Lincoln County has opened applications for its 2026-27 community and economic development grants and is offering more money than ever.
With a variety of conditions, applications are open from local governments and nonprofit organizations in Lincoln County. Applications are also accepted from public-private partnerships if the fiscal agent is a nonprofit or municipal organization.
To maximize applicants and project diversity, the county said an applicant can only be awarded a grant every other year. Nonprofit organizations that receive direct, budgeted funding from the county are not eligible.
This year, the total available for grants has increased from $185,000 to $250,000.
The $250,000 will be appropriated for up to three $50,000 grants awarded specifically to projects demonstrating high impact and need with the remaining money awarded to smaller community and economic development projects with a maximum of $15,000 each.
“We always look forward to partnering with Lincoln County on this annual grant program,” said Paul Schuytema, executive director of the Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County. “This program is a perfect example of keeping local dollars local and seeding truly innovative projects throughout the county.”
The alliance’s board will review applications and make recommendations to county commissioners, who make the final determination of awards.
The money comes from the Oregon Lottery based on the play of video lottery in the county.
Last year’s community and economic development grants were awarded to the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s Amazon exhibit, Agape Respite Center’s workforce project, Discover Your Northwest’s community partnership accelerator, the Oregon Coast Community College Foundation’s youth career program, Central Coast Chorale’s programming, City of Lincoln City’s brownfield program, and the Lincoln City Sunday Market.
Two $50,000 grants were awarded to Northwest Coastal Housing for the Olalla Meadows housing development in Toledo and Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln County for its Forest Lake Park affordable housing project.
The deadline for applications is noon, Dec. 1. To learn more about the program, go to the county’s grant webpage.
