Second Wave Of Arts And Culture Funding Strengthens Oregon Institutions With $7 Million (Photo) - 03/11/26
March 11, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Colin Fogarty
Director of Communications
SECOND WAVE OF FUNDING STRENGTHENS ARTS AND CULTURE INSTITUTIONS WITH $7 MILLION
Year Two of ‘Love Letter’ Grants Invests in Cultural Institutions
Statewide
PORTLAND, Ore. — Nearly two years into a major investment in arts and culture nonprofits across the state, Oregon Community Foundation has distributed a second wave of grants in all 36 counties to organizations vital to Oregon’s economy and identity. The latest funding from the Arts and Culture Rebuilding Fund includes 277 grants that total $7,048,300 to support community-based nonprofits and larger “anchor” organizations across Oregon.
The three-year commitment is rooted in the understanding that arts and culture are essential civic and economic infrastructure in Oregon. Jerry Tischleder, Senior Program Officer for Arts and Culture at Oregon Community Foundation, said the collective effort to support this sector is a celebration of Oregon’s creative spirit and a call to keep building and investing more boldly together.
“We have learned a lot from Oregon arts organizations over the past two years. Their creativity and determination continue to inspire us,” Tischleder said. “But we cannot declare ‘mission accomplished.’ There is still work to do, and cultural institutions remain crucial to Oregon’s economy and our way of life.”
On March 20, 2024, Oregon Community Foundation joined with partners in philanthropy and state government to make a major investment in arts and culture. Oregon Community Foundation, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and the state of Oregon pledged a combined $52 million to support Oregon’s arts and culture sector over three years. OCF’s original commitment of $20 million has grown to more than $23 million because of support from OCF donors and new strategic grants. These include new support for the Portland Opera and Portland Center Stage along with dozens of arts and culture nonprofits across the state.
The “love letter” to the arts was a response to pandemic-related losses and aimed to restore vitality to a sector central to Oregon communities. Attendance levels at exhibitions, performances and other live events have shifted significantly in recent years, creating challenges for organizations that drive economic activity in towns and cities across the state. The new investment advances ongoing efforts to help arts organizations adapt and thrive.
Strengthening Institutions and Oregon’s Economy
The new funds will support both major venues and smaller arts organizations in rural and urban communities.
“OCF stepped in at a moment when recovery was still uncertain,” said Karie Burch, Portland Art Museum Co-Interim Director and Chief Development Officer. “Their support helped stabilize the Portland Art Museum and sent a powerful signal that the arts are essential to vibrant downtowns, thriving communities and our shared humanity. Because of their leadership, we’re welcoming our community back, supporting artists and connecting thousands of students and families to art.”
Foundation program officers will continue working closely with Oregon arts leaders to guide investments. This commitment is intended to encourage additional support from donors and partners statewide.
Investing in Community, Creativity and the Next Generation
Warm Springs Community Action Team received a grant for its Film for Community program. Tribal youth ages 14–24 will make short films through writing, acting, editing and production.
“This project is an incredible investment in our youth and in the power of filmmaking and storytelling for the Warm Springs community,” said Leah Guliasi, Interim Executive Director.
Oregon’s arts and culture sector continues to contribute significantly to the statewide economy, providing jobs, strengthening local businesses and helping create vibrant, connected communities.
Frontier Art Center, a program of the Community Support Foundation of Harney County, offers art workshops and an open studio in the community of Burns. Its funding will increase programming, continue the Center’s work with student groups and develop community gatherings with a cultural emphasis.
“Oregon Community Foundation's support is essential to ensure Frontier Art Center can continue its role as a unique place to enjoy discovering creative potential through a variety of cultural experiences, some of which are not available anywhere else in our region,” said Kate Marsh, President of the Community Support Foundation of Harney County.
Oregon Community Foundation’s ongoing commitment is made possible in part through a 2012 charitable gift from the estate of Fred and Suzanne Fields. The Fred W. Fields Fund has supported hundreds of arts, artists and education efforts across Oregon and demonstrates the long-term impact of thoughtful stewardship and donor generosity.
Here is a full list of grants.
About Oregon Community Foundation
Oregon Community Foundation was founded in 1973 with a mission to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF works to strengthen communities in every county in Oregon through research, grantmaking and scholarships. Each year, OCF distributes more than $200 million in grants and scholarships. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, please visit oregoncf.org.
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