Climate Action Partner Grant Program

The Climate Action Partner Grant Program is an initiative of the City of Bend designed to support local organizations working to advance the goals of the Community Climate Action Plan. The program seeks to reduce pollution, strengthen community resilience, and prepare Bend for the impacts of climate change by funding projects that directly support specific climate actions. The City aims to foster partnerships with community organizations to advance a cleaner, healthier future. The program is open to local nonprofit organizations and government entities whose projects take place in Bend or directly benefit its residents. Projects must align with at least one of the eligible Community Climate Action Plan actions, which include Energy in Buildings, Transportation, Materials and Waste, and Energy Supply. Examples of funded activities include community outreach and education, workforce development, technical assistance programs, planning and early-stage project development, and other efforts that directly contribute to reducing emissions or improving climate resilience. Projects that are inclusive, accessible, and engage underserved or underrepresented communities will receive priority consideration. Funding from the program can be used for a variety of eligible costs, including staff time, expert services, program materials, translation services, supplies, equipment, event expenses such as space rental or food, and participant stipends or thank-you gifts. Other costs may be considered if they are clearly tied to the project’s goals and scope. The City will review each request to ensure alignment with the program’s objectives. The application window for the 2025 cycle runs from July 21 to September 21, 2025. Applications must be submitted online by 5:00 PM Pacific Time on September 21, with all supplemental documents, such as a W-9 and budget breakdown (if applicable), due by 11:59 PM that same day. Applicants will receive instructions on submitting these materials via encrypted email after the application is filed. Optional information sessions will be held virtually, including one on August 26, 2025, to assist prospective applicants. Awards will be announced on October 23, 2025. Funded projects have up to two years from the date of the funding agreement to complete their work, with the possibility of requesting an extension. Applications will be reviewed first by City staff for eligibility and completeness, then evaluated by the Environment and Climate Committee. Projects will be scored across several criteria: Project Impact (up to 42 points), Organizational Experience (up to 12 points), Feasibility (up to 12 points), Connection to Climate Goals (up to 12 points), and Equity and Accessibility (up to 22 points). The Committee will recommend funding decisions to the City Manager, who will make the final awards. All applications and supporting materials may be made public, except for proprietary information marked as such and protected under Oregon’s public records law. To apply, organizations must submit a complete application form and provide the required supplemental documentation. The project description must clearly explain its objectives, how it addresses one or more eligible Community Climate Action Plan actions, its expected pollution reduction or resilience benefits, its alignment with program goals, and a basic budget outlining the use of funds. The City emphasizes transparency, fairness, and compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws throughout the review process. Contact for the program is available through the Environment and Climate Program at climateaction@bendoregon.gov.

Projects that are inclusive, accessible, and engage underserved or underrepresented communities will receive special consideration.