Twelve projects support innovative programming for youth and seniors, aid the needy
The Metro Council sent a grants package valued at $68,500 to Northwest Portland late last week with monies earmarked for neighborhood improvements. Funds will be used for bricks and mortar capital improvements at nonprofits that serve the area’s low-income residents, as well as for some innovative projects that engage seniors and teens.
“This year’s slate supports bold new ideas and maintains some existing programs that respond to vital community needs,” said Metro Councilor Rex Burkholder, chair of Metro’s Northwest Portland grant selection committee and whose district includes Northwest and North Portland. “The right investments today can make a difference for our children and our future.”
Funds are generated from a 50 cent surcharge collected on each ton of garbage disposed of at the Metro Central garbage transfer station in the Northwest industrial area. Projects must directly benefit residents or neighborhoods around the facility, a area that stretches from Linnton in the north to the high density Northwest Portland residential core.
The 2011 grant cycle marks the 18th year Metro has invested funds in the community through the program. In that time, more than $3.1 million has been awarded to help fund 316 neighborhood improvement projects.
The complete slate of 2011 grant awards in Northwest Portland includes:
Audubon Society of Portland www.audubonportland.org
$1,000 – Interpretive sign for the Collins Sanctuary
Chess for Success www.chessforsuccess.org
$2,000 - After-school chess club at James John Elementary School for 75 students
Forest Park Conservancy www.forestparkconservancy.org
$13,500 – Crew leadership training program for trails and restoration efforts
Friendly House, Inc. www.friendlyhouseinc.org
$10,000 – Safety and security system improvements at the Friendly House community center and administrative facilities
Northwest Children’s Theater & School www.nwcts.org
$3,500 – Fire alarm system and emergency lighting plan for NW Neighborhood Cultural Center
Northwest Film Center www.nwfilm.org
$7,000 – Production of video programs about sustainable living by 60 seniors and teens
Open Meadow Alternative School www.openmeadow.org
$2,000 – Upgrades to telephone system
Oregon Student Association www.orstudents.org
$7,100 - Intensive leadership program for 12 youth leaders and school-break camps for 33 students
Portland Festival Symphony www.PortlandFestivalSymphony.org
$4,000 – Free classical music concert in Cathedral Park
Sauvie Island Center www.sauvieislandcenter.org
$5,732 – Expansion of farm-based educational opportunities, including field trips and summer camp
Schoolhouse Supplies www.schoolhousesupplies.org
$7,500 – Educational supplies for 500 James John Elementary School students
Store To Door or Oregon www.storetodooroforegon.org
$5,184 - Grocery shopping and delivery service for seniors and disabled people
For more information about projects receiving funds this year, or to read about past projects funded, visit Metro’s web site at www.oregonmetro.gov/grants or call Karen Blauer at 503-797-1506.