Space to Grow Fund | Oregon Convention Center

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Up to $150,000 is available for the 2025 cycle, with awards of up to $25,000 of in-kind facility and event services.

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.

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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.

Event must occur between April 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, at the OCC.
Events contracted within the past 5 years are ineligible (March 3, 2025 and before)
In-kind funding for OCC facility rental and services only, no cash awards.
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 [email protected] to check availability.
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.
Post-event reporting on impact
Campaign and proselytizing activities are not eligible.

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).

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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.

Preview Application: A copy of the application can be found here.
Event budget examples: Three examples of event costs are available for your budget planning. Click to view
Cost and service guides:
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Will be available on the Space to Grow Fund website.
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.

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!

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