The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) has three types of cultural grants available, with one being smaller and easier to access. These grants could be very helpful to many Washington County organizations.
Small Arts and Culture Grants
One-year grants of $1,000 to $5,000 will be available to arts and culture organizations with operating budgets under $100,000. Funds are being allocated to each of Oregon’s eight regions based on the number of arts organizations and population. The 2015 Request for Proposals (RFP) is now available. Please review the RFP for detailed information about timeline, eligibility, scope of proposals and application questions and procedures.
Community Grant Program
The deadlines for this program are January 15 and July 15. As a responsive arm of OCF, the Community Grant Program awards about 220-240 grants each year, mostly to small- and moderate-size nonprofits. The average grant is $20,000. OCF typically receives 300 to 350 proposals per grant cycle and funds 110 to 120 of these.
Creative Heights
OCF will provide grants to help arts and culture organizations take strategic risks in the creation and dissemination of their work in Oregon, provide unique opportunities for Oregonians to experience innovative arts and culture, and to increase Oregon’s cultural visibility and vitality. OCF will fund up to 25 projects with grants ranging from $10,000 to $125,000 per project. OCF is interested in reviewing proposals for a range of funding levels and timelines to best serve the needs of the particular project.
Nike Employee Grant Fund
Nike employees work with OCF to award at least $550,000 per year to nonprofits and schools in the Portland Metropolitan region and in Southwest Washington. Their collaboration with local organizations creates strong communities where physical activity, play and sports are a highly-valued part of everyday life. This might be applicable to some Washington County schools and organizations.