If you were inspired by Metro's recent Nature in Neighborhoods grant recipients, who are transforming an alley into a green parkway, restoring fish habitat and more, why not join them?
It's time to fine-tune your own idea to protect and enhance nature. Metro staff needs to know how many viable projects are brewing to anticipate the next full application period. If you have a project ready for consideration, submit your letter of interest as soon as possible.
Nature in Neighborhoods capital grants, which are funded by Metro's voter-approved Natural Areas Program, support innovative approaches to integrating nature into communities. Over the past four years, Metro has awarded a total of $4.7 million to 18 projects across the Portland metropolitan area.
Your idea can begin with an email or phone call. Metro staffers provide guidance in project planning, direct you to potential partners and resources, and give feedback along the way. To discuss your project idea, contact Mary Rose Navarro at 503-797-1781 or [email protected].
After getting initial guidance, you can submit a letter of interest. Some of those letter writers will be invited to submit a full application – and a select group will receive funding next spring or summer.
Successful Nature in Neighborhood Capital Grant projects have fallen into four general categories:
- land acquisitions that protect habitat or increase people's access to nature
- stream restoration projects that improve fish habitat and wildlife connectivity
- urban redevelopment projects that integrate low-impact development practices
- neighborhood projects that enhance people’s experience of nature.
While projects vary greatly depending on the category, the grant review committee is drawn to several compelling qualities:
- high level of community engagement
- diverse and/or non-traditional partnerships
- multiple benefits beyond the project itself
- enhances access to nature for low-income and/or communities of color