Grant applications
Applications for the 2021 grants are now closed. Stay tuned for our 2022 application period opening June 11, 2021.
To learn more or be added to our mailing list, contact [email protected]
Metro Central enhancement grants support residents within a target area that stretches along the west side of the Willamette River from the Northwest Neighborhood Association to Linnton, along with an area around the St. Johns Bridge within North Portland’s Cathedral Park neighborhood. Grants are awarded on an annual basis by the Metro Central Enhancement Committee, made up of representatives from the surrounding neighborhoods, businesses and environmental community.
In 2020, the Metro Central Community Enhancement Committee reviewed 22 applications requesting over $600,00 in funding for projects in Northwest Portland. The Committee selected 16 proposals and awarded $319,112 total with an average grant amount of $22,000.
Grants typically cover one year, although the committee will consider grants requesting up to two years to complete.
What types of projects get funded? Community groups, neighborhoods, nonprofits, schools and school groups, government agencies, faith groups and service groups with nonprofit or other tax-exempt status.
Who may apply
Metro Central Enhancement Grant boundary
Community enhancement grants are designed to serve people who may be negatively impacted by having a waste transfer station located within their community. Projects must occur within the target area. Use this interactive map to see if your project falls within the target area boundary.
These grants are typically competitive, meaning there are more requests for funding than can be met in a given year. Successful proposals will achieve the program purpose established by the Metro Central Enhancement Committee by strongly meeting at least one of the following community needs:
- Improve the safety, appearance or cleanliness of neighborhoods
- Improve the environmental quality of the area
- Preserve or enhance wildlife areas within the target area
- Improve or increase recreation opportunities for residents in the target area
- Provide training or services that benefit youth, elderly and/or low-income residents
- Increase recycling opportunities for residents of the area.
Organizations are encouraged to consider programs or projects that serve people of all ages and abilities and from all backgrounds. The committee seeks applications that engage underserved, low-income and/or communities of color in project implementation, program delivery and outreach activities.
Application submission, review and selection
The Metro Central community enhancement grants are on a calendar year cycle. Grant awards are made in January and applications, for the next year, are accepted from June to September. A grant application information session is held in August to help applicants better understand the grant program and application requirements.
The announcement for the grant application submission period is made on this website, via Metro's media outlets and published in the NW Examiner. Additionally, postcards, flyers and emails are distributed to neighborhood groups and community organizations in and around the Metro Central enhancement grant boundary.
If you would like to be added to the grant application announcement or information session mailing list, please contact [email protected]
The Metro Central Enhancement Committee is comprised of six neighborhood representatives. Metro Councilor Mary Nolan, the Metro Councilor from District 5, serves as chair. The committee reviews and awards all grant requests. See list of current committee members, below.