For business owners, non-profits, and individuals.
Grant
Opportunities
Apply for Grants
The Heppner Chamber of Commerce is partnered with several grant resources locally, regionally, and at state and federal levels. Most notably, we administer project management services for the Willow Creek Valley Economic Development Group (WCVEDG). WCVEDG distributes Columbia River Enterprise Zone (CREZ II) funding for a variety of economic development projects in our valley.
In addition, we partner with Reinventing Rural for entrepreneur workshops and grants, with local and state community foundations and recreation districts to support our annual events. Learn more below about how we can connect you to the resources you need to build your business, and your rural life in Heppner, OR.
WCVEDG service area includes Heppner and parts of Echo zip codes (97836, 97826 ONLY).
For all economic development requests in Ione (97843), please get in touch with ICABO at Stacie.Ekstrom@Wheatlandins.
For all economic development requests in Lexington (97839), please contact the Town of Lexington directly, at (541) 989-8515 or [email protected].
Business Enhancement Grant
Eligible Businesses (included but not limited to) :
- Retail/Service Storefronts
- Tourism projects which attract tourism expenditures from outside the region.
- Relocation of home-based businesses to a storefront location.
- Lodging
- Buildings having a significant impact on the retail community.
Examples of Qualifying Projects:
- Exterior Storefront Facade Improvements
- Landscape/Parking Improvements
- Signage
- Interior Leasehold and/or Building Improvements
- Business Equipment/Fixture Purchases (Capital Improvements)
- Real Property, not Personal Property
Application
The Business Enhancement Grant is open all year long. All business expansion/relocation projects must be completed within 365 days of the date the grant is awarded.
Community Enhancement Grant
The Community Enhancement Grant is also distributed by WCVEDG.
Willow Creek Valley Economic Development Group (WCVEDG) has been granted funds from the Columbia River Enterprise Zone Board (CREZ).
WCVEDG has decided to use some of the funding for community and public enhancement for South Morrow County.
Resources are provided to worthy projects and groups best fulfilling of our designated region.
Who Should Apply:
- Non-profit organizations
- Special districts
- Municipalities
Examples of Qualifying Projects:
- Recreational programs or projects that serve the public.
- Cultural activities
- Public beautification projects
- Existing program enhancement
- Capital improvements
Application
The Community Enhancement Grant is open from March 10, 2025 – April 18, 2025. Applications will be accepted no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, April 18 to [email protected].
Home Rehabilitation Grant
This program is sponsored by the Willow Creek Valley Economic Development Group (WCVEDG).
WCVEDG invites applications from property owners located in the WCVEDG Service Area (see map in application below).
This grant is for homeowners in the Willow Creek Valley service area interested in making major improvements to their properties.
Eligibility requirements and funding distribution details can be found in the application.
Eligible Improvement Projects:
- Home improvements to building structures
- HVAC
- Roofing
- Plumbing
- Electrical Systems
- Flooring
- Interior/Exterior Finishing
- Curb Appeal Landscaping
Application
Home Rehabilitation Grant is open all year long. Qualifying applicants must apply within 90 days of residential property purchase.
New construction
Grant
Eligibility Requirements (included but not limited to) :
- Construction of single-family and/or multi-family, stick-built dwellings.
- Eligible projects do not include placement or land development for manufactured dwellings.
- Can include curb appeal landscaping.
Application
The New Construction Grant application is available all year.
Demolition, abatement & utility grant
Grants to owners of residential property located within the limits of the incorporated South Morrow Communities, for the following purposes:
- Demolition, removal, and disposal of derelict structures and trailers.
- Abatement of environmental hazards (for example, asbestos) discovered during an inspection prior to demolition of a structure or prior to work beginning on a housing rehabilitation construction project.
- Extending existing public utilities such as municipal water, municipal sewer, and electrical lines to the property line of a new home site
Eligibility Requirements (included but not limited to) :
- Must put the newly vacant lot up for sale within 12 months at the current Real Market Value (RMV) for the land as determined by the Morrow County Assessor.
- OR begin construction of a new single or multi-family (zoning permitting) housing unit on the now vacant lot.
- Grant recipients will be responsible for obtaining bids for their specific project from qualified licensed contractors.
Application
The Demolition, Abatement & Utility application is available all year.
More Grant Opportunities
In partnership with Howard & Beth Bryant Foundation (HBBF) and the Heppner Community Foundation (HCF), The Heppner Chamber of Commerce can help connect you with local, regional, state, and national resources to help your business or community program thrive.
Call us today if you have any questions about these opportunities.
List of Additional Opportunities
- ChangeX
- Cultural Trust Oregon
- Business Oregon Grants
- Ford Family Foundation
- Howard & Beth Bryant Foundation
- Inland Development Corporation (Windwave)
- Main Street America
- Morrow County Cultural Coalition
- Morrow County Unified Recreation District
- Oregon Community Foundation
- Pacific Power Foundation
- Reinventing Rural
- Roundhouse Foundation
- Tillamook Agricultural Advocacy Grant
- Wildhorse Foundation