Lane County, OR. — Seven local nonprofits and public organizations will receive grant funding through Lane County Community & Economic Development Program to support projects aimed at strengthening economic growth and workforce capacity throughout Lane County.
“At Lane County Community and Economic Development, we are focused on building opportunities that increase prosperity and improve lives,” said Samantha Roberts, a Community & Economic Development analyst for the county. “These grants support our communities to develop and implement impactful economic development programs and projects throughout Lane County.”
Grant applications were accepted in early October 2025, with eligibility open to cities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Lane County. Applicants could request between $5,000 and $30,000 to support initiatives focused on business attraction and expansion, small business assistance, Main Street development, entrepreneurship, and workforce training.
This year’s funded projects emphasize support for working families, rural and downtown investment, workforce development in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, and technical and financial assistance for businesses. Grant-funded services will reach communities across the county.
The seven grant recipients include:
Black Cultural Initiative – Funding will support financial literacy workshops, workforce and vocational training, and Black business incubation. The organization plans to serve up to 120 individuals with financial literacy training, 80 participants with workforce readiness services, and more than 50 businesses with technical assistance in 2026.
Catholic Community Services of Lane County – Grant funds will support the Refugee & Immigrant Services Program, expanding business technical assistance for immigrant-owned businesses and workforce training and job placement for limited-English-proficient workers in healthcare and manufacturing.
City of Creswell – The city will establish a façade improvement program within its 12-block downtown district to help property and business owners enhance storefronts and revitalize the downtown core.
Eugene Springfield NAACP – Funding will enhance the organization’s Healthcare Careers Pathways program, training 30 youth to earn medical certifications and participate in job shadowing and apprenticeship placements.
H.O.N.E.Y., Inc. – The grant will support free childcare services for approximately 200 working families while also helping improve wages for childcare workers.
Onward Eugene – Grant funds will help launch and scale the Lane Early Learning Registered Apprenticeship program, supporting at least 20 childcare apprentices with a focus on the Florence and Siuslaw region.
Viking Textile Maker Hub – The organization will train 36 unhoused or economically disadvantaged residents in industrial sewing, producing or repairing more than 570 items and expanding workforce opportunities in the region.
County officials said the grants are intended to strengthen local economies while addressing childcare access, workforce shortages, and small business development across Lane County.
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