What is the Climate Resiliency Grant?

As our planet continues to warm, climate resiliency is more important than ever. While these challenges are global, we must do our part to make tangible differences in our community. Small-scale actions both strengthen local livability and inspire broader momentum.

St. Johns Center for Opportunity (SJCO) is teaming up with the Formula E Better Futures Fund to support climate resiliency projects in St. Johns! With the support of Formula E, SJCO will distribute $23,150 to small businesses in St. Johns. The goal of this grant is to support local small businesses in their climate resiliency projects and upgrades.

Applicants may apply for a grant of up to $4630 for their project. Matching funds are NOT required!

Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis through January 31, 2025.  If your application is approved, work must be completed by April 30, 2025.

Who can apply?

Commercial building owners and/or tenants with lease and authorization from the property owner may apply. Tenants must have a minimum of two years remaining on their lease or an option to renew. The business must be located in St. Johns/Cathedral Park (west of the railroad cut). The business does not need to be located on the ground level in a traditional storefront space to be eligible.  

Applications from religious or political institutions, large chains, corporations, and franchises will not be considered. Applications from applicants who have committed or attempted to commit fraud will not be considered. 

Priority will be given to historically marginalized communities including people of color, refugees and immigrants, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and/or low-income individuals. 

What projects are eligible?

Projects must promote or increase climate resiliency. Examples of possible projects include but are not limited to:

• Energy efficient heating/cooling systems (e.g. heat pump)

• Passive energy projects (e.g. solar light)

• Insulation improvements

• Energy efficient exterior and interior lighting

• Energy efficient appliances

• Native trees

• Bike racks

• Native gardens

• Water efficient landscaping, including stationary planters, storm water gardens, and pavement removal

• Composting project

• Energy efficient door/window replacement

• Window UV protection

• Have a different project idea? Talk to us about it!

We prioritize projects that:

• Support people of color, immigrants & refugees, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, women, and/or low-income individuals

• Include a plan for ongoing maintenance

• Promote sustainability

• Utilize local vendors

• Are compatible with SJCO goals

• Have high impact on the district

• Are highly feasible

Projects must conform to the Portland Zoning Code and be approved by SJCO.  Work is not required to be performed by a licensed contractor.

What types of projects are not eligible?

• Projects that do not promote/increase climate resiliency

• ANY work begun or paid for prior to approval of application

Who can perform the work?

Work can be, but does not need to be, completed by a licensed contractor.  If you will use a licensed contractor, you must submit a bid with your application and should verify their license with the appropriate agency, such as the Construction Contractors Board or Oregon Landscape Contractors Board.

If you are proposing a DIY project, you must submit a detailed project plan that demonstrates project feasibility, lists materials costs, and has a reasonable timeline. SJCO will reimburse you for material costs; receipts are required.  

Do I need my landlord’s approval?

If you are not the property owner, you must have your landlord sign your application giving their permission for the work (see page 9).

Do I need to provide matching funds?

Matching funds are not required, but they will strengthen your application. The maximum grant is $4630 per approved applicant.

How do I know if I am approved?

Applicants are typically notified within one month of submitting a complete application.  Approved projects will receive a letter of commitment from SJCO for the award amount via email. Upon receipt of the letter of commitment, the applicant must sign and return a Grant Agreement, and then may proceed with the project. Projects must be completed within the grant timeline, unless an extension is approved by SJCO. The applicant is responsible for obtaining all required permits, conforming with all applicable safety standards and conditions, and agrees to assume full responsibility for maintenance of the project after completion.

How do I receive the funds?

Grant funds are typically disbursed on a reimbursement basis and are issued after the project has been completed. You must pay your licensed contractor in full before you can receive your grant funds from SJCO.  To receive your check, you must submit all of the following:

• High resolution “after” photo

• Proof of payment in full to contractor - canceled check or invoice marked “paid in full”

• For DIY projects, submit all receipts for reimbursement of material costs

• W-9 Form (irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf) - use information for your desired payment recipient

SJCO will review these materials to ensure the work completed is the same as the work approved.   

If projects are not on track to be completed by April 30, 2025 the business or property owner must receive written consent from our Executive Director to extend their deadline. SJCO reserves the right to terminate the agreement if work is not completed by the deadline in order to ensure the funding is put to use in the community within the time frame of the grant cycle. 

Low-income applicants may apply for up-front funding

To reduce barriers to access, SJCO may disburse up to 50% of grant funds up front to the grant recipient or directly to the grant recipient’s contractor if the grant recipient has demonstrated financial need. SJCO will make this decision on a case-by-case basis. Once the project is completed, the same proof of completion as above will be required in order for the grant recipient to receive the remainder of the grant funds.

How are grant decisions made?

A committee of SJCO and Formula E Better Future Fund staff will meet on a monthly basis during the grant cycle to review applications and make grant decisions.

The grant cycle may have a rolling time frame. If SJCO chooses to adjust this process, we will publish the information publicly on the application on our website.

Timeline:

August, 2024

Applications open

August through Jan 31, 2025

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through the end of 2024.  Submit early for best consideration.  

Monthly through Jan 31, 2025

Applicants are notified of the status of their project application; letters of commitment are issued. If approved for up-front funding, initial payment is disbursed. 

April 30, 2025

Project must be completed and documentation submitted for reimbursement. Grant dollars will be reimbursed to applicants within three to four weeks of submission of their final report.

SJCO may promote an approved project including, but not limited to, displaying an SJCO sign at the site during and after construction and using photographs and descriptions of the project in SJCO’s marketing materials.

How do I apply? 

Click on the blue “Learn More and Apply” button at the bottom of this page. Make sure to completely fill out every question, and submit all additional materials as detailed on the application checklist.

To fill out the application on the computer, go to File, Make a Copy, save the document, and type your answers directly into the saved copy of this document.

You can also print the application and hand write your answers. If you would like a printed copy supplied to you, contact community@stjohnsopportunity.org.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.  The due date for applications is Jan 31, 2025 at 5:00pm. 

Submit by email (preferred): exec@stjohnsopportunity.org

Submit by mail (or email community@stjohnsopportunity.org to arrange paper application pick-up/drop off): 

St. Johns Center for Opportunity

8316 N. Lombard St. #370

Portland OR 97203

Have questions? 

Email exec@stjohnsopportunity.org.