Uniquely Portland Event Grant

Uniquely Portland Event Grant is sponsored by Prosper Portland Office of Events and Film. This grant supports events that showcase Portland's vibrant communities while bringing people together in the central city and neighborhood business districts. Funding can be used for planning and aims to boost foot traffic and energy in commercial districts.

Higher points are assigned to priority locations.

Uniquely Portland Event Grant — Portland Events and Film Office Now accepting applications Uniquely Portland Event Grant The Prosper Portland Office of Events and Film is excited to offer a new grant opportunity designed to celebrate what makes our city one-of-a-kind!

This grant supports events that showcase Portland’s vibrant communities while bringing people together in the heart of our central city and neighborhood business districts. Awards will range from $500 to $7,500 to support community-driven events and placemaking activities that communicate vibrancy, joy, and uniquely Portland culture to broader audiences.

Application Planning Document Link to Eligibility and Selection Priorities Grant awards are between $500 - $7,500 January 5th, 2026, Application available for submission on a rolling basis and reviewed during the review window* The application will remain open until fund is unavailable. Funding decisions are made within 30 days of reviewing the application.

*Event Application Review Window Applications must be submitted within the review window, which opens 120 days before your event date and closes 45 days before your event date. Applications submitted fewer than 45 days in advance will not be accepted.

Event date: May 15th, 2026 Earliest submission date (120 days before): January 15, 2026 Latest submission date (45 days before): March 31, 2026 The Events and Film Office provides grant funding to support events that showcase Portland’s best in food, sports, arts, music, and culture—while also boosting foot traffic and energy in the central city and neighborhood business districts.

Increase foot traffic and visitors in Central City and neighborhood business districts Support community-driven events and placemaking activities that showcase different communities, cultures, or experiences of Portland. Communicate vibrancy, joy, and uniquely Portland culture to broader audiences. Leverage public spaces and city assets to further program goals.

Your event location will be scored based on its’ proximity to neighborhood business districts and the positive impact your event can have on the surrounding business community. In some instances, the Events and Film office will partner with the City to provide free or low-cost spaces to encourage events and activations in that area.

When these opportunities are available, they will be listed here as well as shared in the Events and Film Office newsletter. Selection and Award Process Applications must be submitted within the review window: no earlier than 120 days and no later than 45 days before the first day of the event. Complete and eligible applications are scored in alignment with the selection priorities.

Funding decision and award amount is based on the application score. Higher points are assigned to priority locations. After an award notice is made the award offer is valid for two weeks.

If the award is not accepted within two the award will expire and the event will not be funded. Awardees will be notified via email. If awarded, funds are typically disbursed within 30 days after the award notification and execution of a grant agreement.

Once you receive your award notice you will have 2 weeks to accept the award before the offer expires. PLEASE NOTE: Prosper Portland will issue a Form 1099-G at year-end. The grantee is solely responsible for any local, state, or federal taxes owed in connection with this grant.

To receive funding grantees must provide: Be in compliance with State of Oregon and City of Portland registration requirements Grant awards will range from $500 to $7,500, based on how well the application aligns with program goals and funding priorities.

Funding can be used in the following ways: Determine your event review window (Event day) - (120 days) = earliest you can apply (Event day) - (45 days) = the latest you can apply Review eligibility and program priorities Review application requirements Prepare responses, data required, and documentation using the application planning guide .

Data Needed to Complete the Applications Location, attendance data Date(s) and location(s) for the proposed event Expected attendance for your event Council district where the event will be held (Look it up here) Information for two examples of successful events you have held in the last 5 years.

Including event name, website, year, locations, and attendance List of all funds raised to date List of all city funding that has been awarded for the event that you are proposing Event sponsorship materials or event promotional materials Hotel collaboration or partnerships List of event collaborators, sponsors, and partners who are confirmed For questions about the application process, please get in touch with the grants team at OEFgrants@portlandeventsandfilm.

com Link to application planning guide . Please note that applications must be submitted online using the digital application form.

Event producer or host organization must be within Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, or Clark County Event producer or host organization must have experience producing public events Venue within the City of Portland confirmed Minimum attendance 300 (or average of 300 per day) Maximum total attendees 7,500 Must be open to all ages, open to the public, and be free to attend The proposed event is not already receiving other funding from Prosper Portland This grant supports public events in the City of Portland that are open and welcoming to a broad community audience.

Fundraisers – Allowed only if fundraising is not the main purpose of the event. Business promotions – Includes sales, product launches, or grand openings. Networking for individual gain – The grant is intended to build community connections, not advance individual businesses or careers.

Political* or religious** events *Political events are not eligible for grant funding.

For the purposes of these guidelines, a “political event” is an event where the primary or a significant purpose of the event is to: Solicit any money, influence, service or other thing of value or otherwise promote or oppose any political committee Promote or oppose the appointment, nomination or election of a person to a public office Promote or oppose the filing of an initiative, referendum or recall petition Promote or oppose the gathering of signatures on an initiative, referendum or recall petition Promote or oppose the adoption of a measure or the recall of a public office holder ** Religious events are not eligible for grant funding.

For the purposes of these guidelines, a “religious event” is an event where the primary or a significant purpose of the event is to promote, support or engage in explicitly religious activities, including, without limitation, activities that involve: Overt religious content such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization Religious lectures, lessons and other religious education Distribution of religious publications, films and audio materials Restricting participation to persons on the basis of their religious beliefs An event will not be considered a “religious event” on the basis that the event sponsor is a religious organization, provided that the primary or a significant purpose of the event is not to promote, support or engage in explicitly religious activities.

Applications are scored based on alignment with the following priorities: Location – Hosted in high-impact areas in the City of Portland, such as public spaces, the central city, or neighborhood business districts. Attendance & Experience – Attracts a large audience and provides opportunities to: Explore Portland’s key leisure and creative industries (athletic and outdoor, food, wine, makers/small businesses).

Learn about Portland communities and cultures. Share joy, vibrancy, and uniquely Portland experiences (e.g., storytelling, photo-worthy moments). Local Business Engagement – Involves and supports local businesses.

Funding Access - Applicants who have not yet received Prosper Portland funding in the current fiscal year (though past recipients are still eligible if criteria are met). Open to the public - The Events and Film Office aims to support events that draw a wide audience and contribute to accessible and inclusive participation.

Demonstrated Success – Preference will be given to events with a proven record of impact, ensuring that grant funds advance the program’s goals and contribute to the strength of the local event community Visitor Appeal – Draws visitors from outside the region, boosts the local economy, and promotes cultural exchange. May I submit multiple applications to this funding round?

If your organization is producing multiple eligible events, you may apply for each event. Only one application per event will be considered. May I review the application questions before submitting?

Yes, you can find the application questions in the “ How to Apply ” section of the grant webpage. We encourage you to review the application planning guide before submitting the application. You will be able to save your application as you go through the process.

I’ve received public funding for events before (from Prosper Portland, the City of Portland, RACC, Travel Portland, etc.) Am I eligible for this funding round? If your event has received funding from Prosper Portland, your event is not eligible. Please note the funding is specific to the event, so if your organization has received funding but not for the event that you are proposing, then you are still eligible.

If you have received funding from the City of Portland, please tell us more about the funding you have received or expect to receive, including who has provided the funding and how much they have provided. E.g., Portland Parks and Recreation, Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), Office of Arts and Culture. My event requires paid admission.

Am I eligible for this funding round? No, your event must be open to all ages and free to attend to be eligible. To request a language accommodation, please contact the grant team at OEFgrants@portlandeventsandfilm.

com