Community Placemaking Grant Program

Community Placemaking Grant Program is sponsored by Metro (Portland, OR). Metro's Community Placemaking grant program supports community-led arts and cultural efforts that strengthen community resiliency in greater Portland.

Community placemaking grants | Metro Use the left and right arrow keys to move between sections. Community placemaking grants support community-led, equity-centered, arts and culture efforts that strengthen people's connections to each other and places they care about. Up to $450,000 will be awarded in grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

No matching funds are required. Awards for next cycle will be announced in January. Read the application handbook to learn more about eligibility and grant requirements.

The Community Placemaking program has five objectives. Placemaking: People’s connections to each other and to places they care about are strengthened through shared activities. Community stability: People’s connections to each other contributes to their wellness and ability to recover from hardship or oppression.

Equity: People of color who have historically been underserved by government have power and resources to influence their neighborhoods and communities. Partnerships: People’s efforts are maximized because they work in partnership with each other and with Metro. Leadership: People participate in projects and decisions that affect them.

All grant-funded activities must take place within Metro's urban growth boundary .

The following groups are eligible to apply: Nonprofit organization with current 501c3 tax-exempt status Community group or individuals partnering with a current 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit fiscal sponsor Public agency, institution or Tribe If you are a past recipient of a community placemaking grant and your project was an event (spanning a single or multiple days), you may not reapply the year following your award.

Note: Businesses and individuals without a nonprofit partner are not eligible. Community placemaking grants are offered annually, with applications accepted from early August through early October. Awards are announced in January.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the handbook before getting started. It describes eligibility, grant requirements, the application review process and previews the application questions. Important dates for the 2027 grant cycle Aug.

14, 2026: Application opens Oct. 2, 2026 at noon: Applications due Jan. 2027: Awards announced March 2027: Funds available, grant-funded activities can begin June 2028: Grant-funded activities should conclude Application assistance and information sessions Those interested in applying are strongly encouraged to attend a summer information session.

Dates will be posted in July. The grant manager will walk through the application handbook, preview the online application and answer questions. You can also contact the grant manager to discuss your idea.

Metro will provide translated application materials and assistance upon request. Applicants can choose to create a video answering some of the application questions. Please read the handbook to learn more.

Thinking about creating a video application but unsure where to start? Check out these video tips: Community placemaking grant video application tips 2026 Community Placemaking grant application handbook Community-Placemaking manual de solicitud de subvenciones 2026 What to expect if you're awarded a Community Placemaking Grant To advance: say "next slide," "forward," "show next items," or "go forward."

To go back: say "previous slide," "back," "show previous items," or "go back." Portland All Nations Canoe Family, Lake Oswego Art Saved My Life, North and Northeast Portland, $11,400 Autumn Moon Festival, Downtown Portland, $20,000 Get news about Metro's Community Placemaking program, upcoming grant cycles and more sent to your email. 2026 Community Placemaking grantees