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.
2024 Community Placemaking application handbook
Translation assistance
Metro will provide translated application materials and assistance upon request. Contact information appears at the bottom of this page.
Applications are now closed
For the 2024 Community Placemaking grant cycle, Metro received 88 applications requesting more than $1.8 million. Ten to thirteen proposals will be selected for awards, which will be announced in January.
Important dates for the 2024 grant cycle
August 11, 2023: Applications open
October 10, 2023 at noon: Applications due
Early January 2024: Awards announced
March 2024: Funds available, grant-funded activities can begin
June 2025: 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.
Info sessions and application assistance
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. Or plan to attend an upcoming info session. If you are unable to attend, scroll down to watch a recorded info session where the grant manager walks through the application handbook and answers questions.
Wednesday, August 30, 6-7 p.m. – Join Zoom meeting | meeting ID: 882 4524 6911, passcode: 650393 | 888-475-4499 US toll-free
Thursday, August 31, 12-1 p.m. – Join Zoom meeting | meeting ID: 827 5400 2311, passcode: 727953 | 888-475-4499 US toll-free
Wednesday, September 6, 12-1 p.m. – Join Zoom meeting | meeting ID: 886 7696 9386, passcode: 910414 | 888-475-4499 US toll-free
Wednesday, September 6, 6-7 p.m. – Metro Regional Center, room 328, 600 NE Grand Avenue in Portland
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.