Community Placemaking grants (Metro, Portland area)

Community Placemaking grants (Metro, Portland area) is sponsored by Metro (Portland area regional government). These grants support community-led, equity-centered arts and culture efforts in the Portland metropolitan area. While not exclusively for film, arts and culture projects can include various forms of media, potentially including animated features with a strong community focus.

Community Placemaking grants | Metro Use the left and right arrow keys to move between sections. Applications for the 2027 grant cycle are open now through Oct. 2.

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 below 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 received a 2026 Community Placemaking grant, you may not reapply this year.

However, your organization may serve as a fiscal sponsor or supporting partner on a 2027 grant application 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: Applications due Jan. 2027: Awards announced March 2027: Funds available, grant-funded activities can begin June 2028: Grant-funded activities conclude Apply for a Community Placemaking grant Community Placemaking grants support community-led, equity-focused, arts and culture-based efforts.

2027 Community Placemaking grant application handbook Application assistance and resources Those interested in applying are strongly encouraged to attend a summer information session. 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.

See above for dates. Metro will provide translated application materials and assistance upon request. Getting started with Temelio Metro uses the Temelio platform for grant applications.

To apply for a grant, create a free account with Temelio. Check out these videos that walk through creating an account and using the application form. 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 below.

Community placemaking grant video application tips 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 2027 information sessions Community Placemaking grants information session Community Placemaking grants information session Get news about Metro's Community Placemaking program, upcoming grant cycles and more sent to your email.

2026 Community Placemaking grantees Portland All Nations Canoe Family Portland All Nations Canoe Family received a Community Placemaking grant to work with Indigenous carver Brian Krehbiel to carve a 24-foot traditional Chinook canoe for the canoe family. Porches and stoops: an Afro-topia pop-up Community placemaking grantee celebrates the past and future of lower Albina.

How one night in East Portland reimagined community Metro placemaking grantee Cultivate Initiatives hosts annual Eat & Greet event to build connection through food, music and community.