Early Childcare Affordability Grant Program

Applications now open for the 2025-2026 fiscal year! The purpose of this program is to increase affordability and access to quality childcare providers to attract and retain a local workforce through enhanced quality of life and support economic development in Ashland.

Full details and grant requirements (PDF)
Grant Application Submission deadline: June 26, 11:59 p.m. 

• Sliding Scale Scholarships
• Infrastructure investment
• Staffing Support, Special Needs Integrated Programming, and/or Behavioral Support.

Eligibility:

• Have an active childcare license IN GOOD STANDING with the Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) of the State of Oregon’s Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).
• Be a legal entity currently registered to do business in the State of Oregon.
• Be located within Ashland City limits and provide programming within the City of Ashland.
• Carry liability insurance as follows:
  • Commercial General Liability, Amount $2M Per Occurrence $2M / Aggregate $3M with the City listed as additional insured, and
  • For those transporting children: Commercial Auto Liability, Amount $2M Per Occurrence.
  • Sexual Abuse/Molestation Liability Insurance, Amount $1M Per Occurrence / Aggregate $2M.
    • Providers who do not have the required levels of insurance can submit a letter from their insurance agent or provider stating that, if awarded the grant, the provider will obtain the necessary insurance levels before receiving the grant funds.
• Preference will be given to programs striving to provide full-time, 5-day-a-week care and those serving infants and/or toddlers.
• Providers awarded the grant will be required to provide Abuse Prevention Training for all childcare provider staff. If the provider does not already have training in place, the City will provide a reference to an approved training course.

In August 2023, the Ashland City Council adopted the Early Childcare Affordability Grant Program and authorized City staff to begin implementation. The City launched the grant pilot program in September 2023. After a successful first year, the grant program expanded to allow local childcare and early learning providers to seek funding for:

Please email the City Manager's Office with any comments or questions.

Event Partnership Grant Program

Thank you for your interest in our Event Partnership Grant Program! This grant program supports events that boost overnight travelers, increase spending at local businesses, and promote Ashland as a premier tourist destination.

The City has extended our grant funds this fiscal year! We have been able to fund 33 unique events that are expected to bring in +7,000 visitors. Our grant application will open back up July 2026 - so please stay tuned for more opportunities.

The City of Ashland collects a Transient Occupancy Tax from people who stay in overnight lodging within city limits. We use a portion of those funds to promote tourism in Ashland through our Event Partnership Grant Program. The purpose of this program is to encourage events that boost overnight travelers, increase spending at local businesses, and promote Ashland as a premier tourist destination. 

Events with 300 or more attendees are eligible for up to $5,000 per event with a maximum of $15,000 per event series. Events with less than 300 attendees are eligible for up to $2,500 per event. Not all applicants will receive the maximum amount of funding. These grants are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, and distributed until funds are exhausted.

To be eligible, the event must:

• Have more than 100 attendees.
• Attract attendees who live more than 50 miles away and/or will stay in overnight lodging.
• Be advertised to the public.
• (If 300+ attendees), submit grant application at least 90 days in advance.
• (If less than 300 attendees), submit grant application at least 30 days in advance.

Grant recipients will be required to:

• Sign a grant agreement.
• List the City of Ashland as an event sponsor.
• Submit a post-event report.
• If the event is cancelled or not all grant funds are used, inform the City and return remaining funds.

Questions? Call the City Manager's Office at 541-552-2103.

Portable Business Sign Pilot Program

Would you like to have a portable business sign (sandwich board, pedestal sign, etc.) in front of your business? The City has launched a pilot program to temporarily allow portable business signs in the public right-of-way!

To be eligible, your business must be in a commercial zone or have a conditional use permit for operation in a residential zone (that is not a Travelers Accommodation). The program will run from December 1, 2024 - August 31, 2026. During the duration of the pilot, staff will evaluate the program and make a recommendation to City Council to amend code language to permanently allow portable signs, extend the pilot, or return to prior enforcement practices based on the pilot's findings.

To participate in the program, please fill out this online form. Take a look at the program's specifications (PDF) to preview what types of signs are allowed - and where!

Questions? Call the City Manager's Office at 541-552-2103.

Thank you to all the businesses that provided feedback for this program!