Every year, the City of Portland sponsors dozens of community events, from festivals to fundraisers to parades. The City focuses on engaging culturally specific organizations and communities; supporting youth and workforce development programs; encouraging public involvement in City processes; and contracting with Disadvantaged Businesses and Women Owned Businesses. The outreach team loves attending events to build relationships and learn about the important work organizations are doing to serve the local community.
Sponsorships are awarded for $2,500 or less and must be requested at least three months in advance. Those interested can submit an application, which takes less than 15 minutes, telling the city about the event (including time, place and audience) and the requested sponsorship amount.
Applications are reviewed by a committee which includes liaisons from more than 20 city bureaus and offices. Decisions are based on funding availability from bureaus and offices with missions related to the event, while ensuring a diversity of organizations and communities are supported. It is uncommon for more than one sponsorship to be awarded to a particular organization per year.
Visit portland.gov/civic/we-are-better-together for the application and see the 82 community events that received funding during the 2025-2026 fiscal year.