Portland Childrens Levy Funds Set to Be Disbursed After City Halted, Then Restored Grant Recommendations

The Portland City Council unanimously approved a $71 million funding package from the Portland Children’s Levy after initially rejecting it, providing essential support for youth mentorship programs like HOLLA. The Council's June decision to vote against the grants sparked significant backlash from nonprofits that felt blindsided by the abrupt change. Eric Knox, executive director of HOLLA, expressed gratitude for the Council's willingness to self-correct, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the reversal. The PCL has been a vital source of funding for vulnerable children in Portland for over two decades, with a focus on addressing racial disparities in childhood outcomes. Grants typically range from $75,000 to $850,000, with a competitive application process that saw 94 programs from 64 organizations recommended for funding.

The Council's shift highlights the ongoing struggle for BIPOC organizations to secure necessary financial support amid cuts from federal sources. Nike Greene, CEO of Triple Threat Mentoring, noted that the initial rejection was unexpected and raised concerns about systemic issues in the grant allocation process. This funding approval represents a critical lifeline for nonprofits navigating an increasingly challenging financial landscape.