The foundation provides support to individuals specifically chosen for one of the three scholarship programs administered by the foundation and the association. The foundation prioritizes requests on the basis of demonstrated impact toward making the company's communities a better place to live. An assessment is also made as to how many company employees will use the services. Projects that improve the existing service or provide new ones, usually involving capital or seed money, and annual support for existing organizations through the United Way are major categories of giving. Support primarily for field of interest grants and emergency, nonrecurring grants primarily to nonprofits located in or benefitting residents of Oregon.
Full accreditation is required for higher education and hospital applicants.
The Kresge Foundation, under its Science Initiative, will accept applications for a challenge grant program to upgrade and endow scientific equipment and laboratories in colleges and universities, teaching hospitals, medical schools, and research institutions. The foundation is dedicated to helping groups and individuals foster lasting improvement in the human condition. The foundation pursues this mission by supporting research, policy development, dissemination, education and training, and practice. Most of the foundation's grantmaking is carried out through two programs. The Program on Human and Community Development supports work in community development, the arts, economic opportunity, youth development, education, Mental health research, and other areas.