Cultural Resources Economic Fund 2027-2029 Applications Due June 1
The Cultural Advocacy of Oregon (CACO) announces the launch of the Cultural Resources Economic Fund (CREF) for 2027-2029. Arts and culture organizations are invited to apply for funding of their capital construction projects. Since 2013, we have lobbied the Oregon Legislature to allocate funds for 66 projects, totaling $48 million.
Listen to Ginger Savage, chair of our CREF Committee, talk about the application process:
Eligibility and Deadlines:
Arts and culture organizations with capital construction projects of $150,000 or more, occurring between September 1, 2027, and June 30, 2029, are eligible to apply. Phase 1 proposals are due June 1, 2026. Phase 2 proposals are due on August 1, 2026.
Contact Information:
For more information, contact Sue Hildick at 503-816-4701 or info@oregonculture.org. View the CREF 27-29 Proposal Guidance Document for criteria and application information.
Important Details:
– Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established for at least five years and have site control of the property. Must have legal authority to improve subject property for at least five years.
– Must be a member of CACO. Applicants are encouraged to support CACO through a financial contribution at a level meaningful to your organization, as CREF is a significant part of CACO’s advocacy funding.
– Must propose a capital project aligned with the purpose of CREF that supports increased access to arts, heritage, or the humanities and produces a quantifiable economic impact.
– Must demonstrate an organizational commitment to equitable policies and practices that advance justice, inclusiveness, equity, and belonging.
– Must propose a project that can be completed within the designated period. Priority will be giving to shovel-ready projects.
– Must request no more than 50% of construction costs for capital budgets exceeding $150,000.
– Project budget can include limited administrative costs such as organization staffing/project management directly related to the capital construction project, but no more than 10% of the project budget.
– May include soft costs such as engineering if it is a part of a design-construction project that will end with a complete, constructed project. Lottery bond-funded projects cannot include design or planning projects only.
We have been endorsing statewide capital construction projects since 2013, and a total of $48,100,921 has been awarded for these projects from the Oregon Legislature. View the complete list.