The Oregon Cultural Trust has announced $4.5 million in awards, its largest distribution to date, reaching more than 450 cultural nonprofits in every corner of the state.
Read the full story in Oregon ArtsWatch
By the numbers:
– $2,250,846 in Cultural Development Grants to 104 organizations ($5,000 to $40,000 each)
– $1,125,423 to County and Tribal cultural coalitions, distributed per capita across all 36 counties and Oregon’s federally recognized Tribes
– $1,125,423 to five statewide cultural partners
– Contributions from more than 10,000 Oregonians to make it possible
– 49% of eligible applicants receiving 75 to 100% of what they requested
What’s at stake
Every dollar of that $4.5 million traces back to the Cultural Tax Credit, the match Oregonians claim when they give to a qualified cultural nonprofit and give an equal amount to the Oregon Cultural Trust. That credit has never been adjusted for inflation since its creation, and it must be renewed by the legislature in 2027.
The gap in the last statistic above, the fact that roughly half of eligible applicants still received less than three-quarters of what they asked for, is exactly what raising the caps is meant to close. We are working with Rep. Rob Nosse (D-Portland) on legislation to renew the credit and raise the caps, currently $500 for single filers, $1,000 for joint filers, and $2,500 for corporations.
Two things you can do:
– Give before December 31. Match your gift to a qualified cultural nonprofit with a gift to the Oregon Cultural Trust and claim the full credit on your Oregon return.
– Contact your legislator. Let them know you support renewing the Cultural Tax Credit and raising the caps.
Thank you for your support!