Oct. 12 marked the 20th anniversary of the Oregon Cultural Trust, which announced a record-breaking $3,254,441 in grant awards to 140 cultural organizations statewide.
The Cultural Trust is a statewide program run that gives a dollar-for-dollar tax credit based on donations to one of over 1,400 nonprofits. Oregonians donated a record $5.2 million in 2020, bringing the cumulative total in grants over the last 20 years to over $36 million.
The awards for 2022 include $813, 610 to the Cultural Trust’s five statewide partners — the Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Humanities, Oregon Historical Society, and the State Historic Preservation Office.
They also include donations of $813,610 to 45 County and Tribal Coalitions who award an average of 450 extra awards in their communities, alongside $1,627,220 in competitive Cultural Development Program awards to 90 cultural organizations across the state.
“Thanks to the Oregonians who participate in the cultural tax credit we have raised more than $74 million in support of culture statewide,” said Niki Price, Chair of the Cultural Trust Board. “It is gratifying to announce our largest pool of grants ever as we celebrate this important milestone.”
One local group that was awarded grants is Corvallis’ Willamette Community and Grange Hall Historic Building Foundation, which are intended to be used for strengthening wall supports and replacing damaged roofing trusses. In addition, the Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center received $5,040 to support the implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan, foster development in staff and board expertise, and refine the center’s diversified hybrid programming. The Mittleman Jewish Community Center, located in Portland, also received $5,000 to support access to Israeli films for people in Benton County, among other neighboring counties.
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