Oregon Cultural Trust Announces $1.47 Million in Grants

The Oregon Cultural Trust announces $1.47 million in FY2011 (July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011) grants to humanities, heritage and arts nonprofits across Oregon. Each year, the Trust distributes 42% of the prior fiscal year’s revenues; 58% remains in the endowment. In FY2010, Trust revenues totaled $3,781,396, an increase of 1.8% from FY2009’s $3,714,887. Although contributions increased six percent, from $3,493,004 to $3,702,885, current low interest income resulted in a 1% increase in grantmaking this year.

The Cultural Trust experienced a marked increase in the number of submissions for its competitive Cultural Developments: 212 compared to last year’s 163. The number of awards this year increased, from 48 to 57; of those, 13 (23%) are first time grants recipients. FY2011 grants range from $4,000 to $25,000, and represent direct cultural investments in nonprofits in 19 communities and 15 counties.

The Trust awards grants through three programs.

• Competitive Cultural Development grants of $489,691 to 57 cultural non-profits in 15 counties
• Cultural Participation grants totaling $489,691 to 40 county and tribal coalitions
• Cultural Partner grants totaling $489,691 to the Trust’s five statewide cultural partners: Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Humanities, and State Historic Preservation Office.

Competitive Cultural Development grants provide state recognition and support to significant cultural programs and projects, preserving and enhancing Oregon’s diverse arts, heritage and humanities programs. Fifty-seven of 212 eligible applicants received funding in the areas of Access, Capacity, Creativity or Preservation. Thirteen (23%) are first time grant recipients.