Prosper Portland announces Vibrant Districts Grant Awardees

April 24, 2026
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Shawn Uhlman, Prosper Portland

Prosper Portland is investing almost $150,000 in grant funding to support business districts throughout the city.  

Prosper Portland is pleased to announce the awardees for this year’s Vibrant Districts Grant. The grant program, which is in its first year, supports entities focused on business district health and vitality and provides resources to nonprofit community-based business district organizations.

Organizations applying for funds could request support in one or more of the following categories: public space enhancements, marketing and visibility, business district events, and staffing and operations. By supporting these activities for district vibrancy, Prosper Portland is able to partner with and empower local business and civic leaders that have deep knowledge and relationships in their own neighborhoods.

“I am proud we were able to quickly develop and launch this community-serving program,” said Prosper Portland Executive Director Cornell Wesley. “Awarding funding to 17 business districts across Portland further underscores our partnership with these critically important organizations and aligns with our existing work in East Portland through the Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative. We look forward to building on the success of this new program when the grant reopens this fall.”

“Prosper Portland’s support is helping to make possible the first summer street fair in Kerns’ history, an event which will bring joy to thousands of people and uplift hundreds of small businesses and local artists,” said Kernside Business Association President Thomas Gatley.

The next round of funding will be available in Fall 2026.