Also check out our glossary of terms
Workforce and Contractor Development
This section answers questions about eligible training programs, curriculum requirements, workforce equity goals, contractor development, and eligibility criteria for workforce-related projects.
What equipment can be included in workforce development?
Equipment and materials directly tied to the proposed climate-related training are generally eligible expenses. If a project includes a high-cost item and is short in duration, the cost should be amortized, with only the appropriate portion charged to the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF). If equipment or material costs are not clearly connected to climate-related workforce training, applicants should provide a clear justification for their inclusion. Building-related construction is only allowable if it supports the training setup for the proposed project. Any other building upgrades must align with the eligibility requirements of the energy efficiency and renewable energy funding category.
For worker training projects, if we don't have a certified program or a program endorsed by an accreditation body, are we immediately disqualified?
No, the only requirement for worker training programs is that they have an established curriculum before applying.
What is PCEF looking for in program curriculum for workforce training projects?
Applications should provide a clear and detailed description of the training program, including its structure, objectives, and instructional methods. At a minimum, include the number of hours for classroom and on-the-job training, instructor qualifications, and any certifications or credentials participants will earn. A robust curriculum should feature a syllabus, a day-to-day or week-to-week outline, hands-on learning components, and assessments. Reviewers need enough detail to understand what participants will experience and how the training ensures strong instructional design, clear learning outcomes, and readiness to launch upon funding.
We are modifying our existing curriculum to make it locally relevant. Do we need to wait until it is complete to apply for an implementation grant?
If this is curriculum that already exists and you are simply adjusting to local circumstances, then you can apply for an implementation grant. Some planning is allowed within implementation grants, however the majority of the scope of the project should be related to the implementation milestones, with planning being a minor element.
If we want to train contractors that are already in the field on how to navigate federal/state incentives, do we need to meet the BOLI-certified curriculum?
No, the certification required to get full points for training programs applies only to worker training programs.
We're planning on applying under WCD youth exposure. Is there a cut off on the age for youth?
Our funding for youth education and exposure funding focuses on individuals starting from high school through age 26.
If we were to receive a grant for a program that helps place people into jobs, do those future employers need to meet PCEF wage requirements?
No, PCEF wage requirements only apply to grant-funded costs for staff, contractors, and subcontractors.
Are there any additional guidelines or expectations about youth exposure or education projects not laid out in the Applicant Handbook?
No.
Under workforce development, would PCEF fund programs that focus on trainings that are not for jobs in the trades?
While PCEF does emphasize jobs that are needed to perform PCEF funded work (e.g., energy upgrades) and many of those are in the trades, applicants can apply for workforce development programs for any type of climate-related job. Note: Training for climate advocacy is not an eligible use of funds.
If a contractor development project is located in the Portland Metropolitan Statistical Area, is it eligible for funding?
Workforce and contractor development grants can serve populations (workers and contractors) within the Portland Metropolitan Statistical Area. All physical improvements must be within the city of Portland.
Portland Metropolitan Statistical Area includes:
- Clackamas County
- Columbia County
- Multnomah County
- Washington County
- Yamhill County
- Clark County
- Skamania County
Is a "green-focused" business located outside of Portland but within the Portland Metropolitan Statistical Area eligible?
Yes, if the business is located outside the city of Portland but within the Portland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), and the focus is on business development that helps businesses provide goods and services that reduce or sequester greenhouse gases, it is eligible for funding as part of “contractor development." Please note: 1. Outside the Portland city limits, PCEF does not fund any physical improvements, 2. PCEF does not fund for-profit businesses directly. We can fund nonprofits running programs that support businesses as part of a contractor development program. For more details on what these programs can look like and what PCEF is looking for, see the presentations on the Technical Assistance page and the Workforce and Contractor Development page of the Applicant Handbook.
Transportation Decarbonization
This section answers questions about eligible transportation projects, including active transportation programming, electric vehicle purchases, e-bike programs, EV charging infrastructure, and other efforts to reduce transportation-related emissions.
When you use the term vehicle, does that always include e-bikes?
No. E-Bikes are considered a method of active transportation. We class e-bikes differently from a vehicle that requires DMV registration and a license to operate. This can have effects on an application’s scope and eligible costs. For example, the prohibition on EV purchase for personal use and the EV match requirement for a for-profit business is referring to electric cars/trucks/vans/etc., not e-bikes.
If an electric bus transports workforce participants within Portland and parked when not in use at a Gresham location, is this an eligible purchase?
Electric vehicles purchased using PCEF funds must be registered at an address within the city of Portland.
For a transportation decarbonization project that will last for many years, over what time period should we count beneficiaries?
Please provide either an average annual count of benefits or beneficiaries or describe your methodology for establishing the useful life and total beneficiaries of the PCEF-funded infrastructure.
Violence prevention is an important upstream safety intervention when it comes to mode switching transportation. Are these eligible programs/activities?
All implementation grants must directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Violence prevention activities alone would not be eligible. However, violence prevention activities can be a minor element on an application that meets the core eligibility requirements.
Looking to apply under transportation decarb bucket to expand an e-bike loaner program. Can we use these funds to subsidize costs for members of the program?
Yes, this is an eligible project activity as are other models that encourage e-bike use. However, projects that provide rebates of any amount towards the purchase of an e-bike are not eligible due to the existing Strategic Program 6. which is a PCEF managed e-bike rebate program.
Is replacing diesel for electric box trucks that we use for home improvement repair projects for low-income community members and delivering supplies eligible?
Yes, this is an eligible project activity as long as the vehicles are registered within the city of Portland.
Would installing an EV charger outside of the city limits be an eligible expense?
No, all physical improvement projects must take place within the city of Portland boundaries.
If an organization applies for a grant, can they purchase an EV? Can you define "private vehicle."
Vehicles may not be purchased for non-business uses or be registered to an individual. A nonprofit organization may apply for funds to purchase an electric vehicle to conduct their organization’s business.
What does "All Other Interventions" mean on the Transportation form?
This section of the Transportation decarbonization form within the application is meant to capture any activities or behaviors that are expected to change patterns of transportation use, namely by reducing fossil fuel vehicle miles traveled. Projects only proposing vehicle replacements do not need to complete this section.
Can we include security measures such as lighting, security cameras, or signage for EV chargers as an eligible cost?
Yes, those are eligible costs.
Regenerative Agriculture and Green Infrastructure
This section answers questions about funding eligibility for agricultural projects, land use considerations, youth education in agriculture, and requirements for general operating support in this sector.
Can we include a general operating request into a larger proposal?
General operating support pilot applications and regenerative agriculture implementation project applications must be submitted as separate applications.
Organizations may submit a general operating support application and one for a Regenerative Agriculture implementation project. Note that there is a limit of 2 applications per lead applicant organization.
Can grant funds be used to support farms growing food outside the city limits but have distribution to community?
All physical improvement projects, which includes regenerative agriculture, must take place within the city of Portland boundaries. Support for farms outside the city of Portland would not be eligible.
If we were to receive a general operations fund, would everyone working for the organization need to meet PCEF's wage requirements?
Yes, if an organization is selected to receive general operating cost support, the organization must pay all staff at the organization at or above the PCEF wage requirement of 180% minimum wage. Please note, organizations may use the general operating funds to increase staff wages to comply with PCEF's wage requirement.
Can regenerative agriculture youth education funds be eligible despite not being a workforce and contractor development grant?
Yes, youth education can be an element of a regenerative agriculture project if it is not a majority of the project budget. However, if the project's primary purpose is to expose youth to workforce opportunities within regenerative agriculture, this would instead be a workforce development project. Youth education and exposure includes activities that increases knowledge of, and interested in, careers in climate work. Please review the Applicant Handbook for more information.
If we have land in holding that will be developed, but in the meantime we use the site for farming, is the temporary agriculture project eligible for funding?
Yes, if the physical improvements planned for the site are eligible within the regenerative agriculture funding category requirements.
Is environmental restoration focused on Indigenous first foods eligible as regenerative agriculture?
This may be an eligible activity under regenerative agriculture (use of native plants and activities that promote relationship and long-term commitment to land stewardship) and green infrastructure (ecological restoration). Please review the applicant handbook for a list of eligible activities.
Are activities related to soil building and composting considered eligible activities?
Yes. These types of project activities are eligible in both the regenerative agriculture and green infrastructure funding categories.
For a green infrastructure project, is bringing water to the site an eligible expense?
Yes.
Can some engineering work be included in a planning grant?
Yes. We allow technical feasibility studies, including engineering work, to be a primary activity for a planning grant application.
Can establishment care for newly planted trees be funded through this funding cycle even if the trees were planted using another funding source?
Yes, establishment care for trees for up to five years from planting is an eligible expense regardless of if PCEF funded the planting.
What level of site access do green infrastructure projects need to apply for an implementation grant?
Public property: A letter of support from the site owner is expected at the time of application. If access is not yet secured, applicants should consider applying for a planning grant instead.
Private property: Site access does not need to be fully confirmed at the time of application. Applicants should demonstrate that access can reasonably be secured during the project period. Outreach and site confirmation activities may be included as part of the implementation project. If a site is not yet secured, selected applications will be required to confirm site access as an early project milestone.
How are greenhouse gasses (GHG) considered for regenerative agriculture projects?
PCEF staff calculate a GHG estimate based on the information provided by the applicant in their supplemental form. We then compare the relative GHG reduction to other regenerative agriculture projects to determine the GHG score, which is one part of the scoring criteria.
How does natural resource conservation fit into PCEF funding?
It depends on the primary focus of the proposed project: Projects centered on plantings or restoration activities generally fall under the green infrastructure funding category. Projects focused on youth education or exposure to natural resource work typically align with the youth-focused workforce development funding category. If the organization will complete energy improvements to their building, would align with the energy efficiency and renewable energy funding category. If the organization is electrifying their vehicle fleet, this would fall under the transportation decarbonization funding category.
Will this funding cycle include funding for regenerative agriculture and green infrastructure projects?
Yes. We previously indicated that we would only offer these grants every other year, however we have since decided to offer them annually.
For General Operating Support Grants, which sections of the PCEF Community Grants application is required?
Required: Community Grants 2025 - 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 2025 resource via Community Grants Technical Assistance page.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
This section answers questions about eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements, budget requirements for renewable energy projects, and the assessment of energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions.
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 (kWh & therm) savings for a single family home retrofit grant if we have not identified or modeled the homes?
You do not have to provide this information. We will calculate the estimated average energy savings based on the type of project or measures you plan to install as you indicated in the Application Single Family Energy Efficiency Supplemental Form.
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 new construction projects allowed to request funds for non-energy-related construction costs?
No. The 70/30 allowance is for retrofit projects only, with the 30% intended to fund critical repair that will enable energy measures. Please see the eligible measures documents for more information on eligible non-energy costs.
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-family 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.