Learn which organizations came up with best ideas, as selected by the granting committee …
At last year’s Ramona Street Fair, folks came to learn more about the Lents area and eco-friendly ideas. East Portland News file photo
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
From among 33 applications for funding in the East Portland Neighborhood Office’s 2012 East Portland Neighborhood Small Grant Program, its governing committee selected sixteen programs when they met in December.
After evaluating the grant requests, the eight-member committee – composed of volunteer community members representing business, education, neighborhoods, and community organizations – selected these projects, programs, and events to be funded through its $37,000 budget.
After they planted seeds and grew crops at the Parkrose Heights Community Garden, participants gather for a harvest dinner in the fall of 2011. East Portland News file photo
The granted projects follow, by general neighborhood area:
Argay
In this northeast community, the Lao “Community Connection” received a grant for $1,500 to deliver a Portland Plan Workshop in English and Lao.
Centennial
To help finish a “Walking Trail” and engage neighbors at this Centennial School District school, just east of Parklane Park, Parklane Elementary Walking Trail project was awarded $2,000. Additionally $3,500 was granted in support of the 2012 Parklane Neighborhood Fair and Movie.
A Neighborhood Small Grant supported the 2011 Powellhurst-Gilbert National Night Out and Movie in the Park festival. East Portland News file photo
Glenfair
Once again, the annual Glenfair combined “Movie in the Park” and National Night Out party received a grant – this year, in the amount of $2,200.
Hazelwood
Three programs will take place in Hazelwood this year. A “Chess for Success” After-School Chess Club at Lincoln Park Elementary received a $3,500 grant; a special event to bring awareness to issues at East Holladay Park was awarded $901; and, because of the wide participation this event attracts, the return of the Gateway “Fun-O-Rama Parade” received approval for its $1,377 request.
Neighbors in Wauna Vista got a grant last year to help them host a neighborhood-wide National Night Out block party for the entire Centennial area. East Portland News file photo
Parkrose
Neighborhood leaders in Parkrose stepped up to partner with Comunidad Latina Aprendiendo to help them obtain a grant of $1,500 to host “Conexion Latina II”, intended to engage Hispanic speakers in classes that teach about Domestic Violence, DHS, and the Mexican Consulate.
Parkrose Heights
A $2,100 grant will helpthe Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors produce their 2012 National Night Out Party; and these neighbors will host a “Movie in the Park” at Knott Park, for which they received a $1,245 grant.
Powellhurst-Gilbert
The Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association’s 2012 National Night Out event received a $3,500 grant; and the committee again supported the East Portland Exposition with $3,500 in funding.
At an event to raise awareness for developing a new park in the Gateway area, the Hazelwood and Woodland Park Neighborhoods used grant funds to hold a public event at the site – the former “JJ North’s Restaurant” property ChaCha the Clown twists balloons for delighted kids. East Portland News file photo
Lents
With the help of grant funding, two events will return to the Lents Neighborhood: Lents Founders Day 2012: A Celebration of Community, which received a $3,500 grant; and the 2012 Ramona Street Fair’s request for $2,650 was approved as well.
Wilkes
To help with plans to expand the Wilkes Park “Movie in the Park”, there was a $2,500 allotment.
Woodland Park
And, to help keep the spotlight on the proposed park on NE Halsey Street, the Woodland Park Neighborhood folks received $1,473 in grant support for their “Movie & Community Fair at Gateway Park”.
Dedicating the school garden at Mill Park Elementary School in June – partially funded by this grant program, is the project coordinator, third-grade teacher Kelly Cutler, principal Rolando Florez and secretary Julie Reed. East Portland News file photo
Projects supported by the East Portland Neighborhood Small Grant Program, funded by the City of Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement, are “leveraged” by the grantees. This year, these granted projects are contributing a combined total of $135,840 in matching funds, in-kind donations and volunteerism.
For more information, See EPNO’s website: CLICK HERE, or call (503) 823-4550.
© 2012 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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