LETTER: You can maximize funding for Oregon’s vibrant cultural network with your giving

Published 9:28 am Monday, December 23, 2024

This year Oregon ranked first nationally, per capita, in donations to the arts and in the top five states for arts participation (according to “50 States of Arts Participation: 2022—A geographical analysis of results from the Survey of Public Participation in the Arts.”)

That engagement extends to other cultural pursuits such as library and museum attendance, and visits to the many cultural venues and historic sites where our collective stories are created and told.

We in Oregon are known for our values and our commitment to what matters, including our arts, heritage and humanities. That’s why we are also the only state to offer a Cultural Tax Credit to citizens who support cultural nonprofits.

When you make a donation to a cultural nonprofit you care about, then make a matching donation to the Oregon Cultural Trust by Dec. 31, you qualify for a 100 percent state tax credit for your gift to the Cultural Trust. You also direct a portion of your taxes to support the more than 1,650 cultural nonprofits who enrich our lives.

Those who claim the tax credit annually call it a “win win” and a “no brainer.” You double the impact of your giving at no cost to you to support future cultural projects.

Since 2001, participation in the tax credit has enabled the Cultural Trust to award more than 10,000 grants totaling over $40 million. Last year alone, the Trust awarded a record $3.85 million to 148 cultural organizations across the state, including funds for local re-granting by our county and tribal cultural coalitions. That included close to $1 million to 53 nonprofits in the Portland Metro area.

By matching your cultural donations to the Cultural Trust, you maximize funding for Oregon’s vibrant cultural network. You help foster innovation. You create equity and access where barriers exist. You fuel creative initiatives. In short, you make culture count.

Sean Andries, chair, Oregon Cultural Trust