Metro: Natural Areas Program neighborhood capital grants
Metro is now accepting grant applications for capital projects that re-green and re-nature neighborhoods
The 2006 natural areas bond measure includes a $15 million capital grants program to fund neighborhood projects to inspire innovative ways to enhance ecological functions and increase the presence of nature where people live and work. The capital grants program will fund projects that either acquires land (or easements) for public ownership or funds capital improvements on publicly owned land.
Who can apply
Neighborhoods and community groups, nonprofit organizations, schools, cities, counties and public park providers are invited to apply.
Project eligibility
Projects must be either acquire land or make improvements to real property that result in a capital asset with a life of at least 20 years and has a total value of at least $50,000. See the program handbook for more information.
Match criteria
The applicant must match grant funds with outside funding or in-kind services equivalent to twice the grant request.
Begin the application process with a letter of interest
A letter of interest is an essential first step in the application process. A clearly written letter of interest will help us understand how well your proposed project may fit with the key criteria of the grant program. There are no deadlines for submission. See program handbook for instructions and forms.
Completing the application process
If your proposed project is considered eligible, we will send you a letter encouraging a full application. Again, there is no deadline for a full application. The grant committee will be convened when at least six full applications have been received.
How will applications be evaluated?
Metro staff will evaluate all letters of interest based on the ranking criteria and invite full proposals. Metro staff will also screen full applications, conduct site visits and present the proposals to the grant review committee for final evaluation and funding recommendations. The Metro Council will make awards once yearly.
Key/threshold criteria
- "Re-nature" neighborhoods by increasing the presence and function of ecological processes
- "Re-green" urban neighborhoods to enrich peoples' experience of nature and help strengthen a physical connection to the region's ecology
- Demonstrate multiple benefits for people and natural systems
- Demonstrate cost-efficient ecological design solutions
- Increase the region's fish and wildlife inventory
- Restore and/or improve habitats of concern
- Provide universal access to the public.
See the metro website for more details.