Equity and Access Community Grant Program for Complimentary Venue Space
Overview
World Forestry Center is committed to practices and programs that elevate diverse voices, promote inclusivity, and improve equity, both within our organization and in our community. We hope this opportunity to extend complimentary venue space to nonprofit organizations will increase equitable access and grow new partnerships between community organizations and World Forestry Center.
For 60 years, World Forestry Center has worked at the intersection of people and forests. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and inspiring champions of sustainable forestry, we offer experiences that inspire people to value and support the economic, ecological, and social benefits of forests. While there are many organizations focused on forests, WFC is unique in that we are a social change organization engaging both public and professional audiences through a variety of programs.
Located in Washington Park, World Forestry Center’s banquet and meeting halls are tucked away in the forest, only 10 minutes from downtown. Our venues offer stunning wooden interiors, polished stone floors, and modern amenities to make events extraordinary in a natural and comfortable setting.
World Forestry Center’s Equity and Access Community Grant Program will award two grants in 2026, each for a complimentary event venue rental in Miller Hall, Cheatham Hall, Mt. Hood Room, or our Cheatham Hall/Plaza combination (up to a $4,750 value).
Grant applications will be accepted from January 15 – March 15, 2026 for events held in 2026 or 2027.
Winners will be announced April 3, 2026.
Though previous renters of our venues will not be disqualified, preference will be given to organizations who have not held events before on our campus.
2025 Grant Recipients
Loco Por LaAventura
Loco Por La Aventura is a non-profit organization with the mission to inspire educational equity and engagement in outdoor activities for the Latino community. They are committed to motivate, promote educational fairness, and encourage active participation in outdoor pursuits tailored specifically for the Latino community. Learn more at locoporlaaventura.com.
Portland Indigenous Marketplace
The Portland Indigenous Marketplace supports Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs by providing barrier-free, culturally respectful spaces that encourage cultural resilience and economic sustainability by promoting public education through cultural arts. Learn more at indigenousmarketplace.org/.
Past Recipients
2024: Northwest Native American Chamber and Business Diversity Institute
2023: Children’s HealingArt Program (CHAP) and College Possible
2022: Coalition of Communities of Color and Pacific Lamprey Conservation Initiative (PLCI)
A Complimentary Venue Grant covers the rental fee at World Forestry Center. It does not cover refundable damage deposits or after-hours security fees. Upon being awarded a grant, awardees are responsible for submitting a $500 good faith deposit within 15 business days of the award that will be retained if the event is canceled within 60 days of the event date. The deposit will be refunded after the event. Awardees are responsible for all insurance requirements and catering fees.