Grant applications are now open for small, traded-sector businesses interested in advancing their diversity and inclusion efforts. The Inspiring Diversity Grant pilot program is intended to encourage private employers to incorporate creative, equity-related best practices around workforce, marketing and communications.
Applications due Friday, February 15, 2019
The program will provide up to $10,000 to companies located in the city of Portland, preferably within one of the city’s identified clusters (Athletic & Outdoor/Consumer Product, Green Cities Product & Services, Technology & Media, Manufacturing).
Prosper Portland Executive Director Kimberly Branam said, “This pilot grant aligns with our goal to build an equitable economy. We look forward to deepening and extending our equity program work with businesses in the city’s target industries, which provide high-paying and middle-wage jobs and opportunities for Portlanders.”
Company projects can be focused either internally or externally. Examples include:
Applications due Friday, February 15, 2019 (deadline extension). To apply, fill out the Prosper Portland form
Preference will be given to companies that can match the requested funds. Projects that demonstrate innovation and new approaches, community engagement or impact, replicability to other companies, and leadership/executive commitment will also receive priority.
If needed, Prosper Portland will connect interested applicants with partners and providers who can help the company built out its program based on specific business needs.
Prosper Portland creates economic growth and opportunity for Portland. Our vision is to make Portland one of the most globally competitive, healthy, and equitable cities in the world by investing in job creation, encouraging broad economic prosperity, and fostering great places throughout the city. We aspire to be a workplace of choice with passionate staff excelling in an open and empowering environment and sharing a commitment to our collective success.
Portland A&O powered by Prosper Portland aims to support the success of Oregon’s 800+ Athletic and Outdoor firms through community, peer-to-peer learning, events, and programming.
