Parks and Nature Community-Led Sponsorships Grant Program

The Parks and Nature Community-Led Sponsorships program is administered by Metro, the regional government serving the Portland metropolitan area in Oregon. Metro oversees a wide range of regional services, including parks, natural areas, and community development initiatives. This specific funding opportunity is part of a broader Community Partnerships program funded through the Parks and Nature Levy, which was approved to expand equitable access to nature. The program is designed to address longstanding disparities in access to natural spaces by supporting organizations that are rooted in and led by historically marginalized communities. The primary purpose of this grant program is to strengthen community-based efforts that connect historically marginalized populations to nature through culturally relevant programming. Funded activities are expected to foster relationships between communities and natural environments while also building organizational capacity. The program supports a wide range of activities including community events, environmental education, leadership development, and workforce pathway exploration. It also encourages collaboration between community groups and Metro staff, as well as engagement with park planners and decision-makers. Funding is provided in the form of sponsorships, with individual awards of up to 5000 dollars per organization for a one-year period. The total funding available for community-led sponsorships is approximately 243000 dollars. Funds can be used for various program-related expenses such as staff time, outreach, transportation, materials, participant stipends, technology, and training. Activities may occur in Metro parks or elsewhere depending on the funding category, and there is flexibility to support both in-person and virtual programming. There is no stated matching requirement for this funding. Eligibility is limited to community-based organizations and groups that are led by and serve historically marginalized communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, informal community groups, neighborhood associations, faith-based organizations (with restrictions), and collaboratives. Applicants must either have legal status to receive funds or work with a fiscal sponsor. Organizations must not be political campaigns or lobbying entities, and religious organizations are only eligible if their proposed activities provide a public benefit without promoting religious content. All funded programs must benefit residents of the greater Portland metropolitan area. The application process requires submission through Metro’s online portal. Applicants must respond to a series of narrative questions describing their proposed activities, budget, timeline, and alignment with program values. These values emphasize racial equity, cultural relevance, inclusion, and community leadership. Applications are reviewed by a committee composed of community members and Metro staff with expertise in equity, community engagement, and environmental programming. Evaluation criteria include the applicant’s ability to connect communities with nature, clarity of budget and program design, and alignment with program goals and values. The application timeline for the 2026 cycle opens on February 23, 2026, and closes on April 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Following submission, applications undergo review during May and June, with funding decisions announced in July 2026. Funded programs are expected to take place between August 1, 2026, and August 30, 2027. The program is recurring on an annual basis, with similar timelines expected in future cycles. Applicants may attend optional workshops prior to submission, and Metro staff are available for technical assistance but do not influence funding decisions. Program administration includes post-award requirements such as completing contracting documentation, providing proof of insurance, and submitting a final report summarizing outcomes and learnings. Awardees may also need to work with a fiscal sponsor if they lack legal status. Metro provides ongoing support throughout the grant period to ensure successful implementation. The program reflects a broader commitment to equity, environmental stewardship, and community-driven solutions in the Portland region.

Align proposal clearly with equity goals and demonstrate strong connection to historically marginalized communities; provide detailed and realistic budget; emphasize cultural relevance and community leadership