Landmark Funding Infuses $21 Million In Oregon Arts and Culture

‘Love Letter’ Delivers Funds to 315 Nonprofits Over Three Years

Very big theaters in Ashland and Portland and the Very Little Theatre in Eugene saw their curtains rise again following an infusion of funds from Oregon Community Foundation that strengthens arts and culture nonprofits around the state.

Every discipline of the arts is benefiting from $21 million in grants from OCF’s Arts and Culture Rebuilding Program, which is supporting 315 organizations over three years. This is OCF’s contribution to what has become a $53 million partnership with Oregon state lawmakers and the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, dubbed a “love letter” to an arts and culture sector battered by the pandemic and struggling to emerge from.

OCF originally allocated $20 million. Generous OCF donors contributed another $1 million.

“When Oregon’s arts and culture leaders asked us to go beyond keeping the lights on, we listened,” said Lisa Mensah, OCF President and CEO. “We said ‘yes’ to going big, and they responded with vision, creativity and determination. We called this investment a ‘love letter’ to express our appreciation for how they help communities thrive. We’re proud to stand with our arts and culture partners every step of the way.”

The plan provided immediate relief to major arts organizations, including the High Desert Museum, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Oregon Symphony, Portland Art Museum, Portland Center Stage and Portland Opera. 

OCF launched the Oregon Arts and Culture Rebuilding Program in June 2024 to provide flexible funding for organizations of all sizes. In their applications, nonprofit leaders highlighted the role of arts and culture in community and workforce development, cultural preservation, individual well-being and local economies. Many organizations focused on new artistic work, accessibility and low-cost programming. 

The Arts and Culture Rebuilding Program played a critical role in Oregon Ballet Theatre’s strategic recovery plan, . 

“These funds continue to help OBT not only address some of the short-term financial deficits left from the pandemic but also give shape to a new vision for the future of OBT and the critical role we play in the state of Oregon,” said Shane Jewell, Executive Director of Oregon Ballet Theatre. “When we look back at how arts organizations managed their post-pandemic recovery, the gift from OCF, combined with the Miller Foundation and the state, will stand out as a turning point.” 

Museum at Warm Springs, photo by Carlos Reynoso

Organizations seeking support ranged from large urban ones to small, rural and culturally specific nonprofits.  

“The Oregon Arts and Culture Rebuilding Program helped us restore staffing to pre-COVID levels,” said Elizabeth A. Woody, Executive Director of The Museum at Warm Springs. “We were able to add a key staff member in our archives and collections departments, strengthening core operations and programming. We’re incredibly grateful.” 

Among the grant recipients was Gallery Theatre in McMinnville, which received funding to replace its 55-year-old elevator. 

“Many of our community members couldn’t access key areas like our tech booth, dance studio or costume shop,” said board member Charity Livingston. “Thanks to OCF’s focus on infrastructure, we can finally welcome our full community back to every level of our theater.” 

Read a full list of grants here.

Support the Arts and Culture Rebuilding Program