Community Events Activation Fund Program Now Open

Applications are now open for a new financial support program for local event producers. Individuals, community groups and organizations are all eligible to apply. The City of Portland intends to award support in amounts ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the complexity and length of proposed events. 

This program is operated by Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) in collaboration with the City of Portland’s American Rescue Plan Act team and leadership from the Mayor’s Events Action Table. 

These funds are designed to reinvigorate community spaces across the city by increasing foot traffic, encouraging community participation, and providing opportunities for people to gather and connect. In addition to providing financial support, this program can help match applicants to venues (street plazas, gathering spaces, and other locations) where their event(s) can be hosted. Examples of applications for consideration include live music, theater performances, local cultural food experiences, art walks, and more. Proposed events can take place in Portland locations as diverse as performance venues, public right of ways, private businesses, and others. 

“As we prepare for a robust summer full of in-person events and celebration, I look forward to offering this financial support to those looking to produce art installations, block parties, neighborhood events, and so much more.

"Prioritization of Portland's BIPOC communities will help ensure representation from every corner of our city in 2022.” said Mayor Wheeler. 

“PBOT is proud to be a partner in helping business and organizations recover from the financial and cultural impacts of COVID-19 through streets that are activated, accessible, safe and inclusive,” Transportation Director Chris Warner said. 

“Working with PBOT, we are moving forward an exciting vision of a Portland where every neighborhood has welcoming gathering spaces promoting community, culture, commerce, art, and more. I can’t wait to be out in Portland this summer checking out the fun community centered events this activation fund will promote,” said Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty. 

This project is funded by Portland’s allocation from the American Rescue Plan, a federal economic stimulus bill designed to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recession. The city is receiving $208 million of local recovery funds. Investments focus on three key priorities: houselessness response and household stabilization, business and commercial district stabilization, and community health and safety.  

Applicants may register to apply from now until Friday, May 6, with direct payments beginning in June. Funded activities should take place between June 15 and November 1. The city will be providing application support and informational sessions in April and May.  

Learn more at portland.gov/united/communityspaces. 

To view community events, or find out how to publish your event, visit The Skanner's Community Calendar page.