Small Grants Program

• Increase the number and diversity of people who are involved and engaged in their communities
• Strengthen community capacity through, for example, leadership development, skills building, fostering teamwork and/or partnerships, and community building
• Increase community impact on public decisions

• 2020 Small Grants Information and Instructions
• 2020 Samll Grant Application
• 2020 Small Grant Application - fillable
• 2020 Small Grant Evaluation

• Solicitud de subvención pequeña 2020_español
• 2020 información sobre pequeñas subvenciones e instrucción_español

•  Заявка на получение малых грантов 2020 года
• 2020 малые гранты информация и обучение_русскийx

• Click here for the recorded webinar from March 21st. 

• Grant Info-session Power Point 

Period of performance

Grants will be awarded through a competitive process (see timeline for details) and projects should begin on or after May 1^st, 2020 and to be completed by December 31^st , 2020

Allowable and unallowable costs

Activities, efforts, and materials needed for the performance of the grant program are generally allowable costs. Costs accrued solely to promote or advance the awardee business or organization may not be eligible for reimbursement.

Unallowable costs include (but are not limited to): some political activities (for example, activities to promote a specific candidate); purchase of cannabis or alcoholic beverages; purchase of real estate. Please check with the grant manager if you have questions about a specific item in your proposed budget.

Minimum requirements to receive Civic Life grants

Civic Life will award grants  agreements only to registered for Any group with a community project that meets the requirements below and at least one of the goals of the grant program can apply. Be a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit. If your entity is not registered as such, please seek or have a fiscal sponsor that is a

A) 501(c) 3 non-profit or

B) be a government entity, or be a

C) business that is registered with the City of Portland

D) have sufficient liability insurance.

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 Carlee Smith, carlee.smith@portlandoregon.gov, 503-823-4550 as soon as possible to learn about fiscal sponsorship options.

Selected organizations shall obtain and maintain, throughout the duration of the grant the required insurance identified below.

1. Commercial General Liability. Grantee shall acquire commercial general liability and property damage insurance coverage in an amount not less than $2 million per occurrence.
2. Automobile Liability. Grantee shall acquire automobile liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage in an amount not less than $2 million for each accident.
3. Workers’ Compensation. Grantee shall acquire workers compensation coverage in an amount not less than $1 million each accident, $1 million disease each employee, and $1 million disease policy limit.

Physical Abuse and Sexual Molestation Liability (required for organizations serving vulnerable clients, such as children, elderly adults, and those with intellectual and developmental difficulties). Coverage shall be written on an occurrence basis in an amount of not less than $1 million per occurrence. Any annual aggregate limit shall not be less than $3 million

• Computer and copier available for your use related to the grant application at the East Portland Community Office.
• Interpretation services are available, as needed, to facilitate our conversation about your project and application.
• Translation of application materials available upon request. Note - Ask early, translation may take several weeks.

• Tongan Cultureal Performance (2018)
• Jim Pepper NAtive ARts Festival (2018)
• Native Plant Classroom (2017)
• Youth Empowerment Art Project (2017)
• Myanmar Water Festival (2017)
• Building Russian Speaking Community thru Art (2016)
• East African Nutrition and Inclusion Project (2016)
• Karen Literacy Project (2015)

• Karen Literacy Project (2015)
• Lincoln Park Multicultural Garden (2015)
• Multicultural Night (2017)
• Myanmar New Year Water Festival (2017)
• New Birth Crew 7 Year Anniversary Jam (2016)
• Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Community Mural Project (2015)
• Rosewood Community Mosaic Art Project (2017)

• How to get that grant workshop
• Grant writing resource guide