Lester Viles North Portland Project Association

We are excited to announce the recipients of our 2018 grant awards:

• Friends of Historic Overlook House located in the Overlook neighborhood will receive up to $3,600 for secured off-street bicycle parking. The Historic Overlook House is a community space providing neighborhood activities and rental space year around.
• St. Johns Museum located in the St. John neighborhood will receive up to $2,723 for their “Voices of St. Johns” project. They believe it is important to document the hardships, the struggles, the joy, the good, and the bad experiences of those who have lived in this area by connecting young and old community members through history.
• JD’s Shoe Repair located in the Arbor Lodge neighborhood will receive up to $3,500 to construct and install a large boot shaped weather vane beacon sign on their store rooftop. JD’s Shoe Repair is a long-time resident and local business that recently moved to N. Greeley to bring us their love for community and great craftsmanship.
• Pep Coworking Shop located in the Kenton neighborhood will receive up to $2,505 for office furniture improvements. Pep Coworking shop is an space for independents to work together, providing a professional work space for the freelance workforce.
• Disjecta Contemporary Art Center located in the Kenton neighborhood will receive up to $2,100 for their community courtyard park improvement project. They will improve and beautify the space with better lighting, an enclosed recycling area and new signage. Disjecta builds ambitious programs that promote artists and engage communities.

We will post project photos and recaps as they are available, so keep an eye on this section of our site to track the progress of these projects.

We received several grant requests, and while we were unable to fund all requests, we recognize the time and effort made to prepare and submit each proposal. Thank you for applying, and thank you for all you do to better our community.

We are excited to announce the recipients of our 2017 grant awards:

• St. Johns Center for Opportunity in St. Johns will receive up to $735 toward signage for the resource room. The resource room provides access to computers, meeting space and resources around job openings and affordable housing and more.
• Sweet Science Boxing Cooperative in Kenton will receive up to $2,300 toward interior improvements of new paint and lighting upgrades, boxing gear upgrades such as new bags, gloves and mitts and an equipment rack system to make the best use of space.
• Mama Sans Soul Shack in St. Johns will receive up to $3,325 toward planter boxes and benches, adding signage and improved lighting and building a bike rack for their patrons to use while visiting.
• Green Zebra in Kenton will receive up to $4,500 toward building and outdoor, covered area to be used as a seating area and community gathering space.

We’ll be posting project photos and recaps as they are available, so keep an eye on this section of our site to track the progress of these projects.

We received several grant requests, and while we were unable to fund all requests, we recognize the time and effort made to prepare and submit each proposal. Thank you for applying, and thank you for all you do to better our community.

Drumroll, please…

We are excited to announce the recipients of our 2016 grant awards:

• The Aspire Project in St. Johns will receive up to $800 toward the installation of security cameras in and near the entrances of its studio. The project will help to ensure the safety of its students, families, and staff.
• Inner Essence Healing Center in Arbor Lodge will receive up to $600 toward the purchase and installation of sidewalk planters for the front of the newly renovated Brandon building. The project will improve the overall appearance of the corner and attract attention, increasing visibility of nearby businesses.
• The Parkside Pub in Kenton will receive up to $5,140 toward the installation of awnings, a community board, planters, and a new marquee. The project aims to expand the Kenton Business District by increasing visibility one block west of Denver on Willis Blvd., a single block that is home to no less than ten businesses.
• Posies Bakery & Cafe in Kenton will receive up to $1,500 toward the installation of waterproof flooring and interior paint. The project will improve appearances and customer experience, and enhance staff and patron safety.
• Salvage Works in Kenton will receive up to $960 toward the installation of a bike rack to serve both staff and patrons. Secure bike parking will encourage bike commuting, improve the safety of personal property, encourage attendance of community events, and enhance the block’s overall appearance.

We’ll be posting project photos and recaps as they are available, so keep an eye on this section of our site to track the progress of these projects.

We received over $70,000 in grant requests, and while we were unable to fund all requests, we recognize the time and effort made to prepare and submit each proposal. Thank you for applying, and thank you for all you do to better our community.