Prosper Portland has announced availability of $1,250,000 in grant funds for community-based organizations proposing projects in six urban renewal areas: Lents Town Center, Gateway Regional Center, Central Eastside, Interstate Corridor, Downtown Waterfront and River District, with funds in the latter two URAs focused specifically on the Old Town/Chinatown neighborhood.

Priority will be given to projects proposed by community-based organizations to foster vibrant, healthy neighborhoods, benefit communities of color or people with low incomes, and improve prosperity of area residents and businesses.

The money will be available through Prosper Portland’s Community Livability Grant program, which prioritizes projects that support wealth creation opportunities for small business owners; improve access to jobs and workforce development services; honor and enhance the neighborhood’s cultural diversity and history; and/or deliver a community asset tailored to the community’s expressed priorities and opportunities.

The application process opens on Monday, August 14, 2017, and proposals are due Friday, September 29, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Prosper Portland will hold office hours in August and September for applicants who want hands-on assistance. Times and locations will be posted on www.prosperportland.us. Approved proposals will be announced on Wednesday, November 15, 2017.

Since 2006, Prosper Portland has awarded more than $6.3 million to 125 community livability projects across multiple urban renewal areas, including the Portland Mercado, North by Northeast Community Health Center, Malden Court Community Orchard, and the Earl Boyles Early Learning Wing and Neighborhood Center.

Community Livability Grant Program