Second Chance: Washington County Community Cultural Participation Grant Cycle Opens for Second Grant Opportunity This Year

Cultural Coalition of Washington County
c/o WCCLS, 111 NE Lincoln St., MS-58, Hillsboro, Oregon 97124-3036

MEDIA RELEASE - For Immediate release
Date: August 26, 2013
Contact: Eva Calcagno, Director
Washington County Cooperative Library Services
503-846-3233

Second Chance: Washington County Community Cultural Participation Grant Cycle Opens for Second Grant Opportunity This Year

Washington County, Oregon - The Cultural Coalition of Washington County (CCWC) opens a second grant cycle this year on September 4, 2013. In order to better synchronize its annual grant cycle with that of its funding source, the Oregon Cultural Trust, the CCWC will conduct a second grant cycle this year. Through its history the CCWC has conducted a spring grant cycle, funding projects for the following fiscal year. At the request of the Oregon Cultural Trust, the CCWC is moving to a calendar year cycle. So, for one time only, Washington County based not-for-profit arts, heritage and humanities organizations have a second chance in one 12-month period to apply for grants.

Organizations may apply for grants of up to $1,000 or $2,000. To apply for a $2,000 grant, an organization must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Funds are to be used for projects taking place during Calendar 2014 (January 1 - December 31). Organizations that were awarded grants in June 2013 for Fiscal Year 2013-14 projects may apply for a Calendar 2014 grant as well.

The Community Cultural Participation (CCP) Grant Program provides financial support for Washington County non-profit arts, heritage and humanities orga­nizations. Applicants can apply for activities or oppor­tunities that address one or more of these four goals:

1. Public Awareness and Participation: Marketing and promotion
2. Cultural Learning: Education and cultural learning programs/participation
3. Cultural and Economic Development: Impact of the arts and culture in county
4. Support Existing Cultural Organizations: Professional development and capacity building

A strong grant application will address CCWC priorities of promoting cultural diversity, developing community and/or cross-cultural partnerships, providing matching-fund or cost-sharing opportunities, and/or promoting cultural tourism.

The Washington County Cultural Plan, detailed Calendar 2014 Grant Guidelines, and application instructions for the Community Cultural Participation grant program are available online on the CCWC website: www.culturalcoalitionofwashingtoncounty.org. Application are submitted online only through the Regional Arts & Culture Council’s grant application site, www.racc.org/grants/countyapps.

The grant application period ends October 4th at 5pm. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of the grant orientation sessions scheduled for:

• Tuesday September 10, 2013, 3:30-5:00 pm, Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW Fifth St., Community Room B
• Wednesday, September 11, 2013, 3:30-5:00 pm, Walters Cultural Arts Center, 527 E. Main Street, Hillsboro, Upper Gallery

The CCWC was established in 2005 to distribute funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust to promote the cultural identity, quality of life and economic vitality of Washington County and its arts, heritage and humanities organizations. The Coalition has distributed over $300,000 in grants to Washington County based organizations over the last nine years.

The Oregon Cultural Trust was established by the Oregon Legislature to strengthen Oregon’s culture through the establishment of a permanent endowment. The Trust primarily receives funding from the sale of Cultural license plates and from gifts from individuals and businesses through an Oregon State tax credit program. The Trust invests a portion of proceeds from the endowment in annual grants to Oregon counties and tribal groups, funding for statewide cultural agencies, and competitive grants to cultural non-profits. To learn more about the Trust or to make a donation please visit the website www.culturaltrust.org.