Oregon Arts and Culture Recovery Program

OCF is currently evaluating the needs in the arts and culture sector and resources to provide further funding. We will announce any new opportunities widely when available.

In order to streamline the burden on organizations seeking support, OCF will share these applications with multiple funding partners and individuals. Some partners may choose to make awards directly to organizations due to programmatic or geographic interests, while others are pooling resources towards collective awards.

Because it is not possible to summarize the geographic and programmatic interests of all parties, please share your organization’s current needs broadly, with the widest possible audience in mind.

This program utilizes the same application portal as the Oregon Community Recovery Grant Program, so there is no need to apply again. Applications submitted before this program was launched will be re-directed to this new program. OCF will reach out with additional questions for your application as needed, including any updates you’d like to make.

Organizations or projects that are not 501(c)3 tax exempt entities may apply using a fiscal sponsor. Fiscal sponsors must certify that they will provide active oversight and take responsibility for the use of the funds as specified in the application. Applicants with a fiscal sponsor must upload documentation demonstrating approval from the fiscal sponsor in order to be eligible.

A sponsor organization can submit one application for their specific needs and still sponsor a separate application for an organization without 501(c)3 status. An organization may sponsor more than one application, particularly in rural regions. If you plan to sponsor more than one application, please notify us at grants@oregoncf.org.

Organizations can apply with an out-of-state fiscal sponsor as long as the services or programs in need of support primarily serve Oregon or Clark County, Washington.

Some partners have pooled resources together towards collective awards with specific priorities outlined below. These priorities will be addressed first, but all requests will be considered.

The first wave of collective awards will provide quick response grants for the period of April-June 2020, focused on:

• Immediate operating needs and losses related to COVID-19 (such as rent, utilities, payroll and benefits; loss of earned or contributed revenue; loss of in-kind, volunteer, or other support)
• Effective solutions in response to the COVID-19 challenges (such as strategies to share programming on digital platforms; unique adaptations to social distancing)

Preference for collective awards will be given to applicants that:

• Are led by and primarily serve disproportionately impacted communities; including communities of color, low-income, rural/geographically isolated, LGBTQ+, individuals with disabilities, refugees, immigrants, or other vulnerable or historically underserved populations
• Serve as a hub or facilitator for small organizations, unincorporated groups and individual artists
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of their situation and what resources are required for basic needs through June 2020

In order to reach as many communities and organizations as possible, the first wave of collective awards will give priority to requests under $5,000. Proposals requesting between $5,000 and $25,000 will be highly competitive, and awards over $25,000 will be rare. Additional funding partners may make awards from this group of applications using their own individual priorities. Organizations are encouraged to outline their total needs through June 2020, knowing that funds are limited and the needs are great.

Applying does not guarantee that your organization will receive funding. Available funds are limited and first consideration will be given to the priorities outlined above.

The program will be continuously re-evaluated for future capacity and priorities beyond June 2020. Applicants may submit only one application during the initial three months of the program (April-June 2020) and updates will be provided to applicants as available.

This program prioritizes organizations that support individual artists, but does not fund individual artists directly. OPB has created a helpful list of support options for artists and freelancers.

Arts and culture organizations based in or doing work in Oregon are eligible to apply. In addition, we will currently review applications from organizations in Clark County, WA.

We will review applications on an ongoing basis and make decisions and distributions based on availability of funds and the critical needs we identify.

Email us at grants@oregoncf.org and we will get back to you as soon as we are able.

OCF staff are working diligently to create responsive strategies in collaboration with stakeholders across Oregon. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to respond to all questions about funding or accept requests for individual meetings at this time. Please submit an application that best describes your current needs and OCF staff will reach out for more information as needed.