How to Apply

All of Oregon’s qualified cultural nonprofits are eligible to apply for one or more of the Cultural Trust’s regional or statewide grant programs. Watch a short video to learn more!

Cultural Development Program

Please review the comprehensive program guidelines posted below.

Cultural Development Program applications are reviewed and scored by individuals chosen for their diverse cultural expertise and geographic, ethnic and gender diversity. Please use this PANEL INTEREST FORM to nominate yourself or another individual to serve as a Cultural Trust grant review panelist.

The FY2025 application cycle will open in early 2024, with applications due by 5 pm Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Funding decisions will be made at the summer 2024 Cultural Trust Board of Directors meeting.

Interested in learning more about the Cultural Development grant program? Register for a free, virtual webinar scheduled for April 10, 2024, from 4-5 pm. REGISTER HERE.

Cultural Development Grant Resources from 2023 (updates coming in early 2024):

Cultural Development grants support projects taking place between September 1 – August 31. First time grant seekers interested in applying for Cultural Trust grants are encouraged to schedule a 30 minute phone consultation with Trust Manager Aili Schreiner (aili.schreiner@biz.oregon.gov) or (503) 428-0963.

Program awards are made in four categories and are intended to fund arts, heritage, history, preservation and humanities programs. Cultural Development Grants are for project activities that:

  • protect and stabilize Oregon’s cultural resources;
  • expand public awareness of, access to and participation in quality cultural experiences in Oregon;
  • ensure that Oregon cultural resources are strong and dynamic contributors to Oregon’s communities and quality of life; and
  • build an understanding of the value and impact of culture to Oregonians.

The four program categories are:

  • Access: Make culture broadly available to Oregonians;
  • Preservation: Invest in Oregon’s cultural heritage by recovering, preserving and sharing historic assets and achievements;
  • Creativity: Create and/or present cultural or scholarly work; Support the development of artists, cultural experts, or scholars who promote culture as a core part of vibrant communities; and
  • Capacity: Strengthen cultural organizations to increase stability, improve sustainability, or measure/share cultural impacts.

Application Assessment Rubrics

The following rubrics shall accompany the Cultural Development program guidelines. Applicants are advised to use the descriptive qualities in crafting an application. Panelists are advised to use the same descriptive qualities to assign a score for each application section:

The Trust’s two non-competitive grant programs fund the Trust’s five statewide Cultural Partners and 45 County and Tribal Cultural Coalitions.

Have questions? Contact Aili Schreiner at aili.schreiner@biz.oregon.gov or 503.428.0963. You may schedule a 30 minute consultation and/or submit draft applications for feedback if received prior to April 19, 2024.

Organizational & Professional Development Grants 

The Organizational & Professional Development Grant Program is a capacity building opportunity available to cultural nonprofits in Oregon, as well as Cultural Trust County and Tribal Cultural Coalitions. Applying organizations must have an annual operating budget of under $1 million to be eligible to apply.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Reviews for funding consideration takes place quarterly to support activities between September 15, 2023 – July 30, 2024:

  • Fall cycle applications: submit in September, 2023
  • Winter cycle applications: submit in January, 2024
  • Spring cycle applications: submit in April, 2024
  • Summer cycle applications: submit in June, 2024

Funded by the Cultural Trust’s Statewide Cultural Partners, this grant program will support activities beginning anytime after September 15, 2023 and completed by July 30, 2024. This program has two categories:
Organizational Development – maximum request $2,000
Professional Development – maximum request $750

Have questions? Contact Aili Schreiner at aili.schreiner@biz.oregon.gov or 503.428.0963.

Cultural Coalition Grants

FY2024 Cultural Coalition Grants were awarded in September, 2023.

Cultural Coalitions may now submit their FY2024 Contact Form to cultural.trust@biz.oregon.gov. Please include as attachments:

  • Updated Board Roster: Include names and contact information
  • Grant Guidelines & Application: Have you updated your grant guidelines or application since last year? If yes, please attach your new versions (PDF format)
  • Cultural Plan: Have you updated your Cultural Plan? If yes, please attach your updated plan (PDF format). For tribal coalitions, your Cultural Resource Department Plan can be submitted instead.

Questions? Please contact Kat.Bell@biz.oregon.gov or (503) 986-0082 or Aili.Schreiner@biz.oregon.gov or (503) 428-0963.

Cultural Participation Final Grant Reports

Final grant reports for FY2023 Cultural Participation grants for County and Tribal Coalitions must be submitted by February 1, 2024. The final report form is a fillable PDF.

Please submit your completed form and send to: cultural.trust@biz.oregon.gov. Questions? Call us at (503) 428-0963.

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 Online Application

Grant Portal Login:  FY2024 Cultural Development Application

NOTE: The Cultural Trust highly recommends starting and completing your application in one session. Please have ready all application content and materials prior to starting your application. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.

 

“We have been long time supporters and strong believers in what you do. Please accept our donation and do what you can to create culture in Oregon.”

Alison Ebbot and Bill Hason, Hillsboro