Request for Proposals for East Portland Community and Housing Capacity Building Grants

Request for Proposals (RFP)

The Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) is offering funding through this Request for Proposals to support organizations working with East Portland communities. This grant is designed to help local organizations grow, strengthen their operations, and support housing-related work, including building capacity, improving community outreach, and supporting education around housing topics. PHB seeks proposals from nonprofit organizations, community groups, coalitions, or fiscally sponsored projects that serve communities located in East Portland (east of I-205).

Funding for projects identified through this RFP is anticipated to include a total of $180,000 of City General Funds, with up to $90,000 available per grantee. Awards may be used flexibly for housing-related work and organizational capacity building, such as staff salaries, program development, community outreach, equipment (excluding large-scale capital projects or real estate development), training, and strategic planning. Funds are not permitted for political work, lobbying, or supporting political campaigns.

Funding Available: Up to $90,000 per Grantee 

Flexible Capacity Support Awards: Total $180,000

Apply

Registration deadline: Register for a WebGrants profile at least a week in advance to allow for processing time of new accounts. 

Application deadline: Friday, January 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM

Register and apply here

How to submit an application in WebGrants

Optional Application Information Session

There will be multiple opportunities to join and ask questions on Zoom. Please note the different times. Follow the link below to select a session and register.

Register for an info session

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

1. Introduction and Purpose

The Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) is offering funding to support organizations working with East Portland communities. This grant is intended to help local organizations grow, strengthen their operations, and support housing-related work.

This opportunity was shaped by community input collected through surveys and public meetings in 2024. PHB is offering this funding to help build capacity, improve community outreach, and support education around housing topics.

This grant is designed to be flexible. Organizations can decide how to use the funds in ways that best meet their goals and support their communities. These funds may be used to support Tax Increment Financing (TIF) community engagement, education, and support work but are not required to do so. TIF is a public financing method used for redevelopment and community investment.

2. Background

The East Portland Grant Program was created to support communities east of I-205. (provide link to E. Portland map with borders for whole E. Pdx region) These neighborhoods have experienced high housing costs, displacement, and limited public investment (reference reports/sources). In 2024, PHB asked residents and community organizations how these funds should be used. People asked for more support for local organizations, better outreach, and more opportunities for residents to understand and participate in housing decisions.

3. Focus Areas

Applicants may choose the focus area(s) that further the purpose of this grant, which is to support organizations to grow, strengthen their operations, and support housing-related work. Some examples include:

• Strengthening your organization's internal capacity
• Helping residents understand housing policies
• Helping people participate in boards or commissions to inform decisions
• Helping individuals navigate housing resources
• Training programs related to housing
• Supporting community members in accessing housing services
• Trying new ideas that respond to local needs
• Including work that connects housing with climate resilience or environmental justice

Your proposal should reflect your organization’s strengths and priorities.

4. Total Funding and Grant Size

• Total annual funding amount available is $180,000 of City General Funds
• It is anticipated two awards will be made, in the amount of up to $90,000 per organization
• The initial contract term will be one year, with the potential for renewal depending on funding availability and performance

Use of Funds

Grants may be used in flexible ways to support your organization. They must be used in the East Portland area (East of Interstate-205) and must be related to housing. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Staff salaries or participant stipends
• Program development or expansion
• Community outreach and education
• Equipment, supplies, or infrastructure (Funds may not be used for large-scale capital projects, building purchases, or real estate development.)
• Staff training or leadership development
• Communications or evaluation support Strategic or organizational planning

Ineligible uses: Funds are not permitted to be used in work that is expressly political, in support of candidates or elections. Funds may not be used for lobbying, promoting or opposing legislation, or supporting political campaigns or candidates.

5. Who Can Apply

Organizations must meet the following two criteria to apply: 

• Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving communities located in East Portland (east of I-205). Organizations that do not meet this requirement must work with a fiscal sponsor.

6. What to Submit

Applications should include:

1. A brief description of your organization and the work you do (up to 3 pages)
2. A summary of how you would use the funds and how it will support your organization's capacity to do housing work.
3. A general plan and timeline for the grant year
4. A simple budget with an explanation of how funds may be used. A more complete budget will be requested if an award is granted.
5. A short description of how you will assess your work and outcomes

7. How Applications Will Be Reviewed

Applications will be evaluated by a review committee comprised of City staff and confirmed by Portland Housing Bureau leadership.

Applications will be scored based on the following:

8. Timeline

9. Reporting Requirements

Reporting will be kept simple. Grantees will be asked to:

• Provide a short update halfway through the year
• Submit a brief final report about progress, challenges, and lessons learned
• Join one group conversation with other grantees to share insights and feedback

10. Questions

If you have questions, contact:

Raul Preciado Mendez
East Portland Policy Coordinator
Raul.PreciadoMendez@portlandoregon.gov

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