Nonprofits, neighborhood associations among recipients
(Portland, OR) – Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) and PP&R’s Portland International Raceway (PIR), North Portland Neighborhood Services (NPNS), and Portland’s Office of Community & Civic Life have awarded North Portland Trust Fund Placemaking Grants to 14 local organizations.
Grant recipients include area nonprofits, neighborhood associations, and emerging grassroots organizations.
“This grant program is a great way to support the North Portland community. Parks has been proud to help local organizations with this program for over 30 years,” notes Portland Parks Commissioner Nick Fish. “Thanks to North Portland Neighborhood Services and Portland International Raceway for their ongoing partnership.”
When IndyCar racing returned to Portland in 2018, Grand Prix of Portland racing promoter Green Savoree Racing Promotions agreed to an annual contribution towards the fund.
Kevin Savoree, Co-Owner and President of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, says he is pleased the IndyCar race at PIR helps fund the grants.
“Supporting and positively impacting the communities where we hold races is always a core component,” said Savoree. “It is terrific that the Grand Prix of Portland is providing wide scale economic benefit to the greater Portland metro region. But, equally important to Green Savoree Racing Promotions is assisting the neighbors of closest proximity to PIR. Through the North Portland Trust Fund Grant Awards, an array of local community programs are benefiting from this great race weekend.”
City Council established the North Portland Trust Fund to help the City spread the economic benefits from events held at Portland International Raceway and to help PIR be a good neighbor.
Since its inception, the fund has paid out approximately $297,000 in grants of no more than $5000 each.
“Congratulations to all grant recipients,” says Portland Parks & Recreation Director Adena Long. “And thanks for all the work that they do to build a stronger community.”
The 2019 North Portland Trust Fund Placemaking Grant recipients are:
* Arbor Lodge/Kenton Neighborhood Emergency Team, working with Portland Bureau of Emergency Management – for a pilot program of emergency supplies ($1725)
* Blessed Temple Community Church and Peace Lutheran Church - for the North Portland Community Fair ($2000)
* Camp ELSO – for their Wayfinders science and education camps/activities – ($3500)
* Friends of Overlook House – for improved outreach and digital presence ($2500)
* Historic Kenton Firehouse Committee – to purchase tables for the facility ($1500)
* Janus Youth Program, Village Gardeners – for an outdoor kitchen gazebo and welcoming/shared meal space ($3500)
* Kenton Business Association and Venture Portland – for a new and expanded Kenton business district map ($1200)
* Kenton Farmer’s Market – a street painting project ($1650)
* Kenton Neighborhood Association (KNA) for a Kenton Rose Garden sign and bench ($4925)
* North Portland Tool Library – for addition funding for outreach and efforts ($500)
* Oregon Bravo Youth Orchestra – for community concerts and guest musicians ($3500)
* St Johns Center for Opportunity – in part to revitalize the food pantry, an Oregon Food Bank distribution partner ($4000)
* Vanport Placemarking – for signage and displays around the historic area ($1500)
* Ya Ya Resources – for sex trafficking awareness and education ($3000)
More information about the grants and recipients is available on the Office of Community & Civic Life’s website here.
For questions about the grants, contact
Mary Jaron Kelley, Associate Program Director / North Portland Neighborhood
Services with the Office of Community & Civic Life:
503-823-4099 (office)
503-823-8877 (cell)
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About PIR:
Portland International Raceway (PIR) plays host to a diverse array of events for participants and spectators of all ages, ranging from high speed road racing including the NTT IndyCar series, to motocross, drag racing, Cruise-ins to bicycle racing, and swap meets to walk/run events. Unique in that it receives zero tax dollars, the City of Portland’s park provides entertainment to approximately 400,000 visitors each year.
