Application Now Closed
The application for the 2025 cycle of the Space to Grow Fund is now closed. We received an overwhelming number of thoughtful, community-driven proposals, and we’re grateful for the passion and creativity shared by each applicant.
All applications have been reviewed, and applicants have been notified of their status.
We appreciate your commitment to creating inclusive, impactful events in our region. Please stay connected for future opportunities, and reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
About the program
The Oregon Convention Center is committed to making event spaces more accessible for historically underrepresented communities. Informed by community feedback and guided by OCC’s Racial Equity Action Plan and Metro’s Strategic Plan to Advance Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (SPAREDI), the Space to Grow Fund helps local organizers bring mission-driven events to life.
This program is more than just financial support—it’s an investment in events that directly benefit and uplift our region. We prioritize events that:
- Are led by or actively supported by communities of color or other underrepresented groups
- Strengthen cultural and community assets
- Provide opportunities for cultural expression
- Increase community impact, collaboration, and growth
Through this initiative, we aim to:
- Expand the size, scope, and reach of regional cultural events
- Support local opportunities to convene, collaborate, and celebrate
- Drive community investment through education, leadership development, and fundraising
- Provide tools, resources, and assistance to ensure event success
If you’re planning an event that creates meaningful community impact, the Space to Grow Fund is here to help make that vision a reality.
Who can apply?
- Organizations located in and servicing Clackamas, Multnomah, and/or Washington County.
- Organizations demonstrating a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility through their programming, staffing and operations.
- 501(c)(3) non-profit
- Individuals or groups supporting community-led initiatives without nonprofit status
- Firm certified by the Oregon Certification Office of Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID): Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE), and Emerging Small Business (ESB).
- Events attracting over 200 attendees will be prioritized.
- An organization may submit multiple applications but is only eligible for one grant per cycle.
Requirements
Contracting and agreements
- Application of awarded funds will be applied to the client’s invoice at the close of the event. Award recipients enter into a License Agreement with the OCC. Recipients must also comply with all applicable requirements and laws related to event operations, safety and security, food handling, and other obligations outlined in these agreements.
- OCC requires event hosts to secure a certificate of insurance at a minimum $2 million comprehensive general liability insurance covering the event period through a company such as Gather Guard (Estimated cost, $200).
Application instructions
Online application
- Apply through our online portal located here.
- All applicants will be required to create a user account. Detailed instructions and video tutorials available.
- Completed applications must be submitted through the online portal by March 3, 2025, at 5:00 pm PST for first review or by the final deadline on August 15, 2025, at 5:00 pm PDT.
Assistance and resources
Need a vendor? The Travel Portland service directory includes over 1,000 event-related vendors.
Want to learn more?
Read the Space to Grow Fund full guidelines here.
Contact
For questions about the Space to Grow program or the application process, contact: [email protected].
Thank you for your interest in the Space to Grow Fund.
We would be honored to partner with you and participate in your event’s success!