A Visit Bend Project

Bend Sustainability Fund

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The Bend Sustainability Fund

A Visit Bend project. Taking care of the places that take care of us by investing in what makes Bend such a special place.

Frequently Asked Questions

We invest in projects that create sustainable experiences in Bend’s community.

We are depending on our partners and local organizations to come to us with their big ideas. We look forward to funding projects that benefit all members of our visiting and local community that have a useful life of greater than 10 years and have a substantial use by visitors.

In 2022, we awarded $1,450,000 to nine projects, ranging from Deschutes River access points to the Warm Springs Commissary. Learn more about the projects we funded.

Since the inception of the Bend Sustainability Fund, $2,290,000 has been awarded to 17 projects.

Taking care of the places that take care of us is our top priority.

Bend’s outdoor and recreational resources provide endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits, and the number of people craving the pristine beauty of our forests, mountains and rivers is on the rise. And while 90% of Bend’s visitors include an outdoor experience in their visit, their time spent here is not limited to our wild places. They are also enjoying our vibrant downtown, urban parks and recreation, shops, restaurants and breweries. It is our responsibility to protect all these opportunities and ensure sustainable and lasting opportunities for all.

The Bend Sustainability Fund reinvests tax revenue generated by visitors into the places and spaces that are important to our community.

How To Apply

We are looking for Shovel Ready Projects, that, with our funding, can hit the ground running. All known barriers that would inhibit the start or completion of the project have been cleared.

We make grants to projects meeting the following criteria:

Will protect, steward or create a tourism-related facility with an impactful life of >10 years
Said facility will have a substantial use by visitors
Has a clear timeline and measurable outcomes within the next 12 months
Has grassroots, community support

The application period for 2022 is now closed. Submitted proposals are currently under review and funding decisions will be made, and funds distributed, in early October, 2022. If you have questions about your submitted application, please contact us.

Questions? We Have Answers