Lane County awards $200,000 in grants to support economic development

Eight local nonprofits will receive grant funding from Lane County's Community & Economic Development Program to support programs and projects focused on economic development.

"There is a wide range of needs across all of our communities when it comes to creating more economic opportunity," said Jason Harris, Lane County's Community & Economic Development manager. "We are excited about these grants because they support organizations helping people and communities succeed and thrive - which improves lives and increases prosperity."

Grant applications were accepted in November of 2024. Cities and 501c3 nonprofits serving Lane County were eligible to apply for funding to help attract and expand business investment; support small businesses, start-ups and emerging entrepreneurs; or assist with workforce training. Applicants could request $5,000-$30,000.

"Lane County's investment in the Everyone Village medical clinic project is THE crucial piece to getting this collective impact story off the ground," said Everyone Village Pastor & Village Lead Gbe Piechowicz. "Working to help the West Eugene community succeed and flourish, we will bring together high school students from Team Oregon Build, medical professionals from Volunteers in Medicine & PeaceHealth and folks from Everyone Village and its neighborhood to help each other's lives improve and the whole community increase in its prosperity."

***Media Opportunity: Lane County Community & Economic Development Manager Jason Harris and Everyone Village Pastor & Village Lead Gabe Piechowicz are available for interviews today.

The eight grant recipients are:

Plaza de Nuestra Comunidad - $29,500
This program, serving Latinx immigrant entrepreneurs, including indigenous populations, provides services to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses via the Cambios Business Program. The Cambios Business Program provides a wide range of services including: teaching a business class; supporting entrepreneurs with one-on-one technical assistance; offering opportunities to connect to capital; and hosting community workshops.

Center for Rural Livelihoods - $21,000

The Center for Rural Livelihoods' (CRL) Regenerative Land Stewardship Economy in South Lane County provides workforce development, technical assistance, and business incubation for rural entrepreneurs. Funding will support facility improvements for the 40-acre campus near Cottage Grove and retail space for small businesses in downtown Cottage Grove.

Daisy CHAIN - $27,000

Daisy CHAIN (DC)'s project will expand equitable workforce development in reproductive healthcare in Lane County, Oregon. Strategic actions involve securing clinical placements, collaborating with organizations serving communities of color, and providing ongoing training.

Everyone Village - $29,750

This project aims to expand the construction capabilities of Team Oregon Build (TOB) students at Everyone Village by developing a modular medical clinic to serve village residents. In partnership with Volunteers in Medicine (VIM), this clinic will provide on-site primary healthcare, addressing a significant need for accessible services among Lane County's underserved communities while also providing career technical education in high demand trades for youth.

RAIN Catalysts - $26,000

RAIN Catalysts' Rural Entrepreneurial Development Program connects hundreds of Lane County entrepreneurs, aspiring founders, and innovators to the key resources they need to start and grow their businesses in Lane County.

Connected Lane County - $15,250

Connect Lane County partners with urban and rural Lane County schools and businesses to support 700 youth interested in vocational opportunities to explore careers in technology, manufacturing, health, and natural resources through engaging, interactive tours highlighting professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Opportunity Oregon - $25,000

Opportunity Oregon will serve over 100 previously incarcerated adult job seekers and 30 employers annually in Lane County. Services and activities include peer mentorship, career workshops, resume and cover letter preparation, application assistance, social service referrals, employer education and discussion sessions.

McKenzie Community Land Trust - $26,500

Blue River seeks to establish the Blue River Welcome Station to spur economic development in the area. The station includes a kiosk offering history and photos of recovery, a community bulletin board, a nice portable bathroom, picnic tables, local art, flowers and more. This station seeks to spur tourism in the area and be a homebase for future commercial growth.

There were 33 eligible applications submitted and reviewed with a collective request of nearly $1 million. Applications were reviewed by a multi-agency committee. The funding for the grants comes from video lottery funds received by Lane County to support economic development.

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