Empowerment Grant Program

Empowerment Grants help individuals and organizations work together to accomplish common goals that support the overall health, vitality and inclusivity of the place they call "home." The City of Corvallis offers these grants to applicants who can demonstrate support through cash, in-kind donation, and volunteer hours.

2025 Grant Cycle

The 2025 Empowerment Grant cycle is open on March 1 to March 31, 2025. Click to open the online application form.

Information about the program, which includes the criteria scoring list, can be found in the Empowerment Grant 2025 Overview Packet.

This is a competitive grant program. Applications are reviewed by City staff with input from the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Board. Selected grants are awarded by the City Council. Grant amounts are typically in the range of $300 to $600 dollars each.

Examples of successful projects include landscape improvements, neighborhood social events, public art installations, education programs, and training services. Other examples include cultural events, guest lectures, or outreach campaigns to connect neighbors. Read more under "Grant Program Objectives" below.

Awardees are required to complete a brief summary of the project outcomes and submit a minimum of two visual items to illustrate the project (photos, printed materials, etc).

Funds are disbursed by June 30 each year and the project completion forms are due on June 30 of the following year.

Past Winners

Curious about which projects have received funding? Here's a roundup of successful applicants from past grant cycles.

Grant Program Objectives

The Empowerment Grant Program has three primary objectives. Grant applications may address any or all of the objectives and no single objective is prioritized higher than the other two for receiving funding. The objectives are:

Organizational Enhancements - The funds may be used for programs that promote the development or sustainability of a neighborhood association or a community group. This may include items such as newsletters, web sites, opinion surveys, informational brochures and training programs, as well as materials related to the launch and operation of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or similar group.
Improvement Projects - The funds may be used to improve the shared space within a neighborhood or strengthen its identity, or to identify and address a needed improvement in the community. This may include items such as landscape improvements and maintenance, signage, bus shelters, natural features management, benches or painting, either for a particular neighborhood or a community group.
Livability Initiatives - Funds may be used to provide education and outreach opportunities that strengthen the social connections in Corvallis, increase safety, improve the environment, or address a community-wide challenge or conflict. Examples may include organizing a lecture from a guest speaker, starting a community garden, launching a day of service or other annual event.

Empowerment Grant Information Session

On March 12, 2025, an webinar session was held to provide additional information and answer questions about this years grant cycle. View the recording here.