Funding and Grant Resources
Below are grant opportunities to fund proposed trail work. Click the links for more details regarding applications, requirements, and further information.
Grants Listed below:
- Metro
- Oregon Parks & Recreation Department
- East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District
- Bureau of Environmental Services
- Portland Parks Foundation
- Rails-to-Trails
Metro
Nature in Neighborhoods restoration grants: The Nature in Neighborhoods grant provides funding for projects related to preserving and restoring local habitats and increasing access to protected natural areas. Eligible applicants include community groups, watershed councils, neighborhood associations, nonprofits, faith groups, and service groups with nonprofit status.
Funding: One- or two-year grants are up to $100,000
Community Placemaking grants: The Community Placemaking grant from Metro focuses on community challenges or opportunities through arts-based, equity-focused projects. Creative projects that address program objectives of placemaking, equity, partnerships, and leadership are encouraged. Eligible applicants include community-based organizations, public agencies, and unincorporated organizations with a fiscal sponsor.
Funding: $5,000 - $25,000
Click here to learn more about these grants.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept.: Recreational Trails Grants: Recreational Trails Grants from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department focus on recreational trail projects rather than "utilitarian transportation-based projects." Projects may include building new trails, restoring existing trails, acquiring land and permanent easements, and water trails.
Funding: minimum $10,000; 20% match required. Eligible matches include cash, force account labor, equipment, materials, volunteer labor, donated equipment, donated materials, and other grants.
Apply: April 2 - April 30
East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District
Projects applying for funding from the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District must publicly benefit one of the following: habitat restoration or watershed health, soil erosion prevention/control, soil health, water quality, water conservation, and/or environmental education.
Small Projects and Community Events (SPACE) Grants: The SPACE grant provides funding to support conservation projects, conservation education, and community events that promote natural resource conservation. Nonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies, and Native American tribes are eligible applicants.
Funding: up to $2,000
Apply: 1st of each month
Bureau of Environmental Services
City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services provides two grants through their Community Watershed Stewardship Program. The program, overall, focuses on helping Portlanders make improvements in their neighborhoods and communities while also improving watershed health. The CWSP is a partnership between BES and Portland State University.
Community Watershed Stewardship Grant: The Community Watershed Stewardship Grant involves community members and improves the health of our watersheds.
Funding: up to $10,000
Apply: by April 19
Community Watershed Native Plant Mini-Grant: The Native Plant Mini-Grant is available for purchasing native plans. Community groups and some private landowners are eligible to apply.
Funding: up to $500
Apply: rolling applications
Portland Parks Foundation
Portland Parks Foundation: Small Grants Program: Portland Parks Foundation small grants program focuses on supporting community organizations whose work relates to creating or caring for public parks, natural areas, and other spaces. Specifically, eligible projects include organizational development, programming, events, transportation, challenge grants or other projects. Eligible applicants include organizations with an active governing body and Friends Groups.
Funding: $250 - $2,500
Apply: between March 1 - 30, or Sept. 1 - 30
Rails-to-Trails
Doppelt Family Trail Development Fund: The Doppelt Family Trail Development Fund supports organizations that implement projects to build and improve multi-use trails. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and local governments.
Apply: by Jan. 31
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy also provides further resources to other funding organizations and opportunities. Click here for more information.
Updated September 2019