Oregon City opens second round of event grant applications

Oregon City is accepting applications for the next round of city-sponsored public event grants.

These grants are funded through lodging tax receipts and are part of the city’s strategy to increase visitation to the community. Events must be open to the public, with the goal of attracting 1,000 to 5,000 visitors from across the region.

“The city’s financial support is meant to foster a growing, stable and viable ongoing public event that can demonstrate public support and demand. This in turn helps bring new dollars to our community and enhances the quality of life for residents,” said Oregon City Economic Development Manager James Graham in a press release.

Both nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses can be eligible to receive grants, however the latter are not permitted to charge an admission fee while receiving grant funding. Representatives from any organization receiving grant funding must demonstrate how visitor attendance count will be verified and also demonstrate the event’s financial performance.

“Because these grants are coming from tax dollars, ensuring transparency through the entire process, from awarding the grants to measuring the results, is the top priority,” said Graham.

Applications are due Oct. 23. Review of the applications by the City Commission is scheduled for early November, with funding happening shortly after.

More information regarding the grants, including guidelines and the application, can be found on the city’s tourism website at www.traveloregoncity.com/cspep.