Contact: Shawn Uhlman, 503-823-7994
Grant applications are now open for small, traded-sector businesses interested in advancing their diversity and inclusion efforts. The Inspiring Diversity Grant pilot program is intended to encourage private employers to incorporate creative, equity-related best practices around workforce, marketing and communications.
The program will provide up to $10,000 to companies located in the city of Portland, preferably within one of the city’s identified clusters (Athletic & Outdoor/Consumer Product, Green Cities Product & Services, Technology & Media, Manufacturing).
Prosper Portland Executive Director Kimberly Branam said, “This pilot grant aligns with our goal to build an equitable economy. We look forward to deepening and extending our equity program work with businesses in the city’s target industries, which provide high-paying and middle-wage jobs and opportunities for Portlanders.”
Company projects can be focused either internally or externally. Examples include organizational trainings or education, marketing and outreach to underserved communities, development of a diversity hiring plan, increasing career pathways for existing employees from diverse backgrounds, new partnerships with community non-profits, development or expansion of diversity supplier programs, development of a diversity and equity market assessment, or other activities designed to make the business more competitive from a diversity and inclusion perspective.
Preference will be given to companies that can match the requested funds. Projects that demonstrate innovation and new approaches, community engagement or impact, replicability to other companies, and leadership/executive commitment will also receive priority.
If needed, Prosper Portland will connect interested applicants with partners and providers who can help the company built out its program based on specific business needs.
The online application is due by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 31.
For more information contact Sue Bal, bals@prosperportland.us 503-823-3308 or Pam Neal, nealp@prosperportland.us 503-823-3428.
