[Oregon Community Foundation](https://oregoncf.org)

September 30, 2026 | March 31, 2027

Up to $100,000 per project; grants may be used for planning or as match for other planning funds.

Supports local governments in Oregon's Border Region to plan projects that enhance education, workforce, and economic development.

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Mountain Time on the deadline date.

--- ## Description This grant program provides funding for community improvement planning projects that significantly impact education, workforce, and economic development capacity in Oregon's Border Region. The goal is to support local governments in planning efforts—such as master plans, feasibility studies, and infrastructure assessments—that increase regional prosperity, improve the property tax base, enhance competitiveness with Idaho, expand workforce skills and availability, and leverage outside funding. Priority is given to projects that can demonstrate substantial leverage of additional funds and clear alignment with the region's strategic priorities. --- ## Due Dates - September 30, 2026: Full application deadline (end of Aug 1 - Sep 30 application window; 5 p.m. Mountain Time) - March 31, 2027: Full application deadline (end of Feb 1 - Mar 31 application window; 5 p.m. Mountain Time) Applications are accepted during two windows each year: February 1 – March 31 and August 1 – September 30. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant: $100,000 per project. - Grants may be used for comprehensive planning, feasibility studies, preliminary engineering, or as matching funds for local, state, or federal planning projects. - Preference is given to projects that leverage the greatest amount of outside funding. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** Local governments located within Oregon’s Border Region (generally within 20 miles of the Oregon-Idaho border, including areas such as Ontario, Vale, Nyssa, and nearby communities). - **Eligible Activities:** Community improvement planning, including but not limited to master plans, transportation plans, airport or park planning, feasibility studies, and initial cost estimates. - **Ineligible Uses:** Debt service, expenses incurred prior to award (unless approved), employee salaries/payroll (unless approved), and projects involving cannabis/hemp (unless federal law allows). - Applicants can have only one open grant at a time under this program. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted online via the [MyOCF Grants Portal](https://ocf.iphiview.com/ocf/LogIn/tabid/444/Default.aspx). - **Preparation:** Preview application questions [here](https://oregoncf.org/assets/PDFs-and-Docs/PDFs/Grants/2023/EOBB-App-Questions.pdf). - **Documentation:** Required documents include project description, budget, proof of matching funds (if applicable), and, for organizations with a fiscal sponsor, formal documentation of that relationship. - **Deadline:** Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Mountain Time on the closing date of each window. - **Questions:** Submit questions in writing at least two weeks before the deadline to ensure a response. --- ## Additional Information - Preference is given to projects that leverage significant matching funds or outside resources. - Matching funds must be identified and available before the first draw of grant funds (no more than 45 days after award). - All applications are competitively scored based on alignment with program priorities and leverage of additional funding. - Only direct costs are eligible; indirect costs are not permitted. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application Portal](https://oregoncf.org/grants-and-scholarships/grants/eastern-oregon-border-board-community-improvement-planning-grant) - [Program Handbook (April 2025)](https://www.eoborderboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/EOBB-Handbook-April25.pdf) - [Preview Application Questions (PDF)](https://oregoncf.org/assets/PDFs-and-Docs/PDFs/Grants/2023/EOBB-App-Questions.pdf) - [Resource Page](https://oregoncf.org/grants-and-scholarships/grants-resources/eastern-oregon-border-board-resource-page) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact/Email | |------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Grant application/program questions | Emily Conlon, Board Coordinator:
[eoborderboard@gmail.com](mailto:eoborderboard@gmail.com) | | Technical/MyOCF portal questions | [grants@oregoncf.org](mailto:grants@oregoncf.org) | | Mailing Address (for correspondence) | Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Board
PO Box 218, Ontario, OR 97914 | ---

Eastern Oregon Border Board Community Improvement Planning Grant

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