Lane County announces 2026–2027 Community & Economic Development grant applications

Beginning August 19, Lane County will begin accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Community & Economic Development (CED) Grant Program. This competitive grant opportunity is designed to support high-impact projects or programs that increase wages or jobs, provide business assistance, support business innovation, and revitalize Main Streets, downtowns or commercial districts across Lane County.

To support applicants in creating strong proposals, Lane County will host a virtual informational webinar on Wednesday, August 26, at noon. Staff will explain the grant and answer questions from attendees. A recording of the presentation will be made available on the CED Grant website.

The CED Grant Program is soliciting applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations operating in Lane County and cities serving Lane County residents. There is $200,000 in funding available to provide grant awards between $5,000 and $30,000. Priority will be given to proposals that foster inclusive economic growth and align with the County's strategic development goals.

"The Community and Economic Development Grant is a helpful resource that we are proud to offer," said Jason Harris, Lane County's Community and Economic Development manager. "We are always so impressed with the ways our cities and community partners leverage these funds to increase prosperity and support our business community throughout the region."

Program objectives include:

• Increasing employment or wages in targeted sectors including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, food and beverage manufacturing, biosciences, technology, and childcare.
• Facilitating industry or business innovation, engagement or business development which may include supporting accelerators, incubators, or apprenticeship programs.
• Providing business technical assistance, training or support services to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses.
• Improving Lane County downtowns and Main Streets by revitalizing physical and visual assets to create a business-friendly environment.

Application Details and Timeline

• Applications will be available to download on Lane County's procurement site, Bid Locker, starting August 19, 2026.
• A virtual informational webinar will be presented Wednesday, August 26, at noon at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/CEDgrant.
• Submissions must be sent via email to [email protected].
• Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026.
• Only one application per organization will be accepted.
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications will be screened for completeness and then evaluated using four core criteria: economic development impact, outcomes and performance, program clarity, and budget and funding. Bonus evaluation points are given to programs or projects that address under-represented or underserved populations, add value to our economy, and for applicants who have not received CED grant funding previously.

Learn more by visiting www.LaneCountyOR.gov/CEDgrant or by contacting [email protected].

Las solicitudes y aplicaciones también están disponibles en Español.

About Lane County Community and Economic Development
Lane County Community and Economic Development is your Oregon Video Lottery dollars at work! Community and Economic Development programs support building vibrant communities by partnering with local business, supporting organizations, cities, special districts and economic development agencies to facilitate community development and create economic prosperity. This program fosters economic opportunity across Lane County with a specific focus on rural and unincorporated communities.