Community enhancement grants
Grants › Community enhancement grants Community enhancement grants
Find opportunities to receive grants for projects that benefit North and Northwest Portland, Oregon City and Forest Grove.
Since 1985, when the grant program was established, Metro has invested more than $5 million in projects that benefit areas directly affected by Metro's garbage disposal facilities. Grants are to be used to create changes in the community that also may improve a neighborhood’s image.
Projects considered are those that will do one or more of the following:
- increase employment and economic opportunities
- rehabilitate and upgrade residential housing
- preserve wildlife, marine and recreational areas for public enjoyment
- improve public safety
- enhance neighborhood appearance or cleanliness
- improve viability of commercial areas and enhance the business environment
- provide programs and training opportunities to benefit youth and elderly
- create long-term improvements for neighborhood livability.
Target areas
There are four enhancement grant target areas, each with a committee composed of local residents who help promote, solicit, select and evaluate projects:
Metro Central Enhancement Committee (North and Northwest Portland)
The Metro Central Enhancement Committee is chaired by Metro Councilor Rex Burkholder, District 5.
North Portland Enhancement Committee (North Portland)
The North Portland Enhancement Committee is chaired by Metro Councilor Rex Burkholder, District 5.
Metro South Enhancement Committee (Oregon City)
A local citizens' advisory committee comprised of the entire Oregon City Commission, four citizens of Oregon City appointed at large by the Mayor, and the Metro Councilor representing District 2, recommends programs and projects for rehabilitation and enhancement associated with Metro South Station, the garbage transfer station at 2001 SW Washington. For more information related to the boundary and criteria for grant proposals, call (503) 657-0891.
Forest Grove Enhancement Committee (Forest Grove)
The Forest Grove Enhancement Committee is a seven-member committee comprised of the Forest Grove City Council. Metro Councilor Kathryn Harrington, District 4, serves as an advisor to the committee. The committee funds approximately $50,000 each year for enhancement and rehabilitation programs and projects. The committee convenes each year on the first and third Mondays in April to review, interview and select grant recipients. Awarded grants are adopted in May by resolution in a public hearing at a regularly scheduled Forest Grove City Council meeting. Grant dollars are available for disbursement after July 1. The enhancement boundary encompasses the entire city of Forest Grove. For more information, call Paul Downey, Forest Grove Finance Director, at (503) 992-3220.
Who can apply
Proposals are accepted only from nonprofit organizations including, but not limited to, a neighborhood association or a charitable organization with 501(c)3 status under the Internal Revenue Code.
Examples of projects funded by Metro enhancement grants
- developing environmental education projects for at-risk youth
- removing ivy and restoration in Forest Park
- installing fire escapes at senior centers
- producing summer concert programs in local parks
- planting trees around community parks and main street boulevards in industrial areas.
Need assistance?
Karen Blauer, community grants coordinator
503-797-1506
karen.blauer@oregonmetro.gov