The Community Watershed Stewardship Program is pleased to announce that grants of up to $10,000 are available to support projects that improve neighborhoods and communities while also improving the health of our watersheds. Application deadline is March 29, 2013.

This announcement contains the following sections: potential projects, how to apply, and upcoming workshops for prospective applicants.

Potential projects

Eligible projects are those that build community and improve watershed health, including:

• Neighborhood      safety, health and livability projects
  • Discourage criminal activity by cleaning up and       greening troubled properties
  • Manage pollution and stormwater runoff
  • Solve a drainage problem on your school or church       playground or parking lot
  • Add trees, vegetation, and public art

• Youth      leadership and skills development
  • Provide stipends for teens and young adults to work on       neighborhood projects
  • Help young people gain work experience in       environmental and green jobs fields

• Community      gardens
  • Remove unneeded pavement or turf and create a garden       that provides fresh food
  • Add native plant areas to your food garden to attract       pollinators

• Art and education
  • Create       art that educates your community about watersheds
  • Organize       learning and community service opportunities that improve the urban       environment

• Cleanup and restoration
  • Invasive       plant removal
  • Bioswales,       rain gardens and naturescaping
  • Natural       area cleanup and restoration

How to apply

Community-based organizations, businesses, non-profits, student groups, faith communities, neighborhood associations and other groups are eligible to apply. Projects must be carried out in the City ofPortland. Applications are due by Friday, March 29, 2013 at 4:00 p.m.

Find application materials and information at www.portlandonline.com/bes/stewardship, call 503-823-7917 or email shannon.jamison@portlandoregon.gov.

Workshops for prospective applicants

Four workshops are scheduled to help groups develop their projects and put together competitive applications. Light refreshments will be provided.

Thursday, January 31st

7:00-8:30 p.m.

Southeast Uplift Neighborhood Coalition Offices

3534 SE Main St,PortlandOR97214

Monday, February 4th

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

MultnomahArtsCenter

7688 Southwest Capitol Highway, Portland,OR97219

Saturday, February 9th

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

EastPortlandCommunity Center

740 SE 106th AvenuePortland,OR97216

Wednesday, February 13th

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Kenton Library

8226 N Denver AvenuePortland, OR97217

If you are interested in learning more about the application process but are unable to attend a grant workshop, please contact Grant Coordinator Shannon Jamison at 503-823-7917 or email shannon.jamison@portlandoregon.gov

Thank you,

Shannon Jamison