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.

2026 Grant Cycle

Applications for the 2026 Empowerment Grant cycle will open on March 1, 2026. Please check back for a link to the grant packet and online application.

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 $500 to $1,000 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 Goals

The Empowerment Grant Program support projects that achieve one or more program goals. Grant applications may address any or all of the goals, and no single goal is prioritized higher than the others for receiving funding. The goals are:

Promotes the development and/or sustainability of a Neighborhood Association or community group.
Strengthens communication and builds relationships.
Promotes inclusivity and diversity.
Fosters leadership development.
Creates or improves a shared space.
Provides or improves an existing asset.
Strengthens neighborhood or community identity.
Increases health and safety.
Provides education or training.
Addresses a neighborhood or community issue.
Serves older or low-income residents.

The grant objectives are expressed in a set of scoring criteria that the grant review committee will use when evaluating each application. The scoring criteria is available in the grant packet.

Empowerment Grant Information Session

An informational webinar is scheduled for March 17, 2026. Staff will provide an overview of the application process and answer questions from prospective applicants.