To the editor
For more than two decades, the Oregon Cultural Trust has played an essential role in enriching cultural resources across our state by supporting more than 1,600 nonprofits. The Cultural Trust and its donors continue to weave a unique and awe-inspiring cultural tapestry, united by artistry, defined by stories and guided by wisdom.
Now, the Cultural Trust is calling for all Oregonians to #MakeCultureCount by supporting the amazing cultural nonprofits that define our communities and our quality of life.
How? It’s simple. The Cultural Trust empowers Oregonians to leverage their support to arts, heritage and humanities nonprofits with the Cultural Tax credit. When you match your cultural donations with a gift to the Cultural Trust, you play a vital role in funding more than 1,600 cultural organizations. And come tax time, you will receive a 100 percent state tax credit refund for your donation to the Cultural Trust.
By using the Cultural Tax Credit, Oregonians and the Cultural Trust have awarded close to $40 million to nonprofits across the state. This year alone, close to $3 million was awarded to 136 organizations – including block grants to 45 county and tribal cultural coalitions that annually make an additional 450 local awards.
Since 2003, Cultural Trust awards in Lincoln County alone total close to $800,000 – including pandemic relief funding. For fiscal 2024, those receiving grant awards include the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, the Lincoln County Cultural Coalition and an organization I am proud to lead, the Lincoln City Cultural Center.
Please join the movement and #MakeCultureCount in Oregon. Add up the donations you made to cultural organizations this year, then match them with a gift to the Cultural Trust. When you file your taxes, enter the amount you matched to the Trust on your 2023 Oregon Tax Form to claim your tax credit. Learn more and donate at CulturalTrust.org or by calling 503-988-0088.
— Niki Price, Depoe Bay, Cultural Trust board chair
