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We created how-to guides, videos, information sessions, and open office hours to help applicants with the Community Grant process.
Technical assistance for Community Grants 2026
The Applicant Handbook is your primary resource for application requirements and guidance – be sure to review it thoroughly before applying.
We've designed a range of technical assistance resources to help you navigate the Community Grants application process. Whether you're looking for step-by-step guidance, expert-led webinars, or one-on-one support, this page provides tools to strengthen your application. Explore the sections below to find informational videos, technical assistance opportunities, office hours, and WebGrants support.
Application template documents
Use the following templates to draft your responses and collaborate with your team before submitting your application. These documents are for drafting purposes only—all grant applications must be submitted through WebGrants.
Technical assistance webinars
Our technical assistance webinars provide valuable guidance to help applicants strengthen their grant proposals. These sessions cover key aspects of proposal development, offering insights from experts and practical strategies to refine your application. Browse the recordings below to gain helpful tips and best practices. The 2026 webinars and slides will be posted soon.
Grant writing and budget development
Kelley Nonprofit Consulting provide best practices for grant writing and budget development.
Watch the recorded info session
Portland Parks and Recreation
Staff provide an overview of creating successful projects, important considerations when planning your projects, and best practices in the field.
Watch the recorded info session
Regenerative agriculture and green infrastructure
PCEF staff offer guidance and best practices for applicants interested in the regenerative agriculture and green infrastructure funding categories. This session was filmed during our 2025 Community Grants Kick-off event on Feb. 20, 2025.
Watch the recorded info session
Workforce and contractor development
PCEF staff offer guidance and best practices for applicants interested in the workforce and contractor development funding category. This session was filmed during our Community Grants 2025 kickoff event on Feb. 20, 2025.
Watch the recorded info session
Transportation decarbonization
PCEF staff offer guidance and best practices for applicants interested in the transportation decarbonization funding category. This session was filmed during our 2025 Community Grants Kick-off event on Feb. 20, 2025.
Watch the recorded info session
Renewables and energy efficiency in single-unit housing
PCEF staff offer guidance and best practices for applicants interested in renewable projects, including individual and community solar projects, as well as projects focused on single family residential energy efficiency. This session was filmed during from our 2025 Community Grants Kick-off event on Feb. 20, 2025.
Watch the recorded info session
Advanced Energy Inspections
An overview of project scoping, best practices, and key considerations for applicants to consider when drafting their grant proposal.
Watch the recorded info session
Energy efficiency in multi-unit housing and commercial buildings
PCEF staff offer guidance and best practices for applicants. This session was filmed during from our 2025 Community Grants Kick-off event on Feb. 20, 2025.
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Application office hours
PCEF staff are available almost weekly for the duration of the open application period. The office hours are open to all who would like to ask questions of staff and listen to the questions of others in a group setting. Staff from each funding area will attend. Office hours dates are listed below.
Applicant Office Hour #1 – Thursday, April 2, at 2 p.m.
Applicant Office Hour #2 – Tuesday, April 7, at 10 a.m.
Applicant Office Hour #3 – Tuesday, April 14, at 10 a.m.
Applicant Office Hour #4 – Wednesday, April 29, at 2 p.m.
Applicant Office Hour #5 – Thursday, May 14, at 2 p.m.
Applicant Office Hour #6 – Monday, May 18, at 3 p.m.
Applicant Office Hour #7 – Wednesday, May 20, at 9 a.m.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy technical assistance
- We have partnered with a network of energy consultants to offer free one-on-one technical assistance for PCEF Community Grant applicants that plan to pursue energy efficiency and/or renewable energy projects. These sessions are designed to help refine energy scope and ensure your project is well-planned.
- This opportunity is open to all prospective applicants, but space is limited. Slots are available on a rolling basis. We will review requests within two business days, screening to make sure that projects meet PCEF eligibility requirements. Priority will be given to applicants that have not previously received PCEF funds.
- Prior to requesting technical assistance, please review the clean energy resources page to learn about the types of energy projects that PCEF funds.
- To request this service, use the online technical assistance form.
- Selected organizations will receive up to two hours of consultative support, which may include a site visit.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy guidance documents
The PCEF energy efficiency and renewable energy resources page houses our guidance and requirements documents for projects that include energy efficiency and/or renewable energy scope. These documents include:
- Eligible measures: On this page, you'll find eligible measures documents for single-unit housing (including duplexes, townhomes, accessory dwelling units), multi-unit housing, and commercial energy projects. For single-unit housing and commercial projects, there are separate versions for new construction and retrofits. These documents describe minimum requirements for eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy measures and how funding can be applied to other improvements.
- Snugg Pro guidelines for home retrofit projects: This document details the process for PCEF projects that include home retrofits.
- Commercial technical guidelines: This document describes options for commercial energy projects to calculate energy savings.
- Installation checklists: These documents are available in English and Spanish and capture, in detail, steps to confirm that energy measure installations meet PCEF requirements.
Read previous applications
The PCEF Community Grants Applications Database is an interactive tool showcasing all eligible grant applications received. To view funded projects, use the "Funding Recommendation" filter. This resource provides details on each project, including the organization, funding amount, and project type. By exploring the database, the public and prospective applicants can gain insight into the projects nonprofits are proposing and those PCEF supports, offering valuable inspiration and guidance.
Glossary of terms
Our Glossary of Terms is a resource that defines and clarifies terminology used within the PCEF program. Applicants can use this glossary to understand specific terms and concepts related to our work, ensuring accurate comprehension and application of program guidelines.
WebGrants guidance and support
This section provides an overview and resources for WebGrants, the online grants management software used for submitting Community Grants applications.
What is WebGrants and why are we using it?
WebGrants is an online grants management software. It is used by applicants, grantees, and grant managers for all phases of grants, including applications, awards, payment, and reporting. Our grant programs have transitioned to WebGrants so organizations and community members can access and manage all City grants in one location. WebGrants is a primary hub for required documentation and paperwork during throughout the lifecycle of grants, supports record-keeping and transparency, and facilitates coordination between grantees and grant managers.
How to use WebGrants
There are critical things to know when using the WebGrants system:
- The internet browser "back" button is not recommended. It will remove you from the WebGrants system and changes may not be saved.
- Make sure to click "Save Form’" regularly. The application does not autosave.
- Your application does not need to be completed all at once. You can stop working on your application at any time, save it, and come back to it later.
Because it will take 1-2 business days for your registration to be approved, the deadline to register for an account is May 13, 2026, two weeks before the application closes. The deadline to apply for a grant is May 27, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Watch WebGrants video tutorials on YouTube
How to register for an account
WebGrants supplemental guidance
Read how to register for a WebGrants account with step-by-step screenshots
Need support or have questions?
- Check our FAQ page, the fastest way to get answers to common questions.
- Review the Applicant Handbook.
- Join our application office hours to speak with staff.
- Still have questions? Submit your question through this form. PCEF staff will review submissions, and you can expect a response within 5-7 business days.