Large-scale Community Visions Grant Program

The Large-scale Community Visions Grant Program is administered by Metro, a regional government serving the greater Portland, Oregon area, and is funded through the voter-approved 2019 Parks and Nature bond measure. The program is designed to support transformative capital projects that integrate natural environments into broader community development efforts. Metro’s objective is to address interconnected regional challenges, including climate change, housing affordability, transportation safety, and workforce development, by embedding nature-based solutions into large-scale infrastructure and development initiatives. The program emphasizes innovative, multi-benefit projects that elevate ecological restoration while advancing social and economic outcomes. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund capital projects that restore, preserve, and expand access to natural areas while also contributing to affordable housing, transportation systems, or workforce development. Eligible projects must include a significant “nature uplift” component, defined as investments in habitat preservation, ecological restoration, or public access to nature. These projects are expected to be regionally significant and demonstrate a cohesive vision that connects environmental improvements with community benefits. The program encourages projects that leverage both public and private investment to maximize impact and promote long-term sustainability. Funding for the third cycle of the program totals up to 10 million dollars, with individual awards ranging from a minimum of 1 million dollars to a maximum of 10 million dollars. Grant funds are restricted to capital costs, including construction, capital improvements, and land acquisition when part of a broader qualifying project. Funds cannot be used for general operating expenses, overhead, or preliminary planning activities. Additionally, no more than ten percent of grant funds may be allocated to staff time directly related to project implementation. Projects must also meet strict matching requirements, including a one-to-one match for the nature uplift component and an overall project match ratio of one-to-two, ensuring that Metro funding does not exceed one-third of total project costs. Eligibility for the program is broad and inclusive, encompassing tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, private real estate developers, and public educational institutions such as colleges and universities. However, all projects must result in a publicly owned asset, requiring a committed public partner. Non-public applicants must demonstrate a formal public-private partnership through documentation such as a letter of support from a government entity that will ultimately own and maintain the asset. Projects must also be located within Metro’s jurisdictional boundary and include meaningful community engagement, particularly with historically marginalized populations. The application process begins with the submission of a letter of interest, which is required for all applicants and serves as the initial screening stage. Letters of interest must describe the project, its alignment with program goals, integration of housing, transportation, or workforce elements, and preliminary budget and timeline estimates. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis through February 28, 2026. Applicants whose projects meet eligibility requirements will be invited to submit a full application. Full applications are evaluated based on alignment with program criteria, including community engagement, racial equity, climate resilience, and overall project impact. Metro staff conduct reviews, scoring, and potentially site visits before forwarding recommendations to the Metro Council. Final funding decisions are made by the Metro Council, which evaluates applications based on staff analysis and alignment with program priorities. Awards are expected to begin in early summer 2026 and will continue until available funds are exhausted. Successful applicants must enter into a formal grant agreement outlining terms, reporting requirements, and compliance obligations. The performance timeline varies by project but is tied to the completion of capital improvements and fulfillment of grant conditions. For inquiries, applicants may contact the program via email at LSCV@oregonmetro.gov.

Strong applications demonstrate clear integration of nature housing transportation or workforce elements include committed public private partnerships and clearly meet matching requirements while centering equity and community engagement