You must be logged in to apply.  New ZoomGrants™ Account
East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District

2025-26 SPACE (Small Projects and Community Events)
Deadline  6/30/2026
View Open Programs  |  Hide DescriptionHide RequirementsHide RestrictionsHide Library Show Contact Admin

Description  [hide this]

The SPACE Grant Program advances EMSWCD's mission of helping people care for land and water by providing small grants for communities growing healthy food, improving water quality, restoring fish and wildlife habitat, and other related efforts. Schools, community groups, and nonprofit organizations are all encouraged to apply. By providing accessible funding for short-term projects and events, groups can undertake important smaller-scale conservation activities in the community with less lead time and administrative burden than larger grant programs. Everyone deserves the benefits of healthy soil and water and access to outdoor experiences and conservation education. We are always looking for opportunities to broaden participation and expand the impact of our grants. EMSWCD now provides SPACE grant awards of up to $2,500. Applications are reviewed by staff for eligibility and how strongly they meet the program criteria. EMSWCD's Executive Director or authorized senior staff have final approval. SPACE Grants are reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding decisions are usually made within three to four weeks after applying.


Requirements  [hide this]

SPACE (Small Projects and Community Events) Grants help local groups fund short-term, community-led projects that protect natural resources, connect people to nature, and promote conservation education. These grants are designed to be quick, simple, and accessible. We prioritize projects that are led by or serve Black and Indigenous people, communities of color, low-income groups, and communities facing environmental and social inequities.

Your Project Must

  • Align with our mission: Helping people care for land and water
  • Take place within our district boundary, or directly benefit the people in our district—Multnomah County east of the Willamette River
  • Provide a clear public benefit in one or more of the following areas: climate resiliency, habitat restoration, watershed health, soil erosion prevention/control, soil health, water quality, water conservation, and environmental education.

Eligible project types (examples)

  • Native plantings, pollinator gardens, or habitat restoration
  • Maintain or develop school or community gardens and compost systems
  • Sustainable ag or garden-related projects and programming
  • Workshops on pesticide reduction, water conservation, or toxics
  • Tree planting, bioswales, and rain gardens
  • Conservation education events for youth and/or adults
  • Stipends for participants in related educational programs and events.

What We Don't Fund

  • Private businesses or individual landowners
  • Small rain barrel systems (larger systems may be eligible—ask us!)
  • Buildings or structures (unless it’s a minor part of the project)
  • Political campaigns
  • Required mitigation projects.


Restrictions  [hide this]

Funding Schedule and Limits

  • You can apply for up to $2,500 per year.
  • EMSWCD will decide the final grant amount if your application is approved.
  • Applications are reviewed first-come, first-served during the fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).
  • Grants can be paid upfront or reimbursed after the project:
    • Upfront: Funds are released after the grant agreement is signed. You must send bills/receipts and a final report when the project is done.
    • Reimbursement: Send bills/receipts and a final report after the project is completed to receive payment.
  • If you receive more than $600, the grant may be taxable. EMSWCD may request a W-9 form and issue a 1099-MISC. You’re responsible for any taxes owed.
  • Projects should usually have a total budget of $10,000 or less. If your budget is higher, contact EMSWCD staff.
  • If your project takes place on land not owned or managed by your organization, you may need to provide a letter of approval from the landowner before EMSWCD can sign your grant agreement. See the documents section for a template.

 


Library  [hide this]
Description File Name Date Uploaded File Type
Landowner Consent Letter LandownerConsentTemplate.docx 6/27/2025 4:17:32 PM DOCX


USD$ 0.00 requested
Application Status: Not Submitted

You must be logged in to begin.
Project Summary Application Questions Budget Activity Log

Project Summary (answers are saved automatically when you move to another field)

Application Title/Project Name
Amount Requested
USD$
Total Project Budget
USD$

Applicant Information

First Name
Last Name
Telephone
Email
 
Organization Information
(changes to this data will be reflected on all other applications for this organization)

Create an Organization



Application ID: -1