Application handbook
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the handbook before getting started. It describes eligibility, grant requirements, the application review process and previews the application questions.
Translation assistance
Metro will provide translated application materials and assistance upon request. Contact information appears at the bottom of this page.
Now accepting applications
Metro will accept applications for next cycle's Community Placemaking grants from August 9 to October 4 at noon.
Apply online
Important dates for the 2025 grant cycle
August 9, 2024: Applications open
October 4, 2024 at noon: Applications due
January 2025: Awards announced
March 2025: Funds available, grant-funded activities can begin
June 2026: Grant-funded activities should conclude
Funding available
Up to $450,000 is available for grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. No matching funds are required.
Info sessions and application assistance
Applicants are encouraged to contact the grant manager to discuss your idea and make your application as strong as possible. Contact information appears at the bottom of this page. Or plan to attend an information session in August or September. If you are unable to attend, watch a recorded info session where the grant manager walks through the application handbook and answers questions.
Tuesday, August 20, 6-7 p.m. - Join Zoom meeting | meeting ID: 889 5138 5810, passcode: 058701 | 888 475 4499 US toll-free
Thursday, August 22, 12-1 p.m. - Join Zoom meeting | meeting ID: 828 3980 2651, passcode: 279742 | 888 475 4499 US toll-free
Thursday, September 5, 12-1 p.m. - Metro Regional Center, room 328 | 600 NE Grand Avenue, Portland
Thursday, September 5, 6-7 p.m. - Join Zoom meeting | meeting ID: 825 1546 9621, passcode: 307639 | 888 475 4499 US toll-free
Who can apply?
Note: All grant-funded activities must take place within Metro's urban growth boundary. Businesses and individuals without a nonprofit partner are not eligible.
- Nonprofit organizations with tax exempt status.
- Community groups or individuals without nonprofit status must partner with a tax exempt fiscal sponsor, such as a 501(c) nonprofit or a public agency.
- Public agencies must have community partners involved in the implementation of the project and a plan to involve the broader public.
- If you are a past recipient of a Community Placemaking grant and your project was an event (spanning a single or multiple days), you may not reapply the year following your award.
Elements of a strong proposal
Community Placemaking grants support arts and culture based, community-driven, equity-centered efforts that strengthen people’s connections to each other and places they care about. Strong proposals are grounded in racial equity and address a critical community challenge or opportunity. The Community Placemaking program has four objectives.
- Placemaking: People’s connections to each other and to places they care about are strengthened.
- Equity: People of color and members of historically marginalized communities have power and resources to influence their neighborhoods and communities.
- Partnerships: People’s efforts are maximized because they work in partnership with each other and with Metro.
- Leadership: People participate in projects and decisions that affect them.