Community Placemaking Grant Program

The Community Placemaking Grant is administered by Metro, a regional government serving the Portland metropolitan area in Oregon. Metro works across jurisdictions to improve regional livability, including parks, waste systems, and cultural initiatives. Through this grant program, Metro invests in community-driven, arts-based projects that strengthen connections between people and the places they care about. The program reflects Metro’s commitment to equity, particularly by prioritizing communities of color and historically underserved populations, and by supporting grassroots leadership and partnerships. The primary purpose of the Community Placemaking Grant is to fund creative, community-led initiatives that foster social cohesion, resilience, and cultural expression. The program is structured around five core objectives: placemaking, community stability, equity, partnerships, and leadership. Funded projects are expected to strengthen interpersonal connections through shared cultural experiences, contribute to community wellness and recovery from hardship, empower marginalized groups, promote collaboration, and support community participation in decision-making processes. Funding for the program totals up to 450000 per cycle, with individual grants ranging from 5000 to 15000. These funds are intended to support project-based activities rather than general operating expenses. Applicants may include up to 15 percent of their budget for overhead costs, but operating support-only proposals are not eligible. Funds cannot be used for political activities, fundraising, costs unrelated to the project, or activities outside the designated geographic boundary. Additionally, projects must comply with non-discrimination laws and other regulatory requirements. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501c3 tax-exempt status, community groups or individuals working with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor, and public agencies, institutions, or Tribal governments. All activities must occur within Metro’s urban growth boundary. Businesses and individuals without nonprofit partnerships are not eligible. Applicants who previously received funding for an event-based project may not reapply the following year. Fiscal sponsors, when used, must take on responsibilities such as managing funds, providing insurance coverage, and submitting required reports. Applications are submitted through the ZoomGrants online system. Applicants must create an account, complete application questions, provide a scope and budget, and upload required documents such as photos and optional support materials. Applicants may choose to respond to narrative questions in writing or via a video submission. The application includes questions about project partners, activities, community impact, and alignment with program objectives. Proposals are reviewed by a community advisory group with expertise in arts, social justice, and urban planning, who evaluate submissions based on impact, alignment with objectives, and feasibility. The grant operates on an annual cycle. For the 2027 cycle, applications open on August 14, 2026, and close on October 2, 2026 at noon. Awards are announced in January 2027, with funds becoming available in March 2027. Funded activities are expected to conclude by June 2028. The program recurs annually with similar timelines. Applicants are encouraged to attend information sessions and consult the application handbook for detailed guidance. For assistance, applicants may contact the grant manager, Dana Lucero, via email. Translation support and alternative submission formats are available to ensure accessibility.

Ensure strong alignment with the five program objectives; clearly demonstrate community impact and feasibility; prioritize projects that can be completed within grant funding; provide detailed yet clear responses for reviewers