Better Together Grant Program

The Central Eastside Better Together Grant is a community-focused initiative administered by Central Eastside PDX. This grant program aims to foster a vibrant and inclusive environment within Portland's Central Eastside Industrial District (CEID) by supporting public events and projects that activate public spaces, increase foot traffic, and highlight the district’s unique identity. The program encourages the growth of both existing and new events that benefit local businesses and cultivate a strong sense of place through arts, culture, and community engagement. The Fall 2025 grant cycle offers funding for events and projects scheduled between January 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026. Central Eastside PDX has allocated up to $40,000 for this cycle, with individual awards typically ranging from $3,000 to $7,000. Grant funding may be used for various types of community-centered initiatives, such as street fairs, block parties, markets, festivals, public installations, and placemaking efforts. The intention is to generate broad economic and social benefits for the CEID and encourage co-creation among local businesses and organizations. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. Events must be open to the public and show a clear strategy to benefit existing local businesses within the CEID. At least three collaborating businesses or organizations—each with a physical location inside the Enhanced Services District (ESD) boundaries—are required to co-plan and co-execute the event. Businesses providing only financial or in-kind support are considered donors, not collaborators. Only entities physically located within the ESD may apply, and each applicant must hold general liability insurance. Grant recipients are expected to recognize Central Eastside PDX as the funder in promotional materials and meet all post-award reporting requirements. Applications are due by 12 noon on October 1, 2025. Submissions must be emailed to Brianna Woods, Director of the Enhanced Services District, and must include a completed application form and a detailed budget, submitted as a single PDF. The application requires details such as project synopsis, participating businesses, marketing plans, funding contributions, and a complete timeline. Applicants must also address specific prompts about project goals, district impact, marketing strategy, equity considerations, and feasibility. All applications are reviewed by a committee comprising CEID business representatives. The review process involves independent scoring and a consensus meeting. Evaluation is based on alignment with Central Eastside Together’s goals (40%), feasibility and budget accuracy (20%), innovation and creativity (20%), and community engagement (20%). Events must be completed by June 30, 2026, and final reporting is due no later than July 3, 2026. For applicants uncertain about their eligibility or event alignment with grant goals, pre-application consultations are encouraged. Interested parties may contact Brianna Woods via email at brianna@ceic.cc to discuss their ideas prior to submission.

Base grant request on foot traffic and event length. Collaborate with at least 3 ESD-based businesses. Use a detailed budget.