The Metro Council recently awarded 12 community organizations $700,000 in grants for projects designed to increase racial equity and climate resilience in greater Portland by connecting people of color to nature.
This round of Metro’s Nature in Neighborhoods grants include a project that bring together Indigenous students and teachers at the Sandy River, another that will provide year-round, culturally specific environmental science education, and a career mentorship program that offers youth with low incomes opportunities to learn about natural resource management as they restore local habitats.
The grants are funded by voters who approved the renewal of the parks and natural areas levy measure in November 2016. This year, Metro received 42 applications that requested funding for projects totaling $2.38 million. Racial equity criteria have guided the grant program since 2018.
The review committee included local experts in nature education, outdoor experiences, cultural programs, racial equity and related fields. The committee rewarded proposals that leveraged thoughtful, authentic partnerships and collaboration between organizations. Each awarded
For more information, please see the details here: https://www.oregonmetro.gov/
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