Regional Refresh Fund Grant

The Regional Refresh Fund, offered by Metro, provides up to $5,000 in flexible funding for community-led cleanup projects in the greater Portland area. This initiative aims to support underserved communities by addressing immediate cleanup needs. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, public agencies, schools, and business associations, with funds usable for expenses like cleanup supplies, educational materials, and disposal costs. This program encourages community engagement and environmental stewardship.

Who is Metro
Metro works with communities, businesses and residents in the Portland metropolitan area to chart a wise course for the future while protecting the things we love about this place.
Metro serves more than 1.7 million people in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. The agency's boundary encompasses Portland, Oregon and 23 other cities – from the Columbia River in the north to the bend of the Willamette River near Wilsonville, and from the foothills of the Coast Range near Forest Grove to the banks of the Sandy River at Troutdale.
Metro is offering funding to support community-led cleanup efforts in greater Portland.
Metro’s Regional Refresh Fund supports community-led cleanup efforts by providing flexible, low-barrier funding for immediate cleanup needs in underserved communities. Nonprofits, public agencies, schools and business district associations are invited to apply. Applicants can request up to $5,000 in funding per cleanup project or event.
How can funds be spent:
Funds are intended to be flexible to meet the needs of those providing services. Most costs associated with a cleanup or collection event, waste reduction project or preventative effort may qualify. Contact Metro to see if your project expenses qualify for funding.
Some examples of what funds may be spent on include, but are not limited to:
Acquiring trash cleanup supplies for volunteersPromotional or garbage and recycling-related educational materials for a project or eventDisposal costs at a transfer stationTransportation costs to dispose of bulky wasteLabor or volunteer stipends not already budgeted (e.g., salaries)Administrative expenses (not to exceed 30% of total budget)Renting a dumpster for an eventLimited graffiti cleanup and removal efforts (not to exceed 25% of total budget)
Funds are intended to help with expenses before a community cleanup project or event.
Funding
Applicants can request up to $5,000 in funding per cleanup project or event.

Eligibility

Nonprofits, public agencies, schools and business district associations are invited to apply.Unincorporated community groups may apply with a registered nonprofit as a fiscal sponsor for their project. Applicant must be leading an effort that serves an equity focus area, environmentally sensitive area, or other underserved group.The project must take place outdoors on publicly accessible property within the Metro boundary.Use this address lookup tool to determine if your property is located in an equity focus area within the Metro boundary.The project must be scheduled for a future dateThe proposal must present a clear plan for the requested funds with informed estimates for all expenses

Ineligibility

Funds cannot be used to support political committees or campaigns, lobbying or activities that promote a religious viewpoint. Ineligible project typesGardening projectsLandscaping projectsYard waste removalInterior rehabilitation efforts or interior paint projects