Community Stewardship and Restoration Grants

The Community Stewardship and Restoration Grants program is administered by Metro, the regional government serving the Portland metropolitan area in Oregon. Funded through the 2022 Parks and Nature Levy, this program builds on nearly two decades of Metro’s investment in conservation, education, and community-based environmental initiatives. The program is part of the broader Nature in Neighborhoods Community Grants initiative, which focuses on strengthening community relationships with the natural environment while supporting ecological restoration and equity-centered outcomes. The grants are designed to foster community-led partnerships that engage residents in stewardship activities and environmental leadership development. The primary purpose of the grant program is to support projects that improve water quality, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and connect people with nature. The program emphasizes three core goals: improving ecological outcomes, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing economic and environmental equity. Projects funded under this program are expected to contribute to local and regional conservation priorities while also centering historically marginalized communities. These include Indigenous communities, communities of color, and low-income populations who have historically faced barriers to accessing natural resources and environmental decision-making processes. Funding is available for a wide range of community stewardship and restoration activities. Eligible uses of funds include habitat restoration, invasive species removal, native plant installation, environmental education, workforce development, and community engagement initiatives. Projects may occur in developed urban areas or protected natural spaces, provided they deliver clear environmental and public benefits. The program supports both “shovel-ready” projects and those in earlier planning phases. However, projects must not replace required mitigation activities or generate private profit. All funded work must occur within the Metro jurisdictional boundary and benefit residents of the region. The total funding available for the 2025–2026 grant cycle is 750,000 dollars. Individual awards are offered in three tiers: small grants up to 50,000 dollars, medium grants up to 75,000 dollars, and large grants up to 100,000 dollars. While no formal matching requirement is specified, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate strong partnerships and resource leveraging. Grant funds may be disbursed with up to 50 percent provided upfront, with subsequent payments tied to reporting and performance milestones. Projects must be completed within a maximum period of 36 months following award. Eligibility is limited to community-based organizations with nonprofit or tax-exempt status, including community groups, watershed councils, neighborhood associations, faith-based organizations, and service groups. Applicants without tax-exempt status may apply through a fiscal sponsor. A key requirement is that each proposal must include at least three active partners, including the lead applicant. These partnerships are expected to demonstrate meaningful collaboration and shared responsibility in project design, implementation, and evaluation. Projects must also secure landowner permission and occur on publicly owned or permanently protected land, unless private land use can demonstrate significant public benefit. The application process consists of two stages: a pre-application phase followed by an invitation-only full application phase. Pre-applications must describe the project concept, alignment with program goals, and feasibility. Only selected applicants are invited to submit full applications. Evaluation criteria include alignment with program purpose, strength of partnerships, organizational capacity, community engagement strategies, and commitment to equity. Applications are reviewed by a peer committee with expertise in environmental justice, conservation, and community engagement, with final award decisions made by the Metro Council. The timeline for the 2025–2026 cycle begins with the announcement of funding on December 1, 2025. Pre-applications are due by February 10, 2026, followed by an invitation to selected applicants on March 20, 2026. Full applications are due April 21, 2026, with funding recommendations announced in early June 2026 and final awards approved in August 2026. Projects begin after contract execution. The program operates on a biennial cycle, meaning it is offered every other year, and future funding opportunities are expected to follow a similar timeline. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the Community Grants Program Manager at Metro via email or phone.

Strong applications demonstrate deep community partnerships, alignment with all three program goals, and clear equity-centered design led by historically marginalized communities.