Community enhancement grants: Metro Central Enhancement Grants

The Metro Central Enhancement Grants aim to support community projects along the Willamette River, focusing on underserved populations, environmental quality, and recreational opportunities. These competitive grants encourage innovative proposals that engage diverse communities, ensuring inclusivity and sustainability. Funded by the Metro Central Enhancement Committee, the grants are awarded annually to initiatives that address critical community needs and enhance local living conditions.

Metro Central enhancement grants support residents within a target area that stretches along the west side of the Willamette River from the Northwest Neighborhood Association to Linnton, along with an area around the St. Johns Bridge within North Portland’s Cathedral Park neighborhood. Grants are awarded on an annual basis by the Metro Central Enhancement Committee, made up of representatives from the surrounding neighborhoods, businesses and environmental community.
These grants are typically competitive, meaning there are more requests for funding than can be met in a given year. Successful proposals will strongly meet at least one of the following program goals:
Provide programs, training or services that benefit youth, seniors, low income persons, people of color, veterans or other marginalized and underserved populationsIncrease reuse, recycling and waste prevention opportunitiesImprove the environmental quality of the areaPreserve or enhance wildlife and natural areas within the target areaImprove or increase recreation opportunities for residents in the target areaRehabilitate and upgrade property owned or operated by non-profitsImprove the safety, appearance or cleanliness of neighborhoods.
Organizations are encouraged to consider programs or projects that serve people of all ages and abilities and from all backgrounds. The committee seeks applications that engage underserved, low-income and/or communities of color in project implementation, program delivery and outreach activities.

Eligibility

Who may applyCommunity enhancement grants are designed to serve people who may be negatively impacted by having a waste transfer station located within their community. Projects must occur within the target area. Use the interactive map to see if your project falls within the target area boundary.