Apply for sponsorship
Please read through the information on this page, then click the button to apply.
Submit application
Who is eligible?
Nonprofit organizations can request a sponsorship. In recent years, Metro has supported non-profits including culturally specific community-based organizations, educational institutions, local governments and special districts, and business associations. Metro receives more sponsorship requests than it can fulfill. Requests are prioritized based on a connection with Metro’s key work programs and projects.
Metro can sponsor individual organizations once per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Sponsorship awards are typically in the range of $500-$2,500. If a sponsorship request exceeds this range, the applicant should still include benefits of sponsorship within the standard range of $500-$2,500 so the review team may consider all possible options. Requests for amounts significantly exceeding this range may not be eligible for review.
Metro sponsorship funds cannot be used to support political committees or campaigns, lobbying or activities that promote a religious viewpoint. Metro also cannot provide funding for for-profit organizations or individuals.
What types of activities does Metro sponsor?
Funds are used to support community programs, activities, events and projects that benefit the public, engage diverse residents and businesses, address inequities that impact local communities, and inspire solutions to the challenges facing greater Portland.
Metro strives to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all its work. In addition to alignment with Metro’s major programs and project areas, all sponsorships will be evaluated for their contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and racial justice.
Generally, sponsorship funds cannot be awarded for operational support or for support of an ongoing program. Sponsorships cannot be applied for or granted retroactively.
About the application process
Once an application has been submitted, the recipient will receive a notification confirming the submission. It takes approximately six weeks to review a sponsorship request. Metro receives the highest volume of incoming sponsorship requests between August and November, and during this period response times may take longer.
If applicants have questions about their proposal, please contact staff using the contact information at the bottom of this page.
What acknowledgement does Metro expect for sponsorship support?
Acknowledgement is a necessary component of each sponsorship. The significance of the Metro recognition should be roughly equivalent to the value of the sponsorship awarded.
Examples of acknowledgement include, but are not limited to, Metro's logo on event or program materials, mentions on social media identifying Metro as a supporter of programs, activities, events and projects, tabling opportunities at the event, or other opportunities for Metro to network or play a role in the program or activity that provides Metro with recognition.
Metro may negotiate in consideration of the sponsorship level and benefits offered.