Peace Building Grants

The Peace Building Grants program is administered by the City of Beaverton through its Center for Mediation and Dialogue, a long standing community focused initiative that has provided conflict resolution and restorative justice services since 1988. The Center operates within the City Services and Engagement division and is dedicated to fostering safer, more inclusive, and more peaceful communities through mediation, facilitation, training, and dialogue programs. This grant program reflects the Center’s mission by supporting grassroots and community driven efforts that align with its broader goals of conflict resolution and community building. The primary purpose of the Peace Building Grants program is to provide financial support for projects, events, or programs that actively foster peace within the Beaverton community. Eligible initiatives include but are not limited to conflict resolution projects, community dialogue events, restorative justice discussions, and educational trainings. The program encourages creative approaches such as peer mediator training, facilitated discussions on polarizing issues, or the development of educational materials. Projects must align with at least one of the stated objectives, which include promoting restorative justice, strengthening relationships, encouraging dialogue, and creating learning opportunities related to peacebuilding. Funding is available in amounts up to 1500 dollars per project or applicant. Allowable expenses include both material costs such as educational resources and printing, as well as personnel related costs such as honorariums. The grant does not specify any matching requirement, indicating that applicants are not obligated to provide cost share contributions. However, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate additional financial or in kind support where applicable. All funded projects must directly benefit the Beaverton community and align with the program’s peacebuilding goals. Eligibility for the program is intentionally broad and inclusive. Applicants may be individuals or community based entities with a strong connection to Beaverton. This includes volunteer mediators, facilitators, grassroots or faith based organizations, student or school groups, and neighborhood association committees. Notably, nonprofit status such as 501c3 designation is not required, which lowers barriers to participation and allows a wider range of community actors to apply. The program emphasizes local engagement and requires that funded activities clearly benefit the Beaverton area. The application process is relatively straightforward and is conducted through an online form. Applicants must provide detailed information about their project including a title, organizational or individual background, project summary, alignment with grant objectives, target audience, collaboration plans, and budget details. Additional application components include proposed project dates, description of any secured or requested support, and acknowledgment of compliance with program requirements. Applicants may also need to submit letters of support if partnering with other organizations. Upon completion of the project, grant recipients are required to submit a report documenting outcomes and use of funds. The program operates on a rolling application basis, meaning there is no fixed submission deadline and applications are accepted year round. Award notifications are typically provided within four weeks of submission, allowing for a relatively quick turnaround. Information sessions are available upon request by contacting program staff. The absence of a fixed cycle indicates that the program is continuously available, though applicants are encouraged to coordinate timelines carefully to align with their project schedules. Contact for the program is provided through the Center for Mediation and Dialogue, with a designated program coordinator available via email and phone for inquiries and support throughout the application process.