Community Enhancement Grants: Sherwood

Community Enhancement Grants: Sherwood

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Metro
Last Updated: March 03, 2026

Summary

The Community Enhancement Grants in Sherwood, funded by Metro, aim to uplift neighborhoods impacted by garbage transfer facilities. Since 1986, over $6 million has been invested in local projects, enhancing community well-being through initiatives that support youth, improve environmental quality, and boost recreational opportunities. Each spring, approximately $90,000 is awarded to various projects, fostering collaboration between non-profits, local governments, and community organizations. This program exemplifies a commitment to creating thriving communities in the Sherwood area.

Overview

Who is Metro The Metro Council consists of a president, elected regionwide, and six councilors who are elected by district every four years in nonpartisan races. The Metro Auditor, elected regionwide, is responsible for oversight of Metro's annual financial statements and for conducting performance audits. The council appoints a chief operating officer to carry out council policies and manage Metro operations. The chief operating officer oversees a diverse workforce of more than 1,600 employees including park rangers, economists, teachers, scientists, designers, planners, animal keepers, stagehands and cartographers. Hundreds of volunteers lend a hand at Metro's parks, cemeteries, natural areas, offices and visitor venues. Community Enhancement Grants: Sherwood Across the Portland metropolitan area, Metro community enhancement grants give a boost to neighborhoods affected by garbage transfer facilities. Since 1986, Metro has invested more than $6 million in communities across the Portland metropolitan area. Local jurisdictions and community partners help Metro to administer the grant funds in and around Forest Grove, Gresham, Portland, Oregon City, Sherwood, Troutdale and Wilsonville. These funds come from fees collected at local waste transfer stations that are reinvested back into surrounding communities. Program Goals The program supports projects that advance one or more of the following 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 opportunities; reduce toxicity of wasteImprove 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-profits Improve the safety, appearance or cleanliness of neighborhoods. Project examples Successful grant projects include: Developing environmental education and job training opportunities for underserved youth Habitat restoration in parks and natural areas; increased programming to improve access Property improvements at community centers and social service hubs Producing community events such as festivals, cultural events and summer concert programs Safety, cleanup and beautification projects around communities and main street boulevards Supporting farmers markets and increasing access to healthy food for underserved communities. Target areas and grant cycles Each of the eight enhancement grant programs award funds in a different geographical target area. Grant review committees of local elected officials and residents promote, solicit, evaluate and select funded projects each cycle. Sherwood The Sherwood Community Enhancement Committee awards about $90,000 each spring to projects that serve city residents. The grant program is funded by community enhancement fees collected at Pride Recycling Company. The Community Enhancement Program (CEP) is an exciting opportunity for citizens to participate in making Sherwood a place where families and businesses thrive. This program derives its funding from a partnership between Sherwood and Metro and is generated by a $1.00 per ton surcharge collected at the Pride Recycling Company transfer station located at 13980 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Road, in Sherwood, Oregon. The grant program is open to non-profit groups, organizations, and City advisory committees. We encourage you to let us know your ideas for enhancing the community. Whether you have big ideas, small ideas, or ideas somewhere in-between, you can be sure they will be considered.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The program is open to:Non-profit entities including without limitation; neighborhood associations, faith-based/religious organizations, charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue ServiceSchools or institutions of higher learning Local governments, local government advisory committees, departments or special districts. In recent years, successful applicants have included neighborhood, environmental, social justice and education organizations.The project must not promote or inhibit religion The project must not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, gender or sexual orientation.The project must not be used to replace any other available source of federal, state, local or regional funds.If the project is located on private land, the project application must establish a clear public benefit and must document landowner permission for access.The project must provide a benefit to residents of SherwoodProjects/programs must meet at least one of the following goals: Improve the appearance or environmental quality within the City boundaries Increase reuse and recycling opportunities or a reduction in solid waste in the City Rehabilitate or upgrade the attractiveness or market value of public areas of residential, commercial or industrial areas within the City boundariesResult in the preservation or enhancement of wildlife, riparian zones, wetlands, forestlands and marine areas, and/or improve the public awareness and the opportunities to enjoy themResult in improvement to, or an increase in recreational areas and programs in the CityResult in increases in safety in the City Provide work, education or training opportunities for youth, seniors, low income persons or underserved populations in the CityIncrease employment or economic opportunities for City residents Enhance art and culture within the City Projects/programs are required to provide 10% of the project cost from an additional funding source. Funding sources can be fulfilled by volunteer hours, in-kind donations or actual dollars.Funding match sources must be secured prior to submitting an application.