees where required

Soft Costs (as funding permits):

Instructional materials and research tools
Printing and exhibits
Modest per diem support for meals during travel
Support for hosting tournaments (e.g., judge hospitality, venue expenses)

Apply for a Grant

Team Support Grants

Coach/Instructor Support Grants

These grants help student organizations and teams meet the costs of participation in competitions. Funding may cover tournament entry fees, travel, lodging, judges, and instructional materials.

Who can apply: Student organizations and recognized teams

Disbursement: Whenever possible, payments will be made directly to vendors (e.g., tournament hosts, hotels, airlines)

Priority: Required events and national qualifying competitions

Apply

Coach/Instructor Support Grants

These grants support coaches and instructors who make forensics education possible by providing practices, training sessions, instructional materials, and tournament support.

Who can apply: Coaches or instructors actively working with a recognized program (verification may be required)

Eligible services include: Practice leadership, curriculum development, tournament coaching/judging, and travel coordination

Funding models: May be stipend-based, hourly, or project-specific. All awards require Board approval.

Apply

How to Apply

Prepare your budget. Include itemized expenses, dates, and amounts (with quotes or links where available).
Complete the application form. Select the appropriate form (Team or Coach/Instructor) and provide all requested information.
Board review. The Foundation Board reviews each application. Additional documentation may be requested.
Notification. Applicants will receive a decision by email, along with any conditions of the grant.

Questions? If you have questions about eligibility or the application process, please contact us at Garrett@OregonForensicsFoundation.com