Sanctuary County Funding Program – Introduction and Application Guide

Spanish | Somali | Simplified Chinese | Russian | Ukrainian | Vietnamese

$75,000 Available | Awards: $2,000 – $10,000 each

Background

In December 2025, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners approved Budget Modification-002-26, allocating $75,000 in one-time-only funds to support community organizations not currently contracted with the County. This funding opportunity, known as the Multnomah Sanctuary Fund, is intended to address the unique needs of underserved, culturally specific groups impacted by federal immigration enforcement activities. The program prioritizes equitable distribution across diverse linguistic, ethnic and cultural communities, especially those that have not recently received similar emergency government funding.

The process is managed by the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), in alignment with County policies for fairness and transparency. It uses Multnomah County's competitive procurement system.

Who Should Apply?

Eligible applicants are community-based organizations that work with underserved culturally specific populations affected by immigration enforcement. County funds awarded through this opportunity can be used to support services such as legal aid, utility/rental assistance, child care, case management, healthcare, and related needs. Eligible organizations cannot have an active contract with Multnomah County. Interested organizations must apply through the County’s online procurement portal, Multco Marketplace.

Key Dates

• Application opens on Multco Marketplace (MMP): On or about January 30, 2026
• Application deadline: February 18, 2026
• All funds must be expended by: June 30, 2026 (extensions possible in limited cases)
• Final reports due: July 31, 2026 (or 30 days after any extension)

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Register as a Supplier on Multco Marketplace (MMP)
   All applicants must create a Multnomah County Supplier profile to access and submit applications. This is required for viewing the grant announcement and required materials for consideration, as well as to apply.
   • Start by requesting the supplier registration link: Use this link (multco.us/info/mmp-supplier-access-request-form) to request access to Multco Marketplace.
   • Required documentation: Only your organization’s current W-9 form is needed for initial registration (other documents will be required later if your organization is awarded funds).
   • Need support? If you need help registering (for example, with technical issues or uploading documents), contact County procurement staff. Contact information can be found at the bottom of this page.
   • Tip: Start registration early — processing can take time. This first step can be completed before the grant opens on January 30. Guidance materials and a registration help video are also available once you gain access to the portal.
2. Access the Application
   The Multnomah Sanctuary Fund grant application and guidance will be posted on Multco Marketplace around January 30, 2026.
   • Multco Marketplace will not display translated versions of the full grant guidance. However, Spanish, Somali, Chinese, Russian, Ukrainian and Vietnamese translations of the grant guidance will be available through outreach efforts after the application opens on MMP. To directly request a translated version of the grant guidance, please contact patricia.bride@multco.us.
3. Complete and Submit Your Application
   Complete and submit the application through Multco Marketplace by February 18, 2026. Applications will be scored by a Review Committee using set criteria outlined in the guidance. The committee ensures equitable distribution of funds across underserved communities (e.g., linguistic/ethnic diversity per the County’s Title VI plan), while prioritizing higher-scoring proposals.
4. Tip: It can be helpful to prepare your responses to questions in a separate document, then to copy and paste them into the portal. Remember to check word counts!
5. If Awarded
   • Multnomah County’s Chief Operating Officer will use the Review Committee’s scoring to inform their final award decisions.
   • Additional documentation is required before contracting. The County will notify your organization of the award status and any documents required.
   • Funds will not be released until contracting is complete. Funds are distributed as expediently as possible in coordination with the awarded organization.
   • Grantees must submit a final report detailing successes, lessons learned, expenditures, and impact (e.g., number of participants). A report template is provided.

Questions?

For process questions, please contact Patricia Bride, Contract Specialist Senior, at patricia.bride@multco.us or 971-469-3713.

All questions during the open application period will be routed to the assigned Contract Specialist for response.

This is a streamlined, community-focused opportunity to support those most impacted. We encourage eligible organizations to register on MMP promptly and apply!