Space to Grow Fund
Building relationships with local communities to gather and grow using OCC's world-class event spaces.
Application Now Closed
The application for the 2025 cycle of the Space to Grow Fund is now closed. We received an overwhelming number of thoughtful, community-driven proposals, and we’re grateful for the passion and creativity shared by each applicant.
All applications have been reviewed, and applicants have been notified of their status.
We appreciate your commitment to creating inclusive, impactful events in our region. Please stay connected for future opportunities and reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
2025 Awards
Oregon Convention Center Awards $150,000 in Space to Grow funds to Seven Local Organizations.
Meet the seven Space to Grow recipients
About the program
The Oregon Convention Center is committed to making event spaces more accessible for historically underrepresented communities. Informed by community feedback and guided by OCC’s Racial Equity Action Plan and Metro’s Strategic Plan to Advance Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (SPAREDI), the Space to Grow Fund helps local organizers bring mission-driven events to life.
This program is more than just financial support – it’s an investment in events that directly benefit and uplift our region.
We prioritize events that:
- Are led by or actively supported by communities of color or other underrepresented groups
- Strengthen cultural and community assets
- Provide opportunities for cultural expression
- Increase community impact, collaboration, and growth
Through this initiative, we aim to:
- Expand the size, scope, and reach of regional cultural events
- Support local opportunities to convene, collaborate, and celebrate
- Drive community investment through education, leadership development, and fundraising
- Provide tools, resources, and assistance to ensure event success
If you’re planning an event that creates meaningful community impact, the Space to Grow Fund is here to help make that vision a reality.
Application Information
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Who can apply?
- Organizations located in and servicing Clackamas, Multnomah, and/or Washington County.
- Organizations demonstrating a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility through their programming, staffing and operations.
- 501(c)(3) non-profits.
- Individuals or groups supporting community-led initiatives without nonprofit status.
- Firm certified by the Oregon Certification Office of Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID): Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE), and Emerging Small Business (ESB).
- Events attracting over 200 attendees will be prioritized.
- An organization may submit multiple applications but is only eligible for one grant per cycle.
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Requirements
- Events contracted within the past 5 years are ineligible (March 3, 2025 and before).
- In-kind funding for OCC facility rental and services only, no cash awards.
- OCC will make every effort to accommodate preferred event date(s) and spaces. If your event has a firm date or preferred space, please email [email protected] to check availability.
- Ability to secure a certificate of insurance at a minimum $2 million comprehensive general liability insurance covering the event period through a company such as Gather Guard. (Estimated cost, $200.)
- Events attracting over 200 attendees will be prioritized in the evaluation process.
- Post-event reporting on impact.
- Campaign and proselytizing activities are not eligible.
Unity Conference 2024 -
Contracting and Agreements
- Application of awarded funds will be applied to the client’s invoice at the close of the event. Award recipients enter into a License Agreement with the OCC. Recipients must also comply with all applicable requirements and laws related to event operations, safety and security, food handling, and other obligations outlined in these agreements.
- OCC requires event hosts to secure a certificate of insurance at a minimum $2 million comprehensive general liability insurance covering the event period through a company such as Gather Guard (estimated cost $200).
My People's Market 2023 -
Application Instructions
Upcoming funding cycle instructions coming soon.
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Assistance and Resources
Preview Application
A preview of the application will be provided when the funding cycle is open.Event budget examples
Visit our Event Budget Examples page for three examples of event costs to help with your budget planning.Information Sessions
Virtual and in-person information sessions will be held ahead of the next cycle.Contact us for assistance
Please contact Space to Grow for assistance with your application.Need a vendor?
The Travel Portland service directory includes over 1,000 event-related vendors.
Planning Resources
Visit our Planning Resources page to download floor plans, pricing options, and service details tailored to your specific needs.
Event Services
Explore our Event Services page to explore OCC's full suite of exclusive and optional event solutions. From exceptional catering and strategic branding to utilities and security services, we provide everything needed to deliver a seamless, successful event.
Want to learn more?
Have a question?
For questions about the Space to Grow program or the application process, email [email protected].
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