Frequently asked questions about Community Grants applications

For General Operating Support Grants, which sections of the PCEF Community Grants application is required? 

Required: Community Grants 2026 – Implementation application

Although General Operating Support Pilot grants are not project specific, applicants must complete the Implementation Grant application. This application includes core eligibility requirements (e.g., nonprofit registration, physical improvements must be within the city of Portland, insurance requirements).  

Not Required: Regenerative Agriculture Supplemental Form

The form is only required for specific projects and is not needed for General Operating Support Pilot applications. 

For General Operating Support Grants, which areas of the PCEF Community Grants Scoring Criteria apply? 

Only the first two sections of the PCEF Community Grants scoring criteria apply: 

• Organization and Project Team
• Project Description and Plan 

How can applicants tailor their General Operating Support Pilot application to the PCEF Implementation application? 

Please refer to the Regenerative Agriculture General Operating Support Pilot, Applicant Guidance for Community Grants 2026 resource via Community Grants Technical Assistance page.

Does PCEF set a per home cost cap for energy efficiency upgrades? 

There is a score related to the reasonableness of the budget, but there is no stated minimum or maximum. There are specific caps related to Net Zero projects. You can find that information in the Applicant Handbook.  

If I am building or retrofitting a townhome or cottage cluster project, should I submit as a multifamily or single-family project? 

Submit as a single-family project. 

How should we estimate energy savings for a currently vacant building? 

If you are already working with architects or engineers, ask them for two estimates: The first estimate should be for the building use without the improvements (low cost and code compliant), and the second should be for the building with all of the proposed energy efficiency improvements. Please include a description of how the building will be used. If you are not yet working with any professionals who might be able to assist with estimating two energy usage scenarios, make sure to include as much information about the building and the proposed improvements as you can in your application.  

Does the PCEF requirement for construction cost funding only apply to energy efficiency and renewable energy construction budgets? 

Yes. You can find additional information on the energy efficiency and renewable energy resources page. (The construction cost funding requires at least 70% of construction costs must be for greenhouse gas emission-reducing scope and no more than 30% for life, health, and safety scope.) 

Are energy assessments considered a direct energy related expense, within the 70% category? 

Yes. 

Does interpretive signage for community education about solar energy installation and climate impacts fit into the 70% bucket for renewable energy improvements? 

No, the 70/30 rule applies only to the construction budget. Education material is an eligible expense that is not part of the construction budget. 

Is roofing a line item or is it an overhead expense? 

Roof replacement costs are considered life/health/safety expenses and are part of the 30% construction budget component. 

Should we talk about the energy efficiency improvements we've already done on the building? Can we use that previous work as leverage? 

You should talk about work already completed in the application since it will demonstrate that your organization is familiar and capable of doing these projects. You cannot, however, count the cost of these improvements as leverage for the PCEF application. Leverage needs to be directly tied to your current proposal, not the previous work you have done. 

Can we build upon an active grant that is through Cooling Portland to scale up that work? 

No, Cooling Portland is a relief program that focuses on portable units, whereas Community Grants is aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions with more durable infrastructure, such as ducted/ductless heat pumps. 

On the budget section, should this be completed just for the PCEF-funded components or for other dollars secured for the project? 

The information included in the budget form is just for the PCEF-requested funding. If the other secured funds contribute to the renewable energy, energy efficiency, or green infrastructure components, you can include them in the leverage section of the form. 

If we rent space for free and it serves PCEF priority communities, how do we quantify energy use cost reduction for the project beneficiaries section? 

If there is a cost reduction resulting from energy use reduction, describe the estimated savings and who will benefit from that reduction. 

Is creating a suite of materials/outreach for contractors related to energy efficiency and renewable energy programs and benefits a type of project eligible? 

These are eligible costs and are related to the workforce and contractor development funding category. 

If a nonprofit is also housed in commercial buildings/multifamily dwellings, can they apply for funding? 

Yes, upgrades to buildings that are occupied by nonprofit organizations are eligible.  

Would HVAC/electrifying a building fall under energy efficiency? 

Fuel switching to a high efficiency electric system is considered an energy efficiency improvement. 

Can an application include an energy assessment as a milestone of the project activities?  

Yes, you can do assessments within the scope of an implementation project. 

If an organization is planning new construction for a commercial building but has not yet secured all funding, should we wait to apply to a PCEF grant? 

It depends on your construction timeline. For all multifamily and nonresidential projects, construction must be completed within three years of the grant agreement’s effective date. For grants that include multiple project sites, the total project must complete construction within three years. Budgets must reflect no more than three years of expenses. 

How should we develop an application for a project where the entire scope is putting solar on a building? Is a full building approach a stronger application? 

Organizations should apply for the project they think will best suit their needs. For information about application scoring, please refer to the Applicant Handbook.

If roofing needs to be replaced for solar install, is that part of the 70% (direct costs) or the 30% (other)? 

Roof replacement costs are considered life/health/safety expenses and are part of the 30% construction budget component. 

For energy improvement to childcare facilities, what circumstances are eligible under the Community Grant program? 

Eligibility depends on the ownership structure, building type, and income status of the operator. For all options below, note that the grant applicant must be a nonprofit organization to be eligible to apply.  

• A for-profit daycare operated by a non-low-income individual in a residential building they own is eligible, though it may not receive full points in scoring.
• A for-profit daycare operated by a low-income individual, whether they own or rent the home where the daycare is located, is eligible.
• A nonprofit daycare, whether in a residential or commercial building, is eligible.
• A for-profit daycare in a commercial building is not eligible. 

What is the definition of "major renovation" in affordable housing, and what is eligible for PCEF and what is not? What is the scale for renovation projects? 

For the purposes of PCEF programs that invest in regulated multi-unit affordable housing, "major redevelopment" means that the work being done to the housing in question is significant enough to require refinancing. Refer to the energy efficiency and renewable energy resources page for your building type to determine what is eligible for PCEF funding.  

Community solar interconnection process can take many months. Is there any work within the utility side to expedite these applications? 

PCEF program is not currently engaged in conversations with utilities to expedite their community solar interconnection approval process. 

Is there a lease length requirement for nonprofits to make physical improvements to spaces they occupy but do not own? 

PCEF expects organizations to secure a 10-year lease agreement at the time of construction, with a majority of the lease term still available. If your organization does not currently meet that standard, you should explain your ability to secure those terms as part of your grant-funded activities.   

When it comes to commercial energy audits, who should we turn to? 

PCEF cannot recommend specific companies/contractors. There are industry organizations like Professional Business Development Group (PBDG) or the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) that might be helpful, and the Energy Trust of Oregon trade ally list is another good starting point. 

If construction is eligible for 25% of total project cost, do we specify what is PCEF-funded to avoid 180% wage requirements applying to the whole project? 

Yes, if awarded, a grantee getting funding for 25% of total project cost would have to either 1) pay the PCEF required 180% area minimum wage requirement on the whole project, or 2) identify and track the portion being funded by the PCEF program and ensure that the 180% of minimum wage is being paid on that portion. 

Are window attachment measures acceptable (e.g., high-efficiency storm windows, shading)? 

Yes, as long as these measures improve building efficiency and reduce energy usage, they are eligible for PCEF funding. Please refer to energy efficiency and renewable energy resources page for your building type for more information.  

Window replacement is not accepted as a standalone measure, but is comprehensive envelope upgrade eligible (i.e., insulation and window upgrades together)? 

Yes, a comprehensive envelope upgrade is allowable and can include windows. 

Do apprentice utilization goals apply to projects with a single site construction budget of $350k+ and multiple construction sites?

Apprentice utilization goals only apply to projects that include a single site construction budget $350K or more. Projects with multiple sites do not have to agree to apprenticeship utilization goals. 

Do WCEA guidelines on apprenticeship utilization apply only to new construction, or are they applicable to retrofit and upgrade projects? 

Workforce and Contractor Agreement (WCEA) guidelines apply to all construction projects. 

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General application requirements

Questions about application submission, eligibility, required references, multiple applications, and the overall grant review process.

Can you provide guidance about which partners or team members we should provide references for?

If a project partner, contractor, or subcontractor is 1) receiving a large share of grant funds if awarded or, 2) is bringing a skill or experience that is critical to the success of the project.

For a construction project, how many quotes do we need to have?

There is no requirement related to the number of quotes grantees receive for project work. The primary benefit of quotes in the application process is to ensure that the budget you request makes sense and is adequate to complete the project.

When will we know if we are approved?

We anticipate making recommendations to Council in late Fall 2026.

Do you want letters of support? If so, where should we include them in our application?

PCEF does not request or require letters of support. If applicants choose to submit letters of support, we ask that you include them as part of the Project Description attachment that is uploaded as part of your application.

We are also submitting a small implementation grant in a separate funding category area. Is that OK, assuming the two don't overlap?

Yes. Organizations may submit up to two grant applications as the primary applicant. If submitting more than one, the second must either fall under a different funding category or be a different type of grant application. Implementation grant applications may include scope elements spanning multiple funding categories, but each application must identify a primary funding category, determined by the category receiving the largest share of the budget request.

How do you approach a project that spans multiple funding areas?

Make sure that you fill out all of the appropriate forms. There are general questions in the application that apply to all projects and then there are funding area specific forms. In the section that asks what percentage of your budget is dedicated to each funding area, we require you to indicate a primary funding, which is determined by the category receiving the largest share of the budget request.

What is considered internal team versus external? What about board?

Staff and board of the applicant organization are internal. Everyone else is external.

Will PCEF be reaching out to our board chair?

PCEF staff will only reach out to the board chair in certain circumstances, depending on the results of the eligibility and technical review.

Can we use PCEF staff as a reference since they have been our biggest funder to date?

We ask that the references you provide are outside of PCEF. For anyone who has received PCEF funds, there is an internal reference step that will happen automatically.

Is there any kind of low bidder requirement?

No.

I applied for a PCEF grant in previous grant cycles. Can I use the previous login information and view my previous applications?

If your previous application was submitted using WebGrants, yes, you will be able to login and review your previous submissions. However, if you want to review any application materials that were submitted in a platform other than WebGrants, they are not available.

Curious to learn more about the "other" category. What are the goals for that category?

There are no specific goals for the "other" category, but it is aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance social justice for projects that may not fit within the other categories.

My project focuses on repairing appliances and hosting events to engage community on how to repair things. Would this be an eligible project?

This sounds like a project that would fit within the "other" category. You will need to describe the project's greenhouse gas emissions reductions and social benefits, such as cost savings, in your proposal.

We are applying for a planning grant involving project partners. Are project partners allowed to submit their own application for different projects?

Yes.

We are hoping to hire someone for our project, but we have not done this yet. How can I communicate about this in my application?

Make it clear the role this person will be fulfilling and share a plan on how you'll be recruiting and onboarding them.

Can a for-profit organization submit an application through a fiscal sponsor?

No. Fiscal sponsors can be used either by nonprofit organizations or community groups with no legal IRS status. Fiscal sponsors may not be used by for-profit entities.

Can partners also be listed as project references? Are references open-ended? Can we use just about any entity?

Partners on the application can be used as references, but we recommend including references from organizations or individuals who will not financially benefit from a grant award.

Will projects be accepted in totality? Or will PCEF determine not to fund certain aspects/specific funding requests through the additional forms?

PCEF will not partially fund an application by removing certain aspects. In some cases, we may ask applicants to scale down scopes but will not ask applicants to remove project components.

For the sections that require a PDF attachment, are there format and font requirements?

There are no formatting requirements.

We'll be talking about partners that we work with, should we include a bio for them?

If they are crucial to the project and your anticipated success, you should include a brief bio of them.

What type of detail are you looking for in the timeline?

At minimum, include an estimate of timeline for completing major milestones listed in your application.

If we have a lot of information to include in our application, where do we upload it?

Please attach to the project description section that is uploaded into WebGrants.

If we submit multiple applications, do we need different references for each application?

No, the references are primarily for your organization, so you do not need different ones for each organization. However, if you have references that are relevant to the funding area for a specific application, that would be beneficial.

My organization is not strong on some of the measures. Can we still get funded?

We understand that each project is unique and recognize that some projects might not be strong on every measure. If the proposed project advances climate action in ways that benefit PCEF priority populations and meet eligibility criteria, they are likely to be considered for funding. The review process is designed to accommodate projects of different sizes and types as well as organizations of varying levels of experience and capacity. We also know that certain types of projects may score differently and take that into account by reviewing categories of projects together to help ensure we compare apples to apples (e.g., consider the score for a regenerative agriculture project in relation to the scores for other regenerative agriculture projects, not comparing to energy efficiency and renewable energy projects).

Can a proposal be partially funded?

Generally, PCEF will not partially fund an application. However, there may be circumstances in which partial funding is recommended; for example, staff may recommend partial funding for an application for small or large grants for projects that would be better served with a planning grant. In these cases, the applicant would be offered a planning grant instead.

What are the grant reporting requirements?

Reporting requirements vary depending on the grant type, size, and timeframe. Generally, reporting will be required quarterly. Applicants who are awarded funds will develop final reporting requirements in collaboration with their PCEF Project Manager, including type and frequency, or reporting and required documentation. Reporting requirements will be designed to fit the project and provide meaningful information and accountability while striving to reduce burden on the grantee. Some grant information will be reported in a standard format, such as templates or online platforms. We do not expect grantees to absorb the costs associated with reporting required by the program. There will be no fee to access PCEF reporting platforms and associated trainings. In addition, applicants (and their contractors) are encouraged to include in their budgets an appropriate amount of staff time for reporting, as well as costs associated with producing reports or other materials to communicate about the project outcomes.

My organization received a grant in the past or has an active grant. Can we still apply?

There is no limit at this time on the number of grants or amount of funding that an organization may manage. Organizations may submit an application for an entirely new project or may submit an application that expands the level of service of an existing project (e.g., current grant funds training for 100 people or weatherization of 100 homes and new request adds another 150 participants or homes).

Are there hard geographic boundaries for physical improvement projects?

Yes. All physical improvements must take place within city of Portland.

Does the City partner with NGOs to lease land for projects? Is there a map that shows City-owned parcels that are available for community leasing/partnerships?

There have been instances of various agencies, including the City of Portland Bureau of Parks and Recreation, the Bureau of Environmental Services, Port of Portland, Metro, etc., leasing land to non-governmental organizations (NGO). However, to date, we haven't witnessed a lease specifically designated for a PCEF project. In some cases, NGOs have entered into alternative agreements for working on agency-owned land, such as partnership agreements, MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding), or IGAs (Intergovernmental Agreements) in the case of schools or universities. We are actively collaborating with grantees from the first and second Community Grants cycles who are exploring different options for land access and agreements with various agencies. We do not know of any maps that show the availability City-owned parcels for community partnerships.

Some project partners are headquartered outside of Portland, but the project is taking place within Portland. Are those partnerships eligible?

Yes, as long as the physical improvement is located within the city of Portland, organizations can be headquartered outside of the boundaries and be considered eligible.

Given the PCEF wage requirement, what types of activities/positions are appropriate for participation stipends that are below the wage requirement level?

It's challenging to specify particular positions, but appropriate activities for participation stipends may include the completion of learning or experiential modules, phases, or curriculum elements; or involvement in community events or gatherings supporting the PCEF project. In some cases, stipends are offered for engagement that goes beyond volunteering but falls short of performing contracted work. For example, a community member participating in a series of meetings for a feasibility study or community planning process might receive a stipend. Stipend participation should not be tied to the number of hours spent or tasks completed, and it is typically unrelated to duties normally undertaken by paid staff.

Where can we find more information about strategic programs?

The Climate Investment Plan includes information about all of the strategic programs. Additional information will be released on our website as information becomes available in the coming year.

Can an organization apply for a grant using a fiscal sponsor if that same fiscal sponsor organization is also applying for a grant?

Yes.

Is property acquisition determined on a case-by-case basis?

Property acquisition is only eligible for net-zero projects and community solar projects. Land or property acquisition is otherwise not eligible as part of PCEF's Community Grants program.

Would a program or project that could benefit people just over the border to Gresham be considered? Are there strict regulations, or is there some flexibility?

Workforce and contractor development projects can benefit residents of the Portland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). All other projects must benefit residents of the city of Portland.

What does a fiscal sponsor look like on an application?

There are questions in the application that ask for information about the fiscal sponsor organization. If a grant is awarded, the fiscal sponsor will be a party to the grant agreement.

Can PCEF share the model they use to generate the GHG reduction results?

Yes, please request a copy of the methodology used to estimate greenhouse gas emissions reduction by completing the 2026 Community Grants Applicant Question form.

How is money received? Is it through reimbursement or advances?

Depending on certain factors, grantees may receive either quarterly advances or quarterly reimbursements.

Will you be considering scalability when evaluating a project? Will you consider scalability rubric?

Scalability is not part of the scoring process.

If the funds are oversubscribed, will you communicate with applicants to adjust their proposals so PCEF can fund more projects?

PCEF does not generally down scope projects for the purpose of funding a larger number of grants.

Can applicants' contributions be in the form of pro bono services?

Yes, pro bono services can be counted as leverage for projects.

What category would a project transitioning small businesses and institutions towards reusables and circular infrastructure fall into?

This project would fall under the "other" category.

Can we combine a planning grant with an implementation grant or a mini grant?

No, each grant must stand on its own and cannot be combined or dependent on another grant from PCEF.

Is the WCEA a requirement or a suggestion?

The WCEA workforce goals are required on all projects.

What category would a reuse program fall into?

Reuse falls within the 'Other' category.

Are universities eligible applicants?

If the university is a nonprofit organization, it is an eligible applicant. "Nonprofit organization" means any organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") under Sections 501 and 521(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, in addition to other tax-exempt entities recognized by the IRS such as schools.

How can the flow of money from PCEF through to fiscal sponsor, then grantee, then contractors be streamlined?

Grantee can request advance payments from PCEF and work with their fiscal sponsor and contractors to ensure timely payment as services are rendered.

Will PCEF select one project component in an application to fund but not another?

PCEF will generally not fund just a part of an application; we would either award or reject the whole application. In some cases, PCEF will work with the applicant to right-size the project for the amount of funding requested.

Is there guidance for applicants deciding between applying for one integrated proposal across multiple funding areas or multiple separate, smaller proposals?

Applicants are encouraged to include components from multiple funding areas if it makes sense for their project. Ultimately, the decision is up to the applicant and whether a project can be split up into multiple projects or if it makes more sense as an integrated project.

What are the reporting requirements for awarded grantees?

Quarterly performance and financial reporting is required when invoices are submitted.

Is there a tool to figure out if an address is within City boundaries?

Yes, it can be accessed online. Addresses can be entered into the white search field on the top right of the map.

Does PCEF have a list of contractors who can satisfy the workforce and contractor equity goals?

PCEF can't recommend specific contractors, but we suggest applicants do outreach with trade organizations that are connected with a diverse contractor base.

What is PCEF looking for in the section that asks about references for external team members?

The information in this section is for PCEF to be able to vet any external individuals or organizations who are critical to the project's success. We don't need references for partners who have small contributions to the project. This section is most important for organizations leaning heavily on external team members for the project.

Can PCEF provide examples of what references you are looking for?

References can be other funders, contractors, consultants, and beneficiaries. Ideally, your reference is someone you've worked on a project with who can verify that your projects have been completed successfully.

Who should be put down as the Primary Contact person? Should it be the person managing the grant eventually?

This should be the person you want PCEF to communicate with during application and review processes and does not have to be the person who will manage the grant, if awarded.

Do we only apply for one of the funding areas, or can we apply for multiple in the same grant application?

You can do either - apply for multiple funding areas within the same application or submit multiple applications. If submitting a single application that includes project activities in multiple funding areas, you will need to provide information for each of the funding areas according to the application instructions in WebGrants.

How do you want applicants to calculate greenhouse gas emissions?

Applicants do not need to do the calculations. The application asks for information needed for PCEF staff to calculate estimated potential GHG reduction. This allows the program to standardize across applications.

We currently have a grant with PCEF. Is it ok to submit another application, or do we need to ensure that our projects aren't overlapping?

If grant timelines overlap, they must have distinct sets of deliverables. Grantees can apply for an expansion of existing work (e.g., funding to increase the number of housing units weatherized) or for a distinctly different scope of work.

Are there language supports?

Yes, upon request. Please email us for support.

Can my organization apply for more than one grant?

Yes. There are no limits on the number of grants that an organization can apply for or be a part of. However, different grant applications must be for distinctly different projects or programs.

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General Budget and Financial

Questions about budget limitations, cost estimates, eligible and ineligible expenses, leverage/match funding, and how financial requirements apply to PCEF projects.

How do we calculate minimum wage increases for a two-year project starting in 2026?

The increase is tied to a state statute and is based on the average of the prior three year consumer price index, so we don't have a way of knowing. Historically a 3-5% increase per year is pretty safe; however, we have recently experienced an unusual inflationary year and cannot say what will happen in the future. If you include a 5% increase, that is likely within the range. If the rate increase is higher, we have the option of adding up to 10% on top of the grant award.

If we have expenses related to software licenses for the office, should that be in the materials line or overhead?

If it is a general organization expense, then it would be overhead. If the expense is for a program participant's needs, that would be a direct project expense.

Is leverage both projected and secured?

Include both secured and planned leverage. Also please note that the leverage needs to be directly related to the proposed PCEF project. For example, if you are applying for energy improvements on a construction project, the leverage must be to pay for part of the energy improvement, not other portions of the construction project.

We have estimated costs for materials and equipment but not all the specifics. How detailed do we need to be?

You do not need to list all the items included in your materials and equipment budget. The most important part is to feel confident you have estimated a budget that will be adequate to complete the project.

Can we change personnel costs to contracted services down the line?

Grantees can make 10% shifts between line items with PCEF project manager approval. Larger shifts are allowed but require justification and a grant amendment.

If an applicant has a fiscal sponsor, should they include financials for the fiscal sponsor?

Yes.

What happens if contractors bring this in under budget and we need to return funds?

You can just write a check back to the City and funds will be returned to PCEF.

Is there a percentage limit for personnel?

There is no limit per budget line item, only for overhead. We calculate that for you.

Does travel under budget only pertain to Portland area? Are there geographic restrictions?

There are no specific geographic restrictions as long as the travel has a project purpose. For local travel, we would generally expect that to be covered in overhead unless the project requires going to lots of different sites and travel is significant. Use federal rate for mileage.

How is leveraged funds weighted in the application? Are we required to show it?

There is no requirement for leverage, or match, funds. However, match is part of the budget score which is 10% of possible points.

Does external legal review of contracts qualify as a project expense?

It depends. If it is critical to the project, it may be an eligible expense.

If we have pending grants but we aren't sure if they will be funded, can we list them as leveraged funds?

Yes. Within the leverage table, you can indicate if its secured or pending. Funds would not be dispersed until the total funding package is secured.

10% of the fiscal sponsor fee can be claimed, but that is different from the overhead. Is that correct?

Yes.

How can stipends to volunteers be administered?

There are a variety of ways to pay stipends, such as gift cards, online payment, or checks. If you get a PCEF grant and want grant funds to pay for stipends, you will need to choose a payment method with documentation that includes the amount paid, the date payment was made, and the vendor used to make the payment.

We are mainly volunteer lead, is that ok? Can we still ask for overhead?

All eligible nonprofit organizations may receive overhead funds.

Do you want us to attach financial audits in our application?

Yes, attach and make sure to say "see financials attached" in your notes.

What information about charging infrastructure is needed in order to fund them?

The application should include description of need in proposed locations, estimated use, and type of charging infrastructure (e.g., level I, level II or level III).

Can leverage funds also include staff time?

Yes, staff time spent directly supporting the proposed PCEF project can be counted as leverage for the project.

Do the PCEF wage requirements apply to all of the workers at the organization?

The PCEF minimum wage applies to employees, contractors, and subcontractors who are directly working on the PCEF-funded project. If you are applying for a general operating grant for a regenerative agriculture-focused organization, all employees at the organization must be paid the PCEF minimum wage.

Does PCEF have a recommended vendor list so they can look for contractor estimates?

PCEF does not maintain a recommended contractor list.

Would PCEF funds support participant stipends? If yes, do the same requirements regarding wages and rates apply?

Yes, stipends are an allowable expense. If stipends are being paid to people who are being trained, the wage requirement does not apply. If people are being used to perform work (excluding some on-the-job training), they do have to be paid the PCEF minimum wage.

What is PCEF's definition of hard construction costs vs. soft construction costs?

Examples of hard construction costs are development costs, namely construction labor and material costs incurred by general contractor and their subcontractors. Examples of soft costs are design, engineering, and project management.

Is leverage/match required to get a PCEF grant?

No, leverage (contributions to the project from another source, also called match) is not a requirement for PCEF funding. The application includes a question about leveraged resources to consider how to maximize the impact of limited dollars. There are points awarded for leverage for small and large grants but no additional points possible for planning grants.

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Technical & Administrative Support

Questions about WebGrants, technical issues, submission requirements, and accessing tools or resources needed to complete applications.

I registered for a WebGrant account several days ago and have not received any login information.

Please check your spam folder for 2 emails from cityofportland@mail.webgrantscl…, one for your username and another for your password. PCEF can also provide you with your login.

"Organization Website" field in the WebGrants registration form will not take any websites.

You need to include "https://" before your organization website for it to be accepted in the registration form.

Could the user ID be changed? This may be done to reduce tech debt in the future when individuals change roles or leave the organization.

Yes, PCEF can help change user IDs upon request.

Can multiple people in one organization have multiple logins?

Yes, multiple individuals, as long as they are registered and approved, can access the same grant application. People with access to an application can go to the "General Information" form to add additional editors by following these steps:

• Go to your application and click Edit.
• Click on the "General Information" component in the Application Preview page.
• Click Edit.
• Add additional applicants in the "Additional Contacts" field. Note that all additional applicants need to be registered in the system and be able to log in.

What does the Program Area of Interest mean on the registration page?

This lists programs City-wide. We recommend selecting PCEF, but you can select any program and still apply for PCEF grants.

What if we have two people from an organization, and one registers with the organization's full name, and the other registers with an acronym. Is this ok?

Yes, but we recommend using both the full name and acronym in the organization name to minimize confusion. We can tag multiple accounts to the same organization on the backend during the registration approval process.

How early should I register for a WebGrants account?

As soon as possible! It can take 1-2 business days to approve new user accounts. Also, applicants can only review the application questions through WebGrants. Please register before the new account registration cutoff date of May 18, 2026 to avoid last minute approval snags.

I am in the process of finding a fiscal sponsor for my project. How do I complete registration in WebGrants?

You can enter N/A in the Tax ID component.

Can you change part of your application form even after you've marked it as complete?

Yes, you can edit your application before it is submitted. Once the application is submitted, you cannot go back to revise it.