METRO SMALL GRANT PROGRAM OFFERS SUPPORT FOR GROUPS HIT BY COVID-19
The Metro Council COVID-19 Community Support Fund replaces the Metro Council’s traditional sponsorship program, which historically supported community partners related to Metro’s core business. The retooled program will offer up to $34,000 in grants, with individual awards ranging up to $2,500. Funds will be distributed to applicants who provide services within the Metro region, and funds will be balanced between the three counties within Metro. The program will prioritize non-profits that serve high-risk/vulnerable populations and advance opportunities and support for communities of color.
Timeline: Due October 15, 2020.
Learn more: https://www.oregonmetro.gov/news/metro-grant-program-offers-support-groups-hit-covid-19
UPCOMING METRO FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Metro Sponsorship Opportunities
Metro gives sponsorship funds to nonprofit organizations whose work aligns with Metro’s mission and goals. Funds are used to support community programs, activities, events and projects that benefit the public, engage a diversity of residents and businesses, address inequities that impact our communities, and inspire inclusive and innovative solutions to the challenges of making the Portland area a great place for everyone. Timeline: Accepted on an ongoing basis.
Learn more: https://www.oregonmetro.gov/tools-partners/grants-and-resources/sponsorship-opportunities
2021 Parks and Nature Sponsorships
Metro Parks and Nature Sponsorships provide up to $3,500 for community-led activities led by and for people of color and held at Metro parks and natural areas. Community-led sponsorships are part of the Community Partnerships Program, which works with community groups and organizations to connect people of color with nature.
Timeline: Apply now for your community-led activity.
Learn more: https://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks-and-nature-community-partnerships-program .
Community Enhancement Grants
Community Enhancement Grants improve economic opportunities, neighborhood livability, public safety and more in areas near the region’s garbage transfer facilities. Six communities participate in the program, including Forest Grove, Oregon City, Wilsonville, Sherwood, Troutdale, North Portland and Northwest Portland.
Learn more: http://www.oregonmetro.gov/tools-partners/grants-and-resources/community-enhancement-grants
2021 Nature in Neighborhoods restoration and community stewardship grants
Want to restore and care for nature in your community? If you have a vision for improving water quality, creating fish and wildlife habitat, getting rid of weeds, or restoring nature in the Portland metropolitan area, Metro Nature in Neighborhood restoration and community stewardship grants can help get your idea off the ground.
Grant recipients have planted native species at Ross Island, improved water quality and amphibian habitat in Willow Creek, and restored habitat at the Sandy River Delta for fish, migrating birds and turtles all while engaging local residents in being stewards of their local natural areas. Other grant recipients have transformed the M&M Marketplace’s parking lot from gray to green by rain garden creation, and native plant installation and creating a diverse conservation leadership program for youth interns. Metro grants expand partnerships to inspire new approaches to restoration, including economic and environmental equity. The restoration and community stewardship grants program will award $700,000 this year. One- or two-year grants are up to $100,000. Groups throughout greater Portland are encouraged to apply.
Timeline: More details available in Winter 2020. Applications will be due in January 2021.
OTHER FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) Invites Community’s Best Ideas that Advance Both Climate Action and Racial Justice for $8.6 million Funding Cycle
$8.6 million is now available for clean energy and infrastructure, regenerative agriculture, and green workforce development! The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) is seeking proposals by and for communities of color and other Portlanders who have not traditionally benefited from climate action. Application period is open until November 16, and lots of support is being offered to community-based organizations that need assistance or translation to apply.
Eligibility:
- Designated by the Federal government as a 501(c) or 521(a) nonprofit entity.
- Registered and certified with the Oregon Secretary of State as a nonprofit organization.
- NOT on the Oregon Department of Justice list of Disqualified Charities.
Timeline:
- Questions about RFP due: Oct 29, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
- Applications due: Nov 16, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
Learn more and apply: see website
Community Capacity Grant with IAP2
Apply for a small grant to help your organization advance the practice of public participation. Total $6000 available. Grants will be awarded in $500 increments, up to $2000 per applicant. We encourage applications for projects that involve the leadership and meaningful participation of people of color, immigrants, elders, youth, those with disabilities, low-income residents, and other underrepresented groups.
Eligibility:
- Projects must directly benefit Oregon, Southwest Washington or residents within it.
- Projects or programs involving private organizations must be able to show a clear public benefit
Timeline: due by November 15th, 2020
Learn more and apply: see website
Community Technology Grants Cycle Opens October 15
The Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission (MHCRC) provides funds for technology projects to nonprofit organizations, libraries, educational institutions and local government agencies throughout Multnomah County through the Community Technology Grants Program. The program supports local entities in producing video content to be shared on the community media center channels in order to support project-related goals and objectives. This year, up to $800,000 is available to support use of technology resources for a public benefit.
Timeline: Due December 10, 2020.
To apply: https://www.mhcrc.org/community-grants/.
Community Grants for direct-service program support and for general and core operating support
Umpqua Bank has expanded Community Grants In response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This expansion aims to help Umpqua Bank and the Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation offer stability and support for volunteer staffing.
Eligibility – Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation will:
- Make gifts to qualified, tax-exempt nonprofit organizations
- Make gifts to direct-service programs that track the progress of program participants
- Accept applications from nonprofits serving communities where Umpqua has a retail presence
- Prioritize applications that directly support our funding focus areas
- Prioritize organizations that currently engage Umpqua Bank associates in a volunteer capacity
- Support programs and projects that are clearly described
- Review all complete applications received during the stated cycle timing
Timeline: Applications are accepted ongoing and reviewed quarterly, on the following date: December 23, 2020
Learn more and apply: website
The Small Projects and Community Events (SPACE) Grants
This program of the East Multnomah County Soil & Water Conservation District provides grants of up to $2000 to support conservation projects, environmental education, community/school gardens, and community events that promote natural resource conservation. Examples of eligible projects or events include naturescaping, stormwater management, pollution prevention or clean-up, education of youth and/or adults, and community events promoting public participation and understanding of conservation issues.
Who is eligible: nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and Native American tribes doing a project located in or benefitting the residents of the district (Multnomah County East of the Willamette River)
Timeline: Completed application forms are due on the 1st of every month and should be submitted at least 45 days before the date of the project or event.
Learn more and apply: see website
Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District Conservation Education Grant
The Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District Conservation Education Grant awards grants up to $20,000 to support conservation education efforts within Washington County, Oregon. Eligible projects must focus on conservation education programming or environmental workforce development.
Who is eligible: Non-profit organizations, educational institutions, Native American tribes, and government agencies for projects in Washington County.
Timeline: Applications are due on the 10th of each month. Projects are awarded on a competitive basis until funds are exhausted for the fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).
Learn more: see website or contact Charlotte Trowbridge at (503) 277-3709 or charlotte.trowbridge@tualatinswcd.org
Native Plant Mini-Grants
City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Community Watershed Stewardship Program mini-grants provide gift certificates for up to $500 for native plants to community groups or individuals that need seed money to help start or maintain projects beneficial to the local watershed. These stewardship projects must bring together volunteers for an overall goal of enhancing water quality in Portland’s watersheds.
Timeline: Accept applications on ongoing basis but applicants are limited to one mini-grant per calendar year.
To apply: Download form or contact Esmerelda Sanchez at 503-823-7917 to have one mailed to you
ADDITIONAL METRO RESOURCES
Metro Free Park Days
Resource: Enjoy free parking at Oxbow and Blue Lake regional parks, Broughton Beach, M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp and Chinook Landing Marine Park on select days in 2020. Parking at all other Metro parks and boat ramps is free year-round. More information at our website https://www.oregonmetro.gov/news/free-parking-days-metro-parks-2020 .
- Oct. 15
- Nov. 11, 19 and 27
- Dec. 17
NATURE EDUCATION MATERIALS
For some nature education activities at home, see the ideas from:
- Metro Our Big Backyard, including Color in Nature, at https://www.oregonmetro.gov/news/read-summer-2020-issue-our-big-backyard
- Slough School at Home at https://www.columbiaslough.org/slough-school-at-home
- Zenger Farms At Home Activities for Youth at https://zengerfarm.org/uncategorized/at-home-activities-for-youth/
- EMSWCD Great Gorge Adventure at https://emswcd.org/the-great-gorge-adventure/
- Camp ELSO Wayfinders at https://www.campelso.org/wayfinders
- Friends of Tryon Creek Nature at Home at https://tryonfriends.org/nature-at-home
- Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership developed these lessons for Clackamas Water Environment Services at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IuK6uYtDpZSHv-fl5wmycYf5VbB4PgE87ZPabZt9JRk/edit
- Partners of the Children’s Clean Water Festival at: https://www.cleanwaterfestival.org/teachers/resources/