Community Livability Grant (CLG)

The Community Livability Grant is administered by Prosper Portland, a local economic and urban development agency for the City of Portland. The program is designed to support community-based organizations in creating healthier, more resilient, and inclusive neighborhoods. Prosper Portland focuses on economic development through place-based investments, and this grant aligns with its mission to foster prosperity that is broadly shared among residents and businesses. The program operates within specific Tax Increment Finance districts, including the Gateway Regional Center, Interstate Corridor, and North Macadam areas, where reinvestment is prioritized. The purpose of the Community Livability Grant is to fund projects that enhance physical spaces and contribute to vibrant, community-centered environments. The grant prioritizes initiatives that improve access to employment opportunities, support small business development, and reflect the cultural diversity and identity of local communities. Projects are expected to deliver tangible, community-serving assets and align with neighborhood priorities. The funding is strictly limited to permanent real property improvements, such as construction, renovation, or physical upgrades, and cannot be used for operational costs, rent, or programmatic expenses. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis, with typical grant amounts ranging from 10000 to 50000 dollars, and a maximum cumulative award cap of 300000 dollars per organization. Funds must be used for capital improvements that add, expand, or enhance physical infrastructure. Grant recipients are required to submit construction bids within three months of award and complete their project within one year. These requirements ensure that funded projects are implementation-ready and capable of timely execution. Organizations that have already received a cumulative total of 300000 dollars from this program are no longer eligible for additional funding. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, neighborhood associations, business associations, neighborhood groups, and in some cases property owners. Applicants must operate within the specified Tax Increment Finance districts and propose projects located within those geographic boundaries. There is no minimum organizational age requirement, but applicants must meet compliance requirements such as nonprofit registration, tax status, and necessary business licensing before funds are disbursed. Lease agreements may be required prior to finalizing grant agreements, particularly for projects involving leased spaces. The application process occurs once annually, with the next cycle expected to open in Fall 2026. Applicants must submit a concept plan, project budget, and implementation timeline as part of their application. Additional required documentation following selection includes contractor bids, permits, and proof of compliance with local regulations. The evaluation process involves a committee of community stakeholders who assess proposals based on community benefit, feasibility, alignment with program priorities, and strength of partnerships or support. Final funding decisions are made by the Executive Director of Prosper Portland. Grant recipients receive funds either as reimbursements or direct payments to contractors upon submission of invoices and proof of payment. The program includes strict compliance requirements, and failure to meet conditions may result in forfeiture of funds. The grant is recurring annually, with Prosper Portland announcing program details, funding availability, and timelines each year. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the program directly via email for further guidance and updates.

Ensure project readiness before applying; prioritize strong community benefit and alignment with economic and cultural priorities; demonstrate feasibility and partnerships