Local Grant Funds
North Portland Neighborhood Services Small Grants
Small Grants Application Opens September 25!
Want to boost your community?
Join the NPNS Small Grants & Sponsorships Review Committee!
NPNS Small Grants & Sponsorships will provide $32,180 in funding to support small, emerging, and grassroots organizations dedicated to strengthening neighborhood livability and civic engagement in North Portland. Committee members spend approximately 10 hours reviewing and scoring applications and attending 1-2 meetings in November. Past grant recipients are encouraged to apply.
NPNS Grant Selection Committee Application
The North Portland Neighborhood Services Small Grants Reimbursement Program supports community-building activities in North Portland. This program prioritizes the engagement of communities historically underrepresented and underserved by our programming such as elders, youth, people with disabilities, Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color, Immigrant and Refugee communities, low-income individuals and families, and LGTBQIA+ people. All are welcome to apply.
2023-2024 Application Timeline:
- Application Opens: September 25, 2023
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2023 4:59pm
- Awards Announced December 12, 2023
Minimum Requirements
Funding is available in this grant cycle to small organizations and groups with a yearly operating budget of under $300,000 and who are doing community-based work in the North district coalition area. Requested amounts may range from $3,000- $4,999. Funds will be eligible for reimbursement for programming expenses occurring between September 1, 2022 – September 1, 2023.
Civic Life will only award grants to registered 501(c) 3 non-profit organizations. If your entity is not registered as such, please seek a fiscal sponsor.
Contact for Questions
Don’t have a fiscal sponsor? Not sure what a fiscal sponsor is? Not 100% sure your fiscal sponsor meets our requirements. Don’t let that stop a good project. Contact Josée Kangabe as soon as possible to learn about fiscal sponsorship options:
Other Local Funding Sources
Metro Regional Refresh Fund
Metro offers funding to support community-led cleanup efforts in greater Portland.
Get the details and apply: Metro – Regional Refresh Fund.
Multnomah County Drainage District #1
Do you have an idea for an event, project or program located in the lower Columbia River and Columbia Slough? Consider applying for a Drainage District sponsorship!
The Drainage Districts manage flood safety systems in the lower Columbia River and Columbia Slough, and every year, we have a small budget available to support community organizations that provide services in the managed floodplain, increase local awareness of flood risk and preparedness for flooding, and provide support to vulnerable or historically marginalized communities. To learn more and apply for a Sponsorship, visit our webpage.
Metro Central Enhancement Fund
Metro. Projects must enhance the lives of those who live or work within the target area boundary. Applications available early late summer/early fall. Community Enhancement funds community building projects. More information at OregonMetro.gov.
Nature in Neighborhoods
Metro. In the NPNS district, this grant applies only to the Friends of Cathedral Park Neighborhood Association. Applications available in early fall. Natural and open space projects. More information at OregonMetro.gov.
East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) Space Grants
EMSWCD. All NPNS District neighborhoods are eligible. Rotating monthly application. Conservation education and community events that promote natural resource conservation. More information at EMSWCD.org.
East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) PIC GRANTS
EMSWCD. All NPNS District neighborhoods are eligible. Applications available late summer/early fall. Soil erosion prevention/control, soil health, water quality, water conservation, or watershed health projects. More information at EMSWCD.org.
Community Watershed Stewardship Grants & Native Plant Mini-Grants
City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services. All NPNS District neighborhoods are eligible. Enhancing watershed health. Applications due late winter. More information at www.portlandonline.com/bes
Venture Portland Benchmark & Economic Development Grants
Venture Portland. All City of Portland including the NPNS district. Applications available late summer/early fall. Business district funding. More information at VenturePortland.org.
Community Livability Grant
Portland Development Commission (Prosper Portland). All Interstate Urban Renewal Corridor Area includes selected NPNS district areas. A “bricks and mortar” grant, funding historic preservation, open space, recreation facilities, etc. More information at ProsperPortland.us.
Green Features Grant
Portland Development Commission (Prosper Portland). All Interstate Urban Renewal Corridor Area includes selected NPNS district areas. Green building incentives for businesses. More information at ProsperPortland.us.
Lester Viles Fund
Lester Viles North Portland Project Association. All NPNS district. This foundation distributes funds with a business connection to the community. More information at LVNPPA.org.
