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% state tax credit refund for your donation to the Cultural Trust. That’s right. You get the $1,000 back as a credit on your Oregon taxes.

By using the Cultural Tax Credit, Oregonians and the Cultural Trust have awarded close to $40 million, and counting, 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. Funding also supports the Cultural Trust’s statewide partners, which include the Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage, the Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Humanities and the State Historic Preservation Office.

Locally, Cultural Trust awards in Deschutes County over the years total more than $1.8 million — including pandemic relief funding enacted by the Legislature. That includes multiple awards to BendFilm, Deschutes Public Library, Santiam Pass Ski Lodge, Sisters Folk Festival, The High Desert Museum and more. Recent projects supported by the Trust include BendFilm’s Indigenous and Women’s Filmmakers’ Initiative; the repair and restoration of the ski lodge’s iconic stone foundation, chimney and fireplace; and the Utopias exhibition at The High Desert Museum.

In addition, the trust annually awards a block grant to the Deschutes Cultural Coalition to fund its local grants for other cultural projects. That funding has provided an additional $400,000 in support for our community over the years.

This year, Cultural Trust grants are supporting: a part-time marketing director at the Central Oregon Symphony; the renewal of The Museum at Warm Springs HVAC system; the Warm Springs Community Action Team’s Name Giving Ceremony, where Native youth receive their Indian name; and a two-month exhibit by artist and death doula-in-training Nan Curtis at Scalehouse, which will feature workshops and events engaging visitors in thinking about family, humor and death and dying.

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.

Your generosity will cost you nothing and will help ensure that Oregon’s vibrant arts, heritage and humanities network has the support it needs to continue enhancing the quality of life for every Oregonian — including our neighbors here in Central Oregon.

Learn more and donate at CulturalTrust.org or by calling 503-988-0088.

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