Metro Central enhancement grant program
Grants › Community enhancement grants › Metro Central enhancement grant program
Do you have an idea that could help make your community greener, cleaner, safer or healthier? Metro offers grants to help you make it happen.
Pre-app process yields 16 prospects for $65,000 in Metro Central improvement grants
Metro has invited 16 applicants from a field of 24 to submit a final proposal for a Metro Central enhancement grant. The selection committee will announce the 2012 slate of awards in December.
Learn more about past awards
Grants that protect the nature of the region
The Metro Central grant program began in early 1991 with the opening of Metro Central Transfer Station, 6161 NW 61st Ave., Portland. Funds are used to compensate the community affected by the facility. The money is generated from a 50-cent surcharge collected on each ton of garbage taken to Metro Central.
Projects submitted for funding must directly benefit the Metro Central enhancement grant target area. The boundary generally encompasses the neighborhoods of Forest Park, Cathedral Park, Linnton, Northwest District Association and the Northwest Industrial areas. The program area also includes the St. Johns Bridge.
Funding cycle
The funding cycle for the Metro Central enhancement grant program is from January through December. Typically, an announcement about the availability of funds is made in September, a free grant-writing workshop is offered in October and grant applications are due in mid-November. Funds for selected projects are available by mid-January. To be added to the mailing list for notification, call Karen Blauer, Metro community grants coordinator, at 503-797-1506 or send e-mail to karen.blauer@oregonmetro.gov.
Who can apply?
Project proposals are accepted from nonprofit organizations including, but not limited to, neighborhood associations or charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Code. Priority is given to projects or programs that best meet the funding guidelines and benefit the area most directly impacted by Metro Central Station.
About the Metro Central Enhancement Committee
Metro Councilor Rex Burkholder, District 5, chairs the seven-member committee comprised of local neighborhood representatives that reviews and selects projects to fund. The purpose of the Metro Central Enhancement Committee is to:
- Develop a program for administering the funds generated by enhancement fees at Metro Central Station
- Promote enhancement programs through neighborhoods, civic organizations and associations, the businesses of the area and environmental groups that have or will have an interest in the enhancement area
- Solicit and fund projects on an annual basis
- Evaluate performance of funded projects and prepare an annual report
- Solicit public review and comment pertinent to enhancement programs.
Grant awards
The Metro Central program has invested nearly $3.1 million in 316 local improvement projects since 1991. Grants have been used to help residents of the target area enjoy vibrant, accessible and physically distinct places to live, work and play.