Community engagement miniature grants

IBR recognizes and values the trusting relationships that exist between CBOs and equity-priority communities further. As IBR continues to seek meaningful and intentional feedback from those that have typically been excluded from the process on large infrastructure projects, we want to further engage with CBOs in collaborative ways to extend the program’s existing reach. The first small-scale, low-barrier grant program was implemented in 2021 to expand the program’s relationships with local CBOs to assist in community engagement efforts with equity-priority communities. Now, IBR is implementing a second round of small-scale, low-barrier grants, which will provide CBOs resources at varying levels in exchange for support extending IBR’s outreach through their networks. CBOs do not need to be transportation-focused to qualify for the grant, and the program is open to repeat applicants.

How can I apply?

If you represent a CBO located in the program area that serves equity-priority communities, please click here to download an application. 
Upon completion, email your application to the program for consideration. This application will be open from August 10, 2023 until September 10, 2023. Once the application is closed, a decision of awards will be announced no later than September 25, 2023.

Requirements

To be eligible, CBOs must: 

• Serve at least one equity priority community, according to IBR’s adopted definition. This includes:   
• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)  
• People with disabilities 
• Communities with limited English proficiency (LEP)  
• Persons with lower income  
• Individuals and families experiencing houselessness  
• Immigrants and refugees  
• Young people  
• Older adults  
• Have an office located or members within Multnomah County or Clark County areas 
• Be actively using multiple modes of engagement with their member base (social media, email, phones, newsletters, etc.) 
• Have been established legally as a non-profit for at least one year or be fiscally sponsored by a 501c3. 

Grants will be issued on a tiered scale. The tiered model approach ensures CBOs can identify a level of effort that aligns with their available capacity. The IBR program’s goal is to maintain a low-barrier program that organizations can easily incorporate into their ongoing efforts.   

Tier 1 Deliverables: ($2,000)   

• Distribute information about IBR-related events and meetings in newsletters, e-blasts, and social media at least once a month.   

Tier 2 Deliverables: ($5,000)   

• Distribute information about IBR-related events and meetings in newsletters, e-blasts, and social media at least once a month.    
• Promote IBR events and meetings on your website with hyperlinks to IBR-related information.   
• Co-host a listening session in tandem with other Tier 2 partners.   

Tier 3 Deliverables: ($10,000)  

• Distribute information about IBR-related events and meetings in newsletters, e-blasts, and social media at least once a month.   
• Promote IBR events and meetings on your website with hyperlinks to IBR-related information.   
• Co-host two listening sessions with the IBR program for your members only.   
• Co-host a larger community briefing in tandem with other Tier 3 CBOs.     

Other Tier 2 and Tier 3 CBO expectations for participation include:    

• Participating in a 1:1 onboarding meeting of no longer than 45 minutes after selection.    
• Participating in a 90-minute group onboarding meeting after contracts are signed.   
• Meeting with IBR staff to discuss progress as needed during engagement period.    
• Participating in an hour-long debrief meeting after engagement efforts are complete. 

Who do I contact with questions?

For more information, please contact: Salomé Chimuku. 
This application will be open from August 10, 2023 until September 10, 2023. Once the application is closed, a decision of awards will be announced no later than September 25, 2023.