Cultural Resources Economic Fund

We’re excited to unveil details to our Cultural Resources Economic Fund for 2025-2027! Since 2013, the Cultural Advocacy of Oregon (CACO) has lobbied the Oregon Legislature to fund capital construction projects all over the state. To date, the legislature has funded $38 million in more than 50 projects. And now it could be your turn!

Who is eligible: Arts & culture organizations with capital construction projects of $150,000 or more, occurring between July 1, 2025-June 30, 2027

Deadline for proposal: June 1, 2024 (Phase 1), August 1, 2024 (Phase 2)

Contact: Sue Hildick, Senior Advisor of CACO, 503-816-4701, info@oregonculture.org

Please read the CREF 2025-27 Guidance Document to find out if you are eligible to apply.

APPLY HERE

Important details:

- - - Preference is given to Oregon-based 501(c)3 cultural nonprofits that are Cultural Advocacy Coalition donors.
    - Capital projects align with the purpose of the Cultural Resources Economic Fund; support increased access to arts, heritage, or the humanities and produce a quantifiable economic impact; are expected to be completed by 2027; and have other sources of funding.
    - The selection committee considers projects across the state and from diverse artistic disciplines.
    - Organizations that have a commitment to championing equitable policies and practices that empower justice, inclusiveness, equity, and belonging have a better chance at selection.
    - If you have applied for funding before, you might be eligible again. Read the full information packet to learn more.
    - Watch here for more tips on making a strong proposal. Start by watching this FAQ video.
    - This is NOT a simple grant process. We do not pick winners and losers; we select projects that are best prepared to be completed successfully and represent Oregon broadly. If you are not selected, we encourage you to apply again as you gain more donations, grants, and support.

While CACO has a mandate to recommend a slate of CREF projects, we can make no guarantees of support or funding. CACO recommends a carefully considered slate of projects, which we all must then work diligently to encourage the legislature to fund. We have had years where funding levels have been cut arbitrarily, or sessions like 2023 when CACO’s CREF slate was seemingly forgotten in a chaotic end of session.