Community Green Infrastructure Grant Program

The Community Green Infrastructure (CGI) Grant Program supports nature-based infrastructure projects throughout Oregon that increase community resilience, especially in underserved and environmentally impacted areas. Managed by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation & Development, the program aims to advance stormwater management, reduce heat, and restore ecosystems through projects that include planting trees, building bioswales and rain gardens, establishing green roofs, and growing native plants. The grant offers four categories of funding, with the Community Green Infrastructure Project track specifically offering awards ranging from $10,000 to $300,000. Funds may be used for planning and developing infrastructure through a collaborative process, and the program places special emphasis on projects benefiting environmental justice communities. These include communities of color, rural or remote areas, tribal and coastal communities, and populations historically harmed by environmental or public health issues. No matching funds are required. Eligible applicants include public bodies, federally recognized tribes in Oregon, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, workforce development boards, watershed councils, and manufactured dwelling park nonprofit cooperatives. To be eligible under this category, projects must be entirely located in Oregon, benefit an environmental justice community, and demonstrate consultation with local governments and utilities. They must also include a maintenance plan for at least three years or request technical assistance. Projects developed by tribes are exempt from the community consultation requirement. Grant funds can be used for direct costs related to labor, materials, site travel, consultant services, and maintenance. A portion may be used for indirect costs, community engagement expenses (such as childcare, stipends, and interpretation), and educational activities, especially for projects located on school campuses. Equipment purchases, land acquisition, synthetic grass, and impermeable hardscape are not eligible for funding. Applications are submitted through the WebGrants portal and must include a detailed proposal, budget, timeline, sustainability plan, and letters of support. The deadline to apply is Monday, October 13, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. Award notifications will be made in January 2026. Projects must be completed within 18 months, with additional time allowed for maintenance activities if applicable. Projects aligned with the program’s allocation requirements—particularly those in designated improvement zones or in tribal, rural, remote, or coastal communities—are more likely to be selected. The program prioritizes projects that establish green infrastructure in areas currently lacking it, especially near schools, affordable housing, senior housing, and manufactured dwelling parks. It encourages the use of native, pollinator-friendly, and climate-adaptive species, and supports workforce development through green jobs tied to project implementation. All funded projects are subject to quarterly progress reports, closeout documentation, and compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

Projects must demonstrate direct benefit to environmental justice communities. Priority is given to projects in designated improvement zones. Include the required Consultation Form early and prepare letters of support.