Community and Economic Development Grants

Lane County’s Community and Economic Development (CED) Grant Program provides targeted financial support to nonprofits and cities serving Lane County, Oregon, with a focus on enhancing local economies and supporting workforce development. Funded through state video lottery allocations, the grant program aims to foster sustainable economic growth by investing in programs and projects that create jobs, attract business investment, support entrepreneurs, and strengthen downtown and Main Street revitalization efforts. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and municipal governments operating within Lane County. The program explicitly excludes applicants who received CED funding in the previous cycle (2024–2025) to ensure wider access. Grant requests must be between $5,000 and $30,000, with a total of $200,000 available for the 2026 funding cycle. Final awards may be lower than requested amounts, depending on demand and availability of funds. Applications were accepted from September 3 to October 8, 2025, with submissions due by noon on the deadline day. Only one application per organization was permitted. All applications became part of the public record upon submission. Applicants were required to submit proposals via email, and confirmation of decisions will be provided within 45 days of the deadline. Awards will be disbursed under formal agreements covering the 2026 calendar year. Selected grantees must submit a W-9 form prior to fund disbursement. Evaluation of applications includes four main criteria: economic development impact, outcomes and performance metrics, program reach and operational clarity, and budget and funding alignment. Bonus points may be awarded for programs that serve underrepresented populations—particularly in rural or economically disadvantaged areas—and for those contributing measurable financial value to the local economy. This includes initiatives that generate revenue, reduce business or employee costs, or stimulate investment and skill development. Each funded project must submit a Grant Impact Report within two months of project completion and no later than March 1, 2027. The report should describe how the funding was used, outline project activities and timing, and summarize the benefits and populations served. Email inquiries and applications were directed to the county's Community and Economic Development team at [email protected].

Address one or more priority objectives; define measurable goals; align with bonus criteria (e.g., underserved populations or value-added to economy).