Grant Opportunity Suspended

Due to City budget constraints we are suspending this grant opportunity. For questions or concerns please reach out to Alonso Melendez ([email protected]).

PORTLAND, Ore. - The City of Portland's Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) is announcing two new competitive grant opportunities through its Community Technology Division, funded by the City's Digital Inclusion Fund. Together, these grants are designed to reduce barriers to technology access, strengthen community development and advance economic mobility for priority communities across Portland.

Applications for both grant opportunities open on January 26, 2026, and must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. on March 2, 2026. Staff office hoursare available for any further questions.

Veteran Tech Readiness Small Business Grant

The Veteran Tech Readiness Small Business Grant is designed to support military veteran-owned small businesses in building digital capacity and remaining competitive in an increasingly digital economy.

Through a competitive process, BPS anticipates awarding three grants of $20,000 each to eligible veteran-owned small businesses located in or serving the city of Portland to increase economic mobility.

Adhering to the Digital Inclusion Grant objective to support economic mobility and community development, grant funds may be used to:

• Purchase technology such as computers, tablets, point-of-sale systems, printers, cameras, and business software
• Build digital skills through training in areas such as bookkeeping, inventory management, customer relationship management, and productivity tools
• Strengthen online presence through website development, social media campaigns, or search engine optimization
• Improve cybersecurity practices and digital safety
• Access technical support or high-speed internet needed to support business operations

By reducing cost barriers to adopting technology and digital tools, the Veteran Tech Readiness Small Business Grant aims to support economic stability, expand customer reach, and promote long-term business sustainability for veteran entrepreneurs.

Eligible applicants must be micro or small businesses with fewer than 20 employees, be at least 51 percent veteran-owned, and operate within the city of Portland.

Building Digital Bridges: Community Development Grants for SOVC Organizations

BPS is also launching the Building Digital Bridges: Community Development Grants for Survivors of Violent Crimes (SOVC), a new funding opportunity for nonprofit, community-based organizations or government entities and agencies serving survivors of violent crime in Portland.

Through a competitive process, one nonprofit organization or government agency will be awarded $140,000 to design or expand digital inclusion programming that supports survivor safety, independence, and economic mobility.

Adhering to the Digital Inclusion Grant objective to support economic mobility and community development, grant-funded projects may include:

• Distribution of devices such as laptops or tablets
• Support for high-speed internet access
• Digital literacy and skills training, including basic and intermediate computer skills
• Internet and technology safety education, particularly for individuals who have experienced technology-facilitated abuse or stalking
• Workforce development and career exploration through digital training and certifications

Many survivors of violent crime face compounded barriers to economic mobility due to limited access to technology, digital skills, and safe internet use. This grant opportunity is intended to help close those gaps by supporting trauma-informed, culturally responsive digital inclusion programs that foster community resilience and long-term stability.

Successful applicants will have up to 24 months to implement their projects and demonstrate measurable outcomes related to digital adoption, safety, and economic opportunity.

How to Apply

• Applications open: January 26, 2026
• Application deadline: March 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Applications must be submitted through the City of Portland Grants Portal by 2:00 p.m. PT on March 2, 2026. Please review our Grant Applications Tips for best steps on how to register and apply. Selected grantees must comply with all grant contract agreements, reporting standards and timelines. Staff office hoursare available for any further questions.

If submitting an online application presents a hardship, please see our office hours or contact Alonso Melendez ([email protected]) for alternative submission options.