Authorize two-year grant agreement with Portland Parks Foundation in partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation to support Small Grants Program not to exceed $30,000 each year

The Portland Parks Foundation’s (PPF) Small Grants Program awards financial support to community-based organizations in Portland. The program is founded on a generous bequest from Nancy Hebb Freeman, an artist, hiker and lover of Portland parks. With these grants, PPF has committed to prioritizing organizations supporting low-income populations, communities of color, and other marginalized groups. In November 2020, Portland voters approved the Parks Local Option Levy (Parks Levy), which has made it possible for PP&R to increase grant support to community partners. PP&R’s grant support will increase PPF’s capacity to provide direct financial support to community-based organizations in Portland who foster equitable access to PP&R’s urban parks, natural areas, community gardens and community recreation centers.

For fiscal year 2022-23, the aggregate amount of grant funding that will be allocated to Portland Parks Foundation is not to exceed $30,000. This funding was determined during the FY 2022-23 City Budget process. For fiscal year 2023-24, the aggregate amount of grant funding that will be allocated to Portland Parks Foundation is not to exceed $30,000 and will be determined by Parks Local Option Levy funds to support community partnerships.

This project is in alignment with the values and goals of the Citywide Racial Equity Goals and Strategies to build organizational capacity; to improve access to City services for communities of color and Immigrant and refugee communities; to support existing services using racial equity best practices; and to collaborate and partner with other institutions and communities to achieve meaningful results. This project is in alignment with the values and goals of the Parks Local Option Levy to prioritize services for communities of color and households experiencing poverty, including equity-centered engagement and outreach, community partnership grants, and increased engagement with volunteer and partner groups.