Multnomah Athletic Foundation Grant

The Multnomah Athletic Foundation, located in Portland, Oregon, operates as a private grantmaking organization committed to supporting youth development through sports. With a mission centered on promoting confidence, character-building, and inclusivity, the foundation channels its efforts into funding programs that increase access to athletic opportunities for underserved and economically disadvantaged youth in the Portland metropolitan area, specifically targeting Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. The foundation's funding priorities are grounded in the belief that athletic participation contributes to the physical, emotional, and social development of youth, and its grant strategy is structured to enhance the capabilities of local nonprofit organizations that share this vision. The foundation awards unrestricted grants to nonprofits that align with its mission, marking a significant shift starting in 2024 to foster greater equity, transparency, and trust with grantees. This new approach reflects a broader philanthropic trend towards removing restrictions on funding usage, allowing organizations the flexibility to apply grants where they are most needed. The foundation seeks both established nonprofits and well-managed startups that demonstrate financial viability, a clear strategy for growth or impact, and a focus on serving youth who face barriers to athletic engagement. Organizations must operate within the tri-county region to be eligible. The foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its grantmaking and expects grantees to demonstrate outreach strategies that reflect the demographic diversity of the service area. Although unrestricted, the foundation does assess the alignment of an organization’s programming with athletic participation, particularly beginning in 2025 when the application will include a question on the percentage of work dedicated to athletics. This change is intended to provide nuanced insight into whether an organization is primarily sport-centric or includes athletics as part of a broader mission, without disqualifying applicants that are less sports-focused. For the 2026 cycle, the application portal opens on March 1, with a deadline for submission on June 1. The grant report portal follows the same schedule, and decisions are announced by September 21. Grant reports, which document the impact of funded programs on youth athletic participation, are required annually and must be submitted before an organization can reapply. The application and reporting processes are managed through the Kaleidoscope portal, where users must register and create login credentials. Drafts can be saved and returned to before final submission. If a submission contains an error, applicants can request the foundation reopen the portal for edits. Grants range from $7,500 to $10,000 and are awarded for a one-year period. Organizations are expected to align their funding requests with a sustainable fundraising strategy. Final decisions are made by the foundation's Board of Directors, which exercises discretion based on the specific circumstances of each applicant. Required documentation includes a budget and balance sheet for the most recently completed fiscal year, and if the organization’s mission is broader than athletics, a program-specific budget may also be requested. The foundation does not fund individuals, fiscally sponsored groups, political entities, PTA/PTO groups, debt reduction, or re-granting mechanisms. The foundation also offers optional grant Q&A sessions prior to submission. While not mandatory, these sessions are designed to enhance applicants' understanding of the foundation’s expectations and processes. Interested applicants can register in advance to receive a Zoom link. The foundation maintains a proactive communication style, offering applicants the chance to clarify or correct materials prior to review by the grant team, thereby improving the quality and competitiveness of each submission.