Program Description:
Civic Life supports community organizations and neighborhood associations through the CAF. Eligible volunteer-run organizations in each of the four City of Portland neighborhood districts are invited to apply for reimbursement of community-building and civic engagement activities. View neighborhood district boundary maps using the Portland Neighborhood Boundaries Map Viewer.
Applications will be accepted through May 30, 2025, or until funds are fully allocated, whichever comes first. This is a reimbursement program. Apply to receive approval of expenses that are planned or have already incurred between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Funding is provided via Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit only. After an application is approved, funds will be allocated. Funding will be released via ACH deposit upon receipt of an invoice, receipts, and a short narrative.
Email CivicLife@PortlandOregon.gov to request language translation.
Who is eligible?
Funds are available to volunteer-run community organizations and neighborhood associations that serve Portlanders within one of the four neighborhood districts. Expenses that have already been funded by District Coalition Offices are not eligible. Organizations that charge dues or have paid staff are not eligible.
Find your district by entering an address at PortlandMaps.com to view neighborhood district information. Click on the Neighborhood name to view district information. Or, find your district using the Portland Neighborhood Boundaries Map Viewer.
How does it work?
Download a fillable Funding Request, complete the form, and email the completed form to CivicLife@PortlandOregon.gov.
Funding packages are available ranging from $500 to $4,000. Requests are reviewed weekly. If approved, organizations must be set up as a City of Portland Supplier to receive ACH payment.
To set up as a Supplier for the first time, fill out a Supplier Self-Registration Request Form. Once your form is approved you will receive an email inviting you, the Supplier, to complete and submit the City of Portland Supplier Registration Questionnaire. Once submitted you will be prompted to create an SAP Business Network Account or log in to your existing account. The Supplier Manager may request additional information prior to approval.
Funding is allocated on a “first come, first served” basis. The amount of funding available will decrease as applications are approved. Apply as soon as you know the details of your planned activities.
What can the funds be used for?
The purpose of this funding is to support community-building and civic engagement activities. Some examples of what funds can be used for:
- Meetings and workshops - Zoom account, rental space, interpretation, translation, childcare, food, masks, adjustments needed for social distancing.
- Project, event, and activities - Supplies and materials, rental space, speakers, performers, presenters.
- Communications - Printing, signs, banner, website hosting, E-mail, hybrid meeting technology.
- Operations - Filing fees, productivity tools.
Contact Civic Life with questions about eligible expenses. Changes in approved activities must be communicated to Civic Life and approved before funds are spent.
What is not allowed?
Some examples of what funds cannot be used for:
- Private events or activities.
- Direct services, grants, scholarships, or loans that benefit specific individuals.
- Projects that are solely or primarily capital improvements.
- Donations or sponsorship to another organization.
- Expenditures that violate City policies or ordinances.
Funding Process:
Funding will be released approximately 30 days after Civic Life receives the following items:
- Reimbursement request invoice; Civic Life can provide a template, if needed.
- Receipts for purchased goods and services.
- A short narrative of 150-250 words describing the project’s impact with photos. Describe how this funding helped your organization assist the community.