The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund mini grant program is a quarterly grant opportunity offering up to $5,000 for activities that align with PCEF goals of tackling climate action while advancing racial and social justice. The mini grants aim to reduce barriers for organizations engaging in climate and racial justice work by offering a simple application process. Only non-profit organizations, including fiscal sponsors, may apply. Projects must either be physical improvements built or installed within Portland city limits to benefit residents of Portland, or they must benefit residents of Portland without any physical improvements. The funding request must advance PCEF goals of addressing the impacts of climate change while advancing racial and social justice.
The mini grants program has a total annual budget of $200,000, with $50,000 available each quarter. Organizations can submit applications on a rolling basis for placement into the next available grant cycle. Eligible expenses include buying goods, staff time and community participation, attendance costs for trainings and workshops, contracted services, and costs associated with PCEF requirements such as fiscal sponsorship fees and additional insurance expenses.
The selection process prioritizes small organizations that reflect and serve PCEF's priority communities. If the total funding requests in a quarter are more than the available $50,000, staff will select applications using a random selection process within prioritized groups. Grantees will be required to submit narrative reports, financial summaries, and financial receipts/invoices as part of the reporting requirements.
For more information or assistance with the application process, applicants can contact PCEF Mini Grants at PCEFMiniGrants@portlandoregon.gov.
