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.
Applications closed
Metro received 92 applications for the 2023 cycle. Grant awards will be announed in early January.
Annual grant cycle timeline
Early August: Applications open
Early October: Applications due
Early January: Awards announced
March: Funds available, grant-funded activities can begin
June the following year: Grant-funded activities should conclude
Funding available
Up to $200,000 is available for grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. No matching funds are required.
Application assistance and info sessions
Applicants are encouraged to contact the grant manager to discuss your idea and help make your application as strong as possible. Contact information appears at the bottom of this page. Applicants can watch a recorded virtual information session where the grant manager walks through the application handbook and answers questions.
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.
Who can apply?
Note: All grant-funded activities must take place wtihin Metro's urban growth boundary.
- Community-based organizations with nonprofit 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.