Two Salem nonprofits picked up $2,500 grants from the Do it Best Foundation as part of a nationwide funding round announced Aug. 26.

Fentanyl Free Oregon and Punx with Purpose were among 21 organizations sharing more than $144,000 in foundation grants, according to a Do it Best Foundation press release.

The grants target groups working on health, youth enrichment, the arts and community services near Do it Best business operations.

The Salem awards were the smallest in the round. Other recipients received up to $10,485.

Fentanyl Free Oregon, an initiative launched by the Salem Health Foundation, works to raise awareness about the dangers of street fentanyl in the community.

The grant comes as Salem grapples with opioid use among young people. Mayor Julie Hoy and City Councilors recognized April 29 as National Fentanyl Awareness Day. The City of Salem reports that for every 2,200 Oregonians, one young person aged 10 to 24 visited the emergency room for an opioid overdose in 2024.

Punx with Purpose supports at-risk youth ages 11 to 18 across Marion and Polk Counties. The nonprofit runs resource pop-ups and its largest annual event, the Punx in the Park Resource Fair and Concert, each fall in Salem.

The group also operates a drop-in center called Stormie's Place at 333 High St. NE. Young people can pick up food boxes, clothing and hygiene supplies there. Peers with lived experience staff the programs, connecting youth with resources in both counties.

"Partnering with organizations like these is one of the most rewarding things we do," Curtis Smith, executive director of the Do it Best Foundation, said in the Aug. 26 announcement.

"These grants create a positive, lasting impact across essential causes like youth services, addiction recovery, food security, healthcare, education and the arts."

Do it Best operates a warehouse in Woodburn, about 30 miles north of Salem. The foundation gives priority to nonprofits located in or near cities where it has business operations, which helps explain how two Salem groups landed on the recipient list.

Salem-area nonprofits interested in the next round can apply through Sept. 25 at doitbestfoundation.org.