We were thrilled to see a sister charitable organization take flight in 2023.  The new entity, the Cultural Advocacy Coalition Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) eligible for tax-exempt contributions to advance public education and information around arts, culture, heritage, and the humanities. The foundation will secure and provide funding for CACO’s and the foundation’s non-lobbying programs.

CACO was originally incorporated as a 501(c)(4) because its purpose was to advocate for creation of the Oregon Cultural Trust. CACO’s mission and programs have grown far beyond directly lobbying to include education, research, networking, communication, arts infrastructure, and policy development.  All of these activities fall under the definitions of charitable and educational activities that fit within the definite of a 501(c)(3) and can be supported by a broader audience. Many similar state arts advocacy organizations have both a (c)3 and a (c)4 as supporting partners.

We expect our new organization to provide education and information to Oregonians including convening, networking, and information sharing. We expect the foundation to become a catalyst for a thriving artistic culture statewide.

Board of Directors:

Peter Bilotta, Chair

Dana Whitelaw, Vice Chair

Janet Plummer, Treasurer

Sue Hildick, Secretary

Jeff Hawthorne

Paul Cosgrove

Founding donors:

James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation

Ronald W. Naito MD Foundation

Tax-deductible donations can be sent to: 

Cultural Advocacy Coalition Foundation

P.O. Box 9160

Portland, Oregon 97207-9160