About the program
The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is dedicated to creating spaces where diversity, equity, access, and inclusion thrive. Through our Racial Equity Action Plan, we’re committed to breaking down the barriers that many community businesses and organizations, especially those from marginalized and disenfranchised communities, face when booking events in our region.
In January 2025, the OCC’s Space to Grow Fund program is opening a funding opportunity to increase local event hosts’ utilization of our event facilities and services.
The Space to Grow Fund is designed to build relationships with local communities to gather and grow using OCC's world-class event spaces—spaces that might otherwise be out of reach. This is more than just offering a venue; it’s about supporting your organization in hosting powerful, mission-driven events that bring people together, elevate your work, and help you make a lasting impact in the community.
If you're looking to host an event to create meaningful community impact, this program is here to help make that vision a reality.
Funding Available
Up to $150,000 is available for the 2025 cycle, in grants up to $25,000 of in-kind facility and event services.
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.
Funding Requirements
- Event must occur between April 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, at the OCC.
- Awardees are required to carry general liability insurance for the event period.
- Applicants must not have hosted their proposed event at the OCC within the last five (5) years.
- Events currently under contract (signed before March 3, 2025) are not eligible.
- Campaign and proselytizing activities are not eligible.
Restriction on Use of Funds
- In-kind funding for OCC facility rental and services only, no cash awards.
- Materials and services not tied to the OCC event license agreement, or more than funds awarded.
- OCC will make every effort to accommodate preferred event date(s) and spaces. If your event has a firm date or preferred space, please email spacetogrow.org to check availability.
Event Eligibility Criteria
Proposed events must meet all guidelines to be considered.
- Event must occur between April 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, at the OCC.
- Event access to OCC is between 6:00 am to 11:59 pm. Access outside of these hours is subject to additional cost.
- Applicants must not have hosted their proposed event at the OCC within the last five (5) years.
- Events currently under contract (signed before March 3, 2025) are not eligible.
- Ability 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)
- Campaign and proselytizing events are ineligible.
- Events attracting over 200 attendees will be prioritized in the evaluation process.
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.
Insurance Coverage
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.
Application Instructions
Application assistance and resources
- Preview Application: A copy of the application can be found here.
- Launch Celebration and Tasting: Join us on February 26 to learn more about Space to Grow, food by Executive Chef Allan Wambaa. All are welcome, RSVP here.
- Information Sessions: Virtual and in-person information sessions will be held between February 2025 – May 2025. Visit the Space to Grow Fund website to register.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Will be available on the Space to Grow Fund website.
- Examples of events and their costs: Three examples of event costs are available for your budget planning. Click to view
- Contact us for assistance: Please contact Space to Grow for assistance with your application.
Need a vendor? The Travel Portland service directory includes over 1,000 event-related vendors.
Online application
- Apply through our online portal located here or on the Space to Grow Fund website.
- 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.
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!