Council Awards $1 Million in Grants to Strengthen Community Programs
Published on August 06, 2026
At its Aug. 5 meeting, the Medford City Council approved $1,045,100 in grants to support a range of local programs that strengthen community well-being, enhance public spaces, and expand educational and cultural opportunities.
The funding comes from the Council Community Initiative Fund (CCIF), which is supported by local and state marijuana tax revenues.
In 2025, the Council awarded $611,750 in CCIF funding for projects including a K-9 Memorial in front of Medford Police Headquarters, a Community Art Contest for students, Rogue Rapids swim scholarships, support for a new shelter for SoHumane, and the inaugural Fourth of July event at Rogue X.
Since 2020, the Council has approved more than $6.2 million in CCIF grants to support impactful programs and organizations throughout Medford.
Funded 2026 projects include:
Downtown Medford Association – Downtown Revitalization ($160,000)
Funds will support downtown revitalization and storefront activation efforts.
Consumer Credit Counseling Services – Homeless Prevention ($150,000)
Funds will support homeless prevention credit counseling services.
The Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon – Scholarships ($100,000)
Funds will provide museum and preschool scholarships to support children and families.
City of Medford – Livability Court Pilot Project ($100,000)
Funds will support a pilot project to establish and operate a one-year Livability Court program.
Rogue Valley YMCA – Workforce Housing ($100,000)
Funds will support renovation of a YMCA-owned house to be used for temporary workforce housing and youth support.
City of Medford – July 4 Events ($80,000)
Funds will support 2026 and 2027 Fourth of July community celebrations.
City of Medford – Citywide Biannual Print Publication ($50,000)
Funds will support a citywide print publication to share community updates, programs, and services.
City of Medford – Community Event Sponsorships ($50,000)
Funds will support community events and activities throughout Medford.
Southern Oregon Humane Society – Community Pet Wellness Initiative ($50,000)
Funds will support programs that rescue at-risk animals and provide pet food and supplies to families in need.
City of Medford – Fire Station 16 Security Upgrades ($45,000)
Funds will support fencing and security improvements at Fire Station 16.
Golden Rule Reentry – COMPASS Program ($38,000)
Funds will support the COMPASS program, a system that helps coordinate services and track outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals.
City of Medford – Ordinance Compliance Grants ($30,000)
Funds will support grants for ordinance compliance improvements.
Rogue Rapids Swim Team – Scholarships ($25,000)
Funds will provide swim scholarships to help increase access to swim opportunities.
Rogue Valley YMCA – Water Safety Initiative ($10,000)
Funds will support water safety education and programming.
Calli Casa de Culturas – Día de los Muertos Event ($10,000)
Funds will support a free, community-wide Día de los Muertos celebration.
Teen Musical Theatre of Oregon – Scholarships ($10,000)
Funds will support scholarships for high school students from low-income households.
City of Medford – Community Art Contest ($10,000)
Funds will support and expand the Community Art Contest for Medford high school students.
City of Medford – Firefighter Memorial ($8,500)
Funds will support a permanent firefighter memorial at Fire Station 15, honoring Medford firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
City of Medford – Police Awards Display ($7,600)
Funds will support a display case in the Medford Police Department lobby featuring awards, certifications, and historic equipment.
Holly Theatre – Safety and Production Equipment Upgrades ($4,000)
Funds will support safety and production equipment improvements in the historic downtown theatre.
Spartan Boxing Club – Conditional Use Permit Assistance ($4,000)
Funds will support Conditional Use Permit assistance as the organization works to relocate to a safer facility.
City of Medford – Mayor and Council Community Impact Awards ($3,000)
Funds will support a formal recognition program to highlight positive community leadership and recognize local contributions.
In addition, beginning in 2024, the Council approved $300,000 per year for 20 years in CCIF funds to cover debt service for the new Fire Station 15, which is now in its final phase of construction.