Small Grants Program

The Portland Parks Foundation (PPF) Small Grants Program is a funding opportunity designed to support community-based organizations operating within the city of Portland, Oregon, with the primary goal of fostering equitable access to urban parks, natural areas, community gardens, and recreation centers. PPF’s motto, “We help people help parks,” highlights its commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the accessibility, maintenance, and programming of public green spaces, directly benefiting the mental and physical health of the city’s residents. Parks serve critical roles as green infrastructure, economic drivers, transportation links, and sites for social, cultural, and recreational activities, all of which contribute to community well-being and identity. Despite the many benefits of Portland’s parks, access is not equal for all residents. Many communities, particularly those with low incomes, people of color, and other historically marginalized populations, face barriers to safe, welcoming, and well-maintained parks that reflect their needs. The Small Grants Program is PPF’s response to these disparities, intentionally prioritizing organizations and projects that address the needs of underrepresented groups and contribute to making parks accessible and inclusive for everyone. The program explicitly defines historically marginalized groups as those experiencing inequities due to factors such as class, race, ethnicity, citizenship status, disability, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age. Funding is offered through two competitive grant cycles each year—Spring and Fall. In each cycle, twelve organizations or projects are awarded grants of $2,000 each. Eligible applicants are community-based or grassroots organizations that care for or provide programming in public parks, nature spaces, community gardens, or community centers located within the city of Portland. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or have a fiscal sponsor if they do not have 501(c)(3) status. Additionally, organizations are not eligible if they have received a PPF Small Grant within the past 12 months. PPF welcomes general operating support requests from organizations that clearly align with its equity-focused mission, as well as project-specific support for programs scheduled to occur within 12 months of the award. Examples of competitive projects include permitted events in parks, virtual engagement for multi-generational and multicultural communities, targeted marketing or capacity building (including staffing or COVID-related equipment), community garden support, and seasonal park clean-ups or plant care. Projects requiring approval from Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) or another agency must include a letter of approval with the application. Grant applications must be submitted through the PPF’s online portal, where organizations must create a user account, provide organizational information, and complete all required application materials. The application process involves several steps, beginning with gathering key organizational details and required documents. Applicants must answer a series of questions covering their mission, the proposed impact of the grant, alignment with PPF’s equity and inclusion goals, partnerships and collaborations, and, if applicable, provide a project timeline and budget. Applications are accepted from March 1 to April 15 for the Spring cycle and from September 1 to October 15 for the Fall cycle. Award decisions are made within eight weeks of each deadline, and funded projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving the grant. For technical issues or questions about the application process, organizations are encouraged to contact Jason Brown, Programs Coordinator, by email at jason.brown@portlandpf.org or by phone at (860) 836-4537. Assistance with finding a fiscal sponsor is available from Jessica Green, Deputy Director, at jgreen@portlandpf.org or (503) 445-0994. The program is designed to be accessible and supportive, with clear instructions and example application questions provided to ensure applicants can successfully prepare their submissions. The Foundation seeks to empower organizations that are actively making a difference in equitable access to Portland’s parks and green spaces, with a transparent process and ongoing commitment to community-driven change.