Local Grant Funds

NPNS Funds Community Projects

As part of the North Portland Neighborhood Services Grant (NPNSG) program, NPNS administers funds distributed to community projects. Projects awarded NPNSG funding are selected by a panel of residents. Two sources have made these community grants possible. In the early 1990s, the North Portland Trust Fund (NPTF) was established from a fund collected annually from Portland International Raceway events that have been granted a City noise variance. The City of Portland allocated additional funding for small grants in the NPNS district from the City’s general fund.

2018 NPNS Grants

Grant Application & Timeline

A fillable NPNSG application can now be downloaded (to request the application in a different format, please contact Grant Administrator, Mary Jaron Kelley). Grants awarded are availble in late winter of the following year. Grant projects must be completed by December 31, 2024.

Free Grant Workshops will be offered on September 19, 2017 and again on October 5, 2017. Both are located at the Historic Kenton Firehouse, 8105 N. Brandon St., Portland, OR, 97217.

Grant Applications are due November 13, 2017.

NPNSG Eligibility

NPNS recognizes that these small grants do great community good while leveraging many more times the amount in volunteer and in-kind resources. As a result, we do our best to streamline the bureaucracy so that you can spend time doing the project rather than be tied up with requirements. Partnerships are encouraged and projects that partner with and serve underrepresented communities are encouraged. Project eligibility requirements are minimal:

Build community in the NPNS district
Engage new resident participation or maintain current resident engagement

NPNSG Typical Award Amounts

Grant awards have historically ranged from $500-$3500.

NPNSG Selection Committee

North Portland Small Grants selection committee is made up of residents who carefully review all applications and determine selection and funding distribution.

Past NPNSG Funded Projects

Since 1998 over $400,000 has been granted to fund nearly 300 projects that have leveraged $2.75 million. Click here for a description of grant funds awarded last year. Click here for the complete list of projects.

 For further information please contact Grant Administrator, Mary Jaron Kelley.

Other Local Funding Sources

Metro Central Enhancement Fund

Metro. Only the Friends of Cathedral Park in the NPNS District are eligible to apply. Applications available early late summer/early fall. Community enhancement. Funds community building projects. More information at www.oregonmetro.gov

Nature in Neighborhoods

Metro. In the NPNS district, this grant applies only to the Friends of Cathedral Park Neighborhood Association. Applications available in early fall. Natural and open space projects. More information at www.oregonmetro.gov

East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) SPACE Grants

EMSWCD. All NPNS District neighborhoods are eligible. Rotating monthly application. Conservation education, and community events that promote natural resource conservation. More information at www.emswcd.org

East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) PIC Grants

EMSWCD. All NPNS District neighborhoods are eligible. Applications available late summer/early fall. Soil erosion prevention/control, soil health, water quality, water conservation, or watershed health projects. More information at www.emswcd.org

Community Watershed Stewardship Grants & Native Plant Mini-Grants

City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services. All NPNS District neighborhoods are eligible. Enhancing watershed health. Applications due late winter. More information at www.portlandonline.com/be s

Venture Portland Bench Mark & Economic Development Grants

Venture Portland. All City of Portland including the NPNS district. Applications available late summer/early fall. Business district funding. More information at www.ventureportland.org

Community Livability Grant

Portland Development Commission. All Interstate Urban Renewal Corridor Area includes selected NPNS district areas. A “bricks and mortar” grant, funding historic preservation, open space, recreation facilities, etc. More information at www.pdc.us

Green Features Grant

Portland Development Commission. All Interstate Urban Renewal Corridor Area includes selected NPNS district areas. Green building incentives for businesses. More information at www.pdc.us

Lester Viles Fund

Lester Viles Fund.
All NPNS district. This foundation distributes funds with a business connection to the community.

Local Funds