Community Small Grants

The Community Small Grants program is open to any group or project working to benefit a neighborhood or community within the NWNW Coalition boundary. All community-focused groups in or serving the NWNW area are encouraged to apply. Submissions that support underrepresented Portlanders will get priority. Grants are typically made to registered charity or non-profit organizations with appropriate tax ID numbers. Grants are not made to individuals. NWNW can fiscally sponsor projects if needed. Contact us for details on fiscal sponsorship and applying for this grant. Organizations who fail to complete reports or turn in documents detailing spending by their deadline may lose eligibility for further awards.

Funding: A total of $30,000 is available for granting across the entire program–$15,000 in each of two rounds. All applications are reviewed, and awards determined by an all-volunteer panel of reviewers. The minimum awarded is $300, to maximum award of $3,000. Funds awarded are distributed in a lump sum, up front, after approval by the NWNW Coalition Board of Directors. Documentation of all spending, including receipts, invoices, or billing statements is required and must be submitted along with final reports .

Round 1 of the 2023-2024 grant cycle will open June 1, 2023. Applications will be accepted until 5pm on June 26, 2023. Funds will be made available on July 31, 2023.

Round 2 of the 2023-2024 grant cycle will open January 5, 2024. Applications will be accepted until 5pm on January 30, 2024. Funds will be made available on March 31, 2024. 

Experienced applicant? Welcome back! We can’t wait to see what kind of amazing projects you have planned this year. First time applicant?: If you have never written a grant before, or are not sure your project would be a good fit for this program, give us a call and we will gladly answer your questions or help you complete an application! First time applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to get in contact with NWNW staff and review their first application prior to submitting it for review. We can also help ensure your application is eligible for funding and gives tips on writing a quality application. 

Helpful Links: 

2023-2024 Grant Program Summary 

2023-2024 Small Grants Program Handbook (Has detailed information) 

CoHo Theater sample grant application 

2023-2024 Grant Application

Printable Grant Application

Additional help with applications, paper application copies, budget forms, other documentation, uploads, downloads, and other general technical support to help you submit your application is available on a by-appointment basis. Telephone NWNW staff at 971.430.1326 to set a time/date for advanced assistance.