Here’s what you need to know to get started.
Types of grants and quick links
There are several types of grants available. We welcome your feedback on how to score proposals for one or more of grant types below:
1. Planning grants – Up to $100,000
Grants to support planning efforts for a future PCEF project or project application.
2. Small grants – Up to $200,000
Smaller grants that can fund project activities in all funding categories.
3. Large grants – More than $200,000 and up to $1,000,000
Larger grants that can fund activities in all funding categories. Application is more rigorous given the size of the investment.
4. Workforce and contractor development grants – Up to $1,000,000
Workforce and contractor development grant proposals can be made for small grant or large grant funding but have different scoring criteria.
We will also be offering application support grants up to $5,000 this summer. Beginning in 2021, mini-grants up to $5,000 will be available quarterly beginning 2021. For more information, see page 6 of the Draft PCEF Application, Scoring, and Guidance Document.
Scoring process and criteria
Steps in the scoring process
There are four steps in the scoring process for PCEF grant applications. First, we screen for eligibility to make sure the applicants meet the basic criteria. Second, we perform a technical review to determine if the project is technically feasible. Third, a scoring panel scores each application based on six categories, which are weighted according to our understanding of their importance. Finally, the applications are reviewed by the entire PCEF Committee, which considers other factors like funding targets, applicant responses and the proposals’ alignment with the PCEF guiding principles before they make final funding recommendations to City Council.
Weighted scoring criteria
Planning, small, and large grants will each be scored on a 100-point scale. Each scoring category will be evaluated using several criteria. And each criteria will be scored on a scale of full, partial or none.
For more details about the scoring criteria, please see the relevant section of the Draft Application, Scoring, and Guidance Document.
Did we get it right? Tell us what you think! Comment on Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund draft grant scoring criteria.
Technical assistance and interpretation available
We know this is a lot of complicated information! If you need technical assistance or interpretation, please contact Portland Clean Energy Fund.