Bend Sustainability Fund

The Bend Sustainability Fund offers grant funding to support tourism-related facilities in the Bend, Oregon area. This initiative is funded by the City of Bend’s allocation of Transient Room Tax revenues and is managed to ensure no new taxes are levied. The fund is part of a broader sustainability model that aims to balance the needs of the economy, community, and natural environment, supporting facilities that benefit both residents and visitors. The purpose of the grant is to provide financial assistance for projects that enhance or protect tourism-related infrastructure in Bend. Eligible projects must create, steward, or protect tourism-related facilities that will have an impactful lifespan of more than ten years. A key requirement is that these facilities should have substantial use by visitors, reinforcing the grant’s alignment with tourism development goals. Projects must be shovel-ready, meaning all legal, regulatory, or procedural hurdles must be cleared prior to the application. The fund prioritizes initiatives with a clear implementation timeline and measurable outcomes to be achieved within 12 months of receiving the grant. While most grants are provided for a single year, multi-year funding for up to two years is available for projects that justify extended timelines. Eligibility is open to all types of organizations regardless of their location, but the funded project must be based in Bend and directly support the local community through sustainable tourism development. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate grassroots community support and are encouraged to review the fund's FAQ and legal guidelines to ensure their project meets the definition of a "Tourism Related Facility" under Oregon law. Applications are submitted online during a defined grant window. For the 2026 cycle, applications will be accepted from November 13, 2025, through January 16, 2026. Awards will be announced in March 2026. A pre-recorded Q+A webinar held on November 18, 2024, provided guidance on developing competitive proposals. Applicants may submit more than one proposal but are discouraged from doing so unless absolutely necessary. To improve chances of success, potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Bend Sustainability Fund team early, especially if they have questions regarding project readiness or eligibility. Unfunded projects often fail due to ineligibility under the legal definition of tourism-related facilities, lack of readiness, or insufficient engagement with Visit Bend and relevant land managers.

Engage early with BSF staff; confirm shovel-readiness; validate project under Oregon tourism law; review land use approvals; prepare for March award.