Portland Parks Foundation Revives North Portland Fund Community Grant Program

News Article

City partner continues a legacy of support for North Portland neighbors

(Portland, Oregon) -

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) andPortland Parks Foundation(PPF) are partnering to re-launch the North Portland Fund (NPF) Community Grants Program. Between 2026 and 2028, PPF will work with North Portlanders to distribute up to $70,000-$80,000 per funding cycle to community projects working to improve North Portland's neighborhood vitality and livability. The first grant cycle opens March 1, 2026.

Whitaker Ponds Nature Park, located in the Columbia Slough. The Columbia Slough Watershed Council has received this grant funding in the past.

The North Portland Fund was established in 1989. Its goal is to provide improvements to neighborhood vibrancy and livability in the 11 surrounding communities of Arbor Lodge, Bridgeton, Cathedral Park, East Columbia, Kenton, Overlook, Hayden Island, Piedmont, Portsmouth, St. Johns, and University Park.

"We're excited to get this community fund back up and running in partnership with the Portland Parks Foundation," says PP&R Interim Director Sonia Schmanski. "Their expertise in grant programming and track record of community success makes them a perfect steward for this work. We look forward to seeing community-driven ideas come to life."

PPF and PP&R have a three-year agreement for the grant program and are excited about what it will mean to North Portland neighbors.

The Kenton Community Garden in North Portland. Photo is courtesy of PP&R and the Kenton Neighborhood Association.

"We look forward to getting these funds back out into the community. Our role at PPF is to support and amplify the ideas taking root in these neighborhoods," says Jessica Green, Executive Director of Portland Parks Foundation. "We bring experience administering community grants, but the direction of this work comes from North Portlanders themselves. By working in close partnership with North Portland residents, we're committed to making this program accessible, collaborative, and reflective of the local community needs.

Since its creation, the Fund has distributed over half a million dollars in grants going directly into the neighborhood improvement and engagement efforts.

About the Grant Program

The NPF Community Grant Program offers grants ranging in size from $3,000 to $10,000.For applicants to be eligible for funding, they must meet the program requirements, including demonstrating that they are positioned to make an impact in North Portland. Review the grant guidelineshere.

Recruiting Community Members to Select the Grants

As this program returns, PPF is seeking seven individuals from the north Portland priority neighborhoods to join the grants Selection Committee, which is responsible for evaluating and selecting the grant recipients. Applications for the grant Selection Committee are open February 15 to March 6, 2026. Apply onlinehere.

Public Information Sessions

PPF and PP&R will co-host two virtual community meetings for those interested in learning more about the NPF Community Grant Program: Wednesday, February 25 at 6:00 PM (Register here)and Thursday, February 26 at 12:00 PM (Register here).

History of Partnership

PPF has partnered with PP&R to responsibly distribute city funds in the past through PPF's Small Grants Program. Over the last three years, PP&R has provided an additional $30,000 through their Community Partnership Program towards PPF's annualSmall Grants Programwhich awards financial support to community-based organizations within the city of Portland who foster equitable access to our urban parks, natural areas, community gardens and community recreation centers. As a trusted nonprofit partner for almost 25 years, PP&R is thrilled to partner with PPF again to be able to re-launch the NPF Community Grant Program.

About Portland Parks Foundation

Portland Parks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, helps people help parks. The Portland Parks Foundation is dedicated to connecting Portlanders to nature and to each other through the city's parks, public spaces, and natural areas. We lead, develop partnerships, and raise money to fund new facilities, enhance existing ones, and support programs to put our parks system within reach of all. We are the chief philanthropic partner of Portland Parks & Recreation. To learn more about our mission and programs, visit portlandpf.org.

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