Independent 501(c)(3) · founded 2001
Partnership AtlasAn independent 501(c)(3) and the leading philanthropic partner for Portland's parks — not a City agency. Runs grant programs for smaller friends groups, builds capital projects, convenes the parks ecosystem, gives volunteer and leadership awards, and stewards programs that strengthen the park system citywide. The FY2025–26 report names Everybody Plays at four parks, North Portland Fund, Barbara Walker Crossing, and Elk and Summit programs; its program descriptions are not independently verified here.
Built things in the parks — playgrounds, crossings, and capital improvements.
Everybody Plays — four parks named in PP&R’s FY2025–26 report: Rose City, George, Raymond, and Portland Heights. Earlier Atlas source listed three; this is campaign scope, not four verified completions.
Capital projects including the Barbara Walker Crossing footbridge over W Burnside at the Wildwood Trail (Forest Park) and the Thompson Elk Fountain restoration
Support flowing to community groups and the parks ecosystem.
Friends & Allies Summits — twice-yearly convenings of 200+ parks, nature, and community-serving groups
Parks Champion Awards ($1,500 to a community org per honoree) and the Joey Pope Award for Parks Leadership — recognizing volunteer stewards and emerging leaders
Funding distributed to local friends groups and partner organizations.
Small Grants Program — ~$50,000 to 25 local friends groups and partner organizations
North Portland Fund Community Grants — $70,000–$80,000 each cycle (program formerly administered by City of Portland Civic Life)
Place-based work. Much of PPF's impact — citywide grants, advocacy, and convening — isn't tied to a single park, so it lives in the sections above rather than on the map.
Intermediary for the Dawson Park water feature gift (with Legacy Emanuel).
Listed among Forest Park's stewardship partners.
Everybody Plays — new playground. Everybody Plays scope named in the FY2025–26 report.
Everybody Plays — new playground. Everybody Plays scope named in the FY2025–26 report.
Everybody Plays — new playground. Everybody Plays scope named in the FY2025–26 report.
Everybody Plays playground replacement scope named in the report; cost and completion status not supplied.
PPF convenes the broader network of community groups stewarding Portland's parks. Explore the full partnership ecosystem and find groups near you.