Vibrant Districts Grant
The Vibrant Districts Grant provides grants to community-based nonprofit business district organizations. Grants can be used to implement projects or events that increase district vibrancy, enhance visibility and promotion of the district, support staffing or operational improvements.
Who is the grant for?
To be eligible, the applicant must:
- Be an existing nonprofit business district organization.
Business district organizations include organizations that support their local commercial business districts, and may include Business District Associations, Neighborhood Prosperity Network Districts, Enhanced Services Districts, and Neighborhood Associations with a business-focused committee or body. - Have a defined service area geography located within the Portland City limits.
- Have a current City of Portland business license and State of Oregon business registration.
- Grant projects must align with the designated funding categories and be fully completed by December 31, 2026.
January 2026
26
Applications open Monday, Jan 26
February 2026
23
Applications close Monday, Feb 23 at 5pm
Grant Eligibility & Selection
Applicants may apply for one or more of the eligible funding categories listed below, provided the total requested amount does not exceed the maximum grant award of $10,000.
Public Space Enhancements:
Small-scale exterior permanent physical improvements that enhance community vibrancy and visibility for the public. Eligible projects include murals, public art, lighting, street furniture (benches, planters, bike, racks), wayfinding signage.
Award cap for this funding use: up to $10,000
Marketing & Visibility:
Development of printed or digital materials that promote the business district and its businesses. Eligible uses include website development or updates, business directory maps or brochures, logo/branding development, creation of digital assets.
Award cap for this funding use: up to $2,500
Business District Events:
Signature events that highlight district identity, support local businesses, foster community engagement, and activate public spaces. Events should be designed to bring people together and celebrate the unique character of the business district. Eligible uses include street closure permits, contractor and vendor fees (event planners, performers, security, cleaning services), event insurance, equipment rentals (tents, tables, chairs, sound systems, lighting) and marketing materials.
Requirements:
- Must be free and open to the public
- Must be inclusive of all ages
- Must take place within the business district
Award cap for this funding use: up to $5,000
Staffing & Operations:
Personnel costs associated with managing district operations, engagement with businesses, or implementing business district projects, programs or support general operations needs that strengthen the nonprofit’s capacity to serve the district. Eligible uses include personnel costs, contractor costs (bookkeeping, legal services, communications, Board development, or strategic planning), insurance premiums.
Award cap for this funding: up to $10,000
Ineligible funding uses:
- Food, alcohol or cannabis products
- Equipment purchases
- Office rent
- Projects or events located outside Portland city limits
- Religious or political projects or events
- The grant will not cover retroactive reimbursements for costs incurred or completed prior to the execution of the grant agreement.
Applicants are eligible for up to $10,000, capped at the following levels:
- Public Space Enhancements: up to $10,000
- Marketing and Visibility: up to $2,500
- Business District Events: up to $5,000
- Staffing & Operations: up to $10,000
- Grant funds are awarded annually through a competitive application process.
- Applicants must submit at least one bid to support funding requested for payment to third parties for goods, equipment, construction, or services.
- Applications must clearly demonstrate:
- Meaningful engagement with the business community, residents, and/or local nonprofits in the planning and implementation of the proposed project or event.
- How their project or event will contribute to local economic development and actively support the growth, visibility, or resilience of businesses within the business district.
- A demonstrated financial need, showing that the requested funding is essential to the successful execution of the proposed activities.
Funds are available citywide to business districts located in the city of Portland.
Nonprofit business district organizations include organizations that support their local commercial business districts, and may include Business District Associations, Neighborhood Prosperity Network Districts, Enhanced Services Districts, and Neighborhood Associations with a business-focused committee or body.
- Awardees must complete, sign and submit a W-9 and ACH form prior to execution of the grant agreement.
- Grantees must maintain insurance as set forth in the grant agreement for the duration of the project.
- Grantees must comply with the requirements outlined in their organizational bylaws.
- Grantees are required to retain records and may be audited.
- Grantees must submit required reporting and documentation of incurred costs
- Grantees are required to obtain any required City permits for grant funded work when applicable.
- Grantees must remain in good standing with all Prosper Portland programs and contracts prior to award and throughout the grant period and, when applicable, must not be delinquent on loans, rent, or service delivery agreements.
Submit your application online by February 23, 2026 at 5pm.
Let's get started
Applying is easy. Submit your application online beginning Monday, January 26, 2026.
Questions? Contact DistrictSupport@ProsperPortland.us
