Climate Action Partner Grant Program

The Climate Action Partner Grant Program is here to support local organizations in Bend that are working to make a difference for our environment. This program offers funding to help groups take action on the goals in the City’s Community Climate Action Plan.

Bend looking northeast- Deschutes River in the foreground, Pilot Butte in the mid-ground. Parks, buildings, homes and streets.

Important Information

The application cycle for 2025 is now closed. The 2026 application cycle will open in the summer.

Purpose

The Climate Action Partner Grant Program supports projects that reduce pollution, protect our environment, and help Bend become more resilient to the effects of climate change. By partnering with local organizations, the City aims to strengthen our community and create a healthier future for everyone.

Through this program, local nonprofit groups and government entities can receive financial support for new or ongoing projects that align with the Community Climate Action Plan. Whether focused on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, cutting waste, or building climate resilience, these initiatives all contribute to a stronger, more prepared Bend.

CCAP Actions Eligible for Funding

To be funded, a project must directly support one or more of the specific actions listed below from the Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP). These actions are a subset of the full plan and are distinguished by their explicit emphasis on collaboration with community partners.

  • EB2A: Increase community education on energy efficiency topics and available incentives
  • EB2B: Develop and deliver targeted outreach and education to builders, developers, and contractors on high performance building topics and incentives
  • EB2C: Support and expand local workforce development programs in energy trades (i.e. renewable energy, electricity generation and distribution, energy efficiency, HVAC systems, etc.)
  • EB2D: Develop programs that encourage residents and businesses to pursue energy efficiency, electrification, and other emissions reductions upgrades
  • EB2F: Promote energy efficiency and load management through smart controls and demand response participation
  • EB3B: Support and expand low cost energy audit programs

  • T1A: Expand access to community-wide public EV charging
  • T1B: Expand access to multifamily EV charging
  • T1C: Expand workplace EV charging
  • T1D: Conduct outreach and education to promote EV adoption
  • T4A: Encourage carpooling to City and community events
    (T4B) Partner with large employers to promote carpooling and vanpooling for daily commutes

  • MW1B: Improve multifamily recycling by expanding and improving outreach and education at multifamily buildings
  • MW1C: Create a recycling and waste reduction program aimed at tourists, including hotels and resort communities
  • MW1D: Work with Deschutes County and waste haulers to reduce recycling contamination through targeted outreach and education
  • MW1E: Develop new programs to recover materials that make up the largest portion of the waste stream
  • MW3A: Increase participation in and access to food waste collection services, particularly in multifamily and commercial sectors
  • MW3B: Develop and deliver educational programs that teach and encourage residents to compost their food waste
  • MW4A: Expand and develop new programs that increase the recovery of construction and demolition (C&D) materials
  • MW4B: Encourage reuse of construction and demolition (C&D) materials
  • MW5A: Conduct outreach campaigns to promote waste prevention and reducing consumption by connecting residents and businesses to local resources, like repair cafes
  • MW5B: Implement industry-specific training programs to prevent waste, targeting sectors like building construction and food and restaurants
  • MW5C: Promote and support the use of reuseable serviceware in food services
  • MW5D: Promote reuse by supporting gearswap events, community garage sales, and neighborhood repair cafes
  • MW5F: Research models of and support the development off centralized materials exchange forums
  • MW6A: Conduct outreach campaigns that promote food waste prevention
  • MW7B: Conduct outreach campaigns that promote low-carbon food choices

  • ES3A: Increase community education about renewable energy and available incentives
  • ES3B: Develop and deliver educational programs targeted at builders, developers and contractors focused on renewable energy, energy storage, and available incentives
  • ES3C: Support and expand local workforce development programs in renewable energy trades
  • ES3D: Develop programs that encourage residents and businesses to pursue renewable energy and energy storage projects
  • ES4B: Support the development of local community solar projects that residents can subscribe to for access to offsite renewable energy

Examples of Projects That Can Get Funding

The program can help cover many different costs, including:

  • Staff time and expert help.
  • Program materials and translation services.
  • Supplies and equipment.
  • Costs for events, like renting a space or providing food.
  • Payments or thank-you gifts for participants.

Other costs might also be covered, depending on the project. The City will review and consider each request.

  • Community Outreach and Education

    These projects help people learn more about important topics like clean energy, energy use in buildings, transportation, and how we handle waste. This can include things like hosting events or workshops, running public awareness campaigns, creating printed materials or online content. Projects that are open and welcoming to everyone in the community will be given special attention.

  • Workforce Development

    These programs help people learn the skills they need for jobs in areas like clean energy, eco-friendly transportation, and reducing waste. This helps make sure our community has the workers it needs for a cleaner, healthier future. Examples include hands-on workshops, classes or technical training, creating guides or lesson plans.

  • General Programs or Technical Assistance Programs

    These are programs that give direct help to people, businesses, or groups so they can lower pollution or become more prepared for climate change. This category is flexible and can include many different ideas, such as free home energy check-ups, events that promote reusing materials, or tool lending libraries.

  • Planning and Early-Stage Projects

    These are smaller projects that focus on planning and figuring out if a bigger idea will work. This might include research and studies, creating detailed plans or designs.

Who Can Apply

To be considered for funding, your application must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a local nonprofit or government entity. If you plan to work with another group, like a private company, that’s okay—but you’ll need to clearly explain that in your application.
  • Your project must take place in Bend or directly benefit people who live in Bend. We want to make sure the support goes to programs that help our local community.
  • Your project must support at least one Community Climate Action Plan action listed under “CCAP Actions Eligible for Funding”. This helps make sure all funded projects are working toward a cleaner, healthier future for everyone.

How to Apply

The link for the 2026 Application will be available later in the year.

We’ve designed the application process to be simple and flexible, while still collecting the information needed to make fair and thoughtful funding decisions.

Grants are awarded once each year. After all applications are received, the Environment and Climate Committee—working closely with City staff—will review them and suggest how the funding should be awarded. The final decision will be made by the City Manager.

Here’s what the process looks like:

If your organization is eligible, you’ll fill out and submit the online application form. After you submit the form, you’ll receive instructions prompting you to send an encrypted email to climateaction@bendoregon.gov with your required supplemental documents.

City staff will review each application to make sure it meets the program’s requirements. Based on the evaluation criteria, staff may also suggest which projects they believe are strong candidates for funding.

The Environment and Climate Committee will look over all eligible applications. They may invite some applicants to share more about their projects at a public meeting. After that, the committee will recommend which projects should receive funding. All applications will be reviewed fairly and equally, following local, state, and federal laws.

The City Manager will consider the committee’s recommendations and make the final decision about which projects will receive funding.

If your project is selected, you’ll enter into an agreement with the City. You’ll have up to two years from the date of the agreement to complete your project. If you need more time, you can ask for an extension before the deadline.

Review Process

Once applications are confirmed to be eligible, City staff may review and score them based on the categories below. These scores help guide the Environment and Climate Committee as they discuss which projects to recommend for funding. The final decision will be made by the City Manager.

Here’s how your project will be evaluated:

  • Up to 42 points

    Project Impact

    This looks at how much your project will help reduce pollution and how it will benefit the Bend community. Reviewers will also consider how cost-effective your project is and how well it supports other City and community goals.

  • Up to 12 points

    Organizational Experience

    This considers your organization’s past experience with similar projects. Reviewers will look at your track record and how successful you’ve been in the past.

  • Up to 12 points

    Feasibility

    This focuses on whether your project plan and budget are realistic. Reviewers will check if your timeline and steps make sense and if the project can be carried out successfully.

  • Up to 12 points

    Connection to Climate Goals

    This measures how well your project supports the goals of the Community Climate Action Plan. The stronger the connection, the better your score.

  • Up to 22 points

    Equity and Accessibility

    This looks at how your project includes and supports people from underserved or underrepresented communities. Projects that are welcoming and inclusive will score higher in this area.

Informational Session Resources

The following resources are available from our recent Informational Session:

2025 Awardees

Our inaugural 2025 Climate Action Partner Grant Program supported incredible local organizations working to reduce emissions, build resilience, and strengthen our community. Explore the projects we funded and see what’s possible when Bend works together for climate action.

  • Commute Options: School Pool

    Commute Options is helping families in Bend La Pine Schools reduce single occupancy car trips through School Pool, a carpool matching program hosted on the Get There Oregon platform. The program makes it easier for parents and caregivers to coordinate shared trips to and from school, easing congestion around schools, cutting emissions, and supporting safer drop off zones. School Pool includes family and PTO incentives, outreach events, partnerships with Parent Teacher Organizations, and data tracking to measure vehicle trip reductions. By encouraging carpooling, the program advances CCAP strategies to reduce transportation emissions and promote low carbon travel options.

    “School Pool is about more than sharing rides, it’s about building connections between families while making school travel safer, simpler, and cleaner. This program shows how small, everyday choices can add up to meaningful climate action for Bend” – Brian Potwin, Commute Options Executive Director

    Visit Commute Options to learn more

  • Central Oregon Community College: POWER

    Central Oregon Community College is building clean energy workforce capacity through the POWER program by offering technical training for residential contractors and energy professionals. The program includes a stakeholder workshop and hands on training focused on energy efficient construction, HVAC and heat pump installation, and energy auditing. POWER helps fill workforce skill gaps, supports local businesses, and strengthens regional readiness for a clean energy transition. The project also advances CCAP actions around contractor education, high performance building techniques, and workforce development in energy trades. By expanding skills and supporting equitable access to training, POWER is helping build Bend’s clean energy future.

    “Through the POWER Project, the Center for Business is helping build and support the skilled and diverse workforce needed to advance City of Bend’s climate goals. We are connecting local contractors and technicians with skills-based training that supports energy efficiency, innovation, and long-term energy resilience as the region’s energy demand continues to grow.” – Amy Knudsen, Program Manager, COCC Center for Business

    Visit COCC to learn more

  • BendNEXT Foundation: Waste-Wise Events Initiative

    BendNEXT is transforming how community events are planned and operated through its Waste‑Wise Events Initiative, which models zero‑waste systems and equips organizers with tools to reduce event‑related waste. Their work includes piloting waste‑reduction practices at BendNEXT events; creating the Waste‑Wise Event Planning Guide; partnering with Republic Services, The Environmental Center, Visit Bend, and others; and engaging OSU‑Cascades students in hands‑on sustainability work. The initiative supports several CCAP goals related to waste prevention, composting education, reusable serviceware, food‑waste reduction, and sustainable transportation. By shifting event norms, Waste‑Wise Events is helping reduce emissions, build community skills, and model sustainable practices for residents and visitors.

    “We are so excited to partner with the City of Bend and the Climate Action Partner Grant program to outline and promote sustainable events for businesses throughout this community! Collaboration is key to amplifying the impact of sustainable initiatives. This waste wise resource for Chamber members and businesses throughout Bend represents partnership to impact real change and promote sustainable outcomes, together.” Chris Hart, BendNEXT Foundation Executive Director.

    Visit BendNEXT to learn more

  • High Desert Food and Farm Alliance: Grow & Give

    HDFFA is expanding its Grow & Give program, connecting local farms and community gardens with Bend area food pantries to rescue surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste. Through farm gleans, market rescues, and community donations, the program reduces emissions from food waste while increasing access to fresh, local produce for food insecure families.

    “Family Kitchen is a free meal site that serves our community nutritious lunches & dinners, 8 times a week. Servings per meal number 250 – 450; about 10,000 meals every month. The cost of food is our biggest expense, so donated food, like that from Grow & Give, makes a huge difference.

    Learn more about Grow & Give here

  • The Environmental Center: Reuse Bend

    The Environmental Center is expanding its Reuse Bend to help food service businesses transition away from single‑use items. New components include commercial composting outreach, early exploration of a citywide reusable cup network, and a culture‑shift campaign to promote everyday reuse. These efforts reduce visible waste, lower emissions, and help shape a more sustainable visitor and resident experience throughout Bend.

     

    Visit the Rethink Waste Program to learn more

  • The Environmental Center: Electrification Access & Education Zero-Interest Loan Program

    To make clean energy upgrades more accessible for low and moderate income households, The Environmental Center is developing a zero interest revolving loan fund paired with bilingual outreach and group buy campaigns. This program will expand access to energy assessments, heat pumps, solar, EVs, and other home efficiency improvements, helping eliminate cost and knowledge barriers to clean energy adoption.

     

    Visit The Environmental Center to learn more

  • Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity: Climate Resilience Clean Air & Cooling Upgrades

    Habitat for Humanity is launching a climate‑resilience effort that provides heat‑pump cooling systems and Healthy Homes Assessments to income‑qualified households. These upgrades will help families stay safe during extreme heat and wildfire smoke events while improving long‑term energy efficiency. The project delivers meaningful, immediate health benefits while supporting an equitable clean‑energy transition.

    “When it’s smoky and hot, a lot of families are stuck choosing between two bad options – keep the windows closed and the house gets unbearably hot, or open them and let the smoke in. We’re trying to make sure people don’t have to make that choice.” – Scott Nordquist, VP of Resource Development, Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity

    Learn more about Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity

Frequently Asked Questions

This grant program offers funding to local nonprofit groups and government entities for projects that support the City of Bend’s Community Climate Action Plan. The goal is to help reduce pollution and make our community stronger and more prepared for the effects of climate change—through projects led by the people who live and work here. View our Program Overview document to learn more. 

You can apply if you are:

  • A nonprofit organization.
  • A government entity.

Your project must take place in Bend or directly benefit people who live in Bend.

Your project must support specific actions from the Community Climate Action Plan. Here are some examples:

  • Community Outreach and Education: Events, workshops, campaigns, or media that help people learn about climate action.
  • Workforce Development: Programs that teach skills for clean energy, eco-friendly transportation, or waste reduction.
  • General Programs or Technical Assistance Programs: Things like home energy check-ups or tool lending libraries.
  • Program Scoping and Planning: Early-stage work like research or design to prepare for a future project.

  • You can request any amount, but you must include a clear budget and explain why you need that amount.
  • You might receive full or partial funding. If your project can be adjusted to fit a smaller budget, be sure to say so.
  • A total of $150,000 is available for the first year. Future funding may change based on how the program goes and what the community needs.

  • Application Period: July 21 – September 21, 2025.
  • Deadline:
    • The online application form must be submitted by 5:00 PM (PST) on September 21, 2025
    • All required supplemental documents—such as your W-9 and, if applicable, a budget breakdown—must be submitted by 11:59 PM (PST) on September 21, 2025. After submitting your application, you will receive an encrypted confirmation email from the City of Bend Environment and Climate Team. To complete your application, reply to that email with your documents attached. If you prefer not to email over this information, you may instead drop off your documents in person.
      • In-person drop-offs must be made by 5:00 PM (PST) on September 21, 2025, at the City Manager’s Office, City Hall, 2nd Floor (710 NW Wall Street). The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PST).
      • Important: Regardless of how you choose to submit your supplemental documents, please reply to the confirmation email to let us know which method you used.
  • Award Announcements: October 23, 2025.

Applications will be reviewed based on the following:

Category What Reviewers Look For Points
Project Impact How well the project reduces pollution and benefits the community. 42
Organizational Experience Your group’s past success with similar projects. 12
Feasibility Whether your plan and budget are realistic and doable. 12
Connection to Climate Goals How well your project supports the Community Climate Action Plan. 12
Equity and Accessibility How your project includes and supports underserved or underrepresented groups. 22

Fill out the online application below, then follow the instructions that appear on the screen after submission to provide your required supplemental documents:

Join one of our virtual info sessions to get your questions answered:

  • First Session:
    •  Monday, July 28, 2025
    • ⏰ 3:00–4:00 PM (PST)
    • Register here
  • Second Session:
    •  Tuesday, August 26, 2025
    • ⏰ 10:00–11:00 AM (PST)
    • Register here

You can find the full list of eligible actions in the program overview on the page above or listed in our Program Overview. These actions fall into four main areas:

  • Energy Supply
  • Energy Use in Buildings
  • Transportation
  • Materials and Waste

Yes. Applications may be shared with the public under Oregon law. If your application includes private or sensitive information, clearly mark those sections as “Proprietary” on the online application.

The Climate Action Partner Grant Program is funded by the City of Bend. 

Yes.

Yes

Yes. The grant program is designed to be flexible, and partial awards are possible. As part of the application, you’ll be asked whether your project can be scaled or adjusted if only partial funding is awarded. This helps the City understand how your project could still deliver meaningful impact, even with a smaller award. It also ensures that funding decisions can support a diverse range of projects, while staying aligned with the program’s goals.

Yes. As part of the application, we ask applicants to identify at least three (3) measurable goals to assess your project’s impact and outcomes. Examples: number of community members engaged, amount of waste diverted, energy saved, trees planted, workshops conducted.

These performance measures will help track your progress toward project completion. You will be asked to report on these metrics during each reimbursement period and at project closeout. When submitting for reimbursement, you must include details on how funds were used and how the project is performing relative to the goals identified in your application. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all reporting framework, this approach is designed to be flexible and accessible. We recognize that projects will vary widely in scope and focus, so we ask you to define success in a way that’s meaningful and relevant to your work. This ensures that reporting is both applicable and useful—for you and for the City.

Reach out to our Environment and Climate program at climateaction@bendoregon.gov if you have questions or need help with your application.

Members of the Environment and Climate Committee must step back from any discussions or decisions about funding if they, or their family members, are connected to the organization or project being considered. This includes situations where they work for the organization or could benefit financially from the project.

Any documents you send to the City might be shared with the public. Your application will be reviewed by the City’s Environment and Climate Committee and posted on the committee’s webpage.

If your application includes information that you believe should stay private, you must clearly mark those sections as “Proprietary.” The City will review those sections and decide if they can be kept confidential under Oregon’s public records law. The City will do its best to protect any information that is properly marked.

Your application should clearly and simply explain:

What your project is about.
How the funding will help you carry out one more of the specific actions listed above from the Community Climate Action Plan.
How your project will help reduce pollution or make Bend more prepared for climate change.
How your project meets the goals and rules of this program.
How much money you’re asking for and a basic budget showing how the funds will be used.

Contacts