The application period is closed as of April 30, 2025.
Multnomah County invites local businesses, non-profits, and other eligible organizations to apply for one-time funding from the Community Vitality and Economic Opportunity Grant Pilot, a program designed to support vibrant, welcoming, and safe business districts and neighborhoods throughout Multnomah County.
You can find this grant opportunity in Multco Marketplace and apply here.
The Community Vitality and Economic Opportunities program’s funding goals include:
- Enhance Business Districts and neighborhoods throughout Multnomah County by creating safe and vibrant spaces for community members to live, work, and shop.
- Facilitate implementation of innovative safety solutions in the community that encourage economic growth and community cohesion.
- Promote civic vitality by engaging communities in events and activities.
- Promote Multnomah County values of equity and inclusion across diverse communities throughout the County.
Examples of projects consistent with these goals include, but are not limited to, graffiti removal, overhead lighting, physical enhancements to activate key pedestrian spaces, community events and other community engagement activities. Proposed projects may not directly provide goods or services that benefit Multnomah County staff or programs.
Up to $250,000 will be awarded in grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. No matching funds are required.
Qualifications*
Small businesses, nonprofit organizations, Tribal governments, faith institutions, organizations with fiscal sponsors, and governments are eligible to apply for these funds, but must meet the following criteria:
- Have staff physically located in Multnomah County;
- Serve Multnomah County residents through programs, events, or as vendors serving the public;
- Eligible businesses must operate with budgets of less than $5,000,000 per year, and have location(s) in Multnomah County;
- Have a business license, documentation of 501(c)(3) status, or other documentation that can be verified with the Oregon Secretary of State business registration site;
- Operate in alignment with Multnomah County Mission, Vision and Values.
- Have evidence of insurance coverage.
* NOTE: Individuals, political parties, 501 (c)(4) organizations and political action committees are not eligible to apply.
Eligible expenses
- Staff time to implement proposed activities
- Costs and materials related to proposal
- Transportation related proposal
- Communications and marketing specific to proposal
- Cosmetic repairs and additions that enhance the public’s experience, such as firepits, benches, paint, lighting, etc.
- Administrative costs, which cannot exceed 10 percent (10%)
- Stipends to community members for engaging in the proposed project, which will need to be detailed in the final reporting.
Ineligible expenses
- Activities or events held outside of Multnomah County
- Materials or costs not related to the proposal
- Costs of preparing the grant application
- Annual appeals or fundraising drives
- Direct grants or loans that primarily benefit specific individuals or businesses rather than the broader community
- General operating support
- Proposed expenditures may not be used to fund previously budgeted expenditures
- Projects that provide goods or services directly to Multnomah County programs or staff
- Political events
The application portal will close after 50 applications have been received and/or by May 1, 2025, whichever comes first.
Application review and scoring and awards
- Scoring reviews: Qualified applications will be reviewed and scored by designated County staff to identify applications that meet or exceed the minimum score (75 points). All applications receiving a passing score will be assessed by the Review Committee as either "recommended" or "not recommended," based on their final average score and in consideration of equitable geographical distribution of available funds. Review Committee members will be required to recuse themselves from discussion and decisions of any application whenever there is a conflict of interest related to the application(s) in question. Review Committee funding recommendations will be reviewed by the Deputy Chief Financial Officer.
- Final funding decisions: Multnomah County will make final funding decisions and notify awardees no later than June 2, 2025.
- Payment of grant funds: County will release awarded funds no later than June 30, 2025.
Recipient Disbursement Report
All Grant recipients will be required to expend all funds and provide a final report no later than September 30, 2024 using a data collection document provided by the County that will require:
- Brief outline of successes and lessons learned
- Expenditure report
- Report on success metrics outlined in their application
- Number of project participants or individuals impacted (if applicable)
*NOTE: Final report extensions may be granted if 1) funded activities cannot be completed by Aug. 31, 2025, but can viably be completed by Sept. 30, 2025, and 2) a request for an extension is submitted no later than July 15, 2025. Approved extensions will have a reporting deadline 30 days following the approved project completion date.