PROJECT GRANTS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Who is eligible to apply for a Cultural Coalition grant?
Any Clackamas County-based organization working in the fields of arts, heritage and/or humanities can apply. Individuals may also apply if they are based in Clackamas County. Some exceptions may be made for organizations or individuals who reside outside the county if their project or program significantly and positively impacts or engages Clackamas County residents; demonstrates strong collaboration (both financial and non-financial) with Clackamas County residents, businesses, or other organizations. Tax-exempt status is not a prerequisite. All applicants should be very familiar with the Clackamas County Cultural Plan for Arts, Heritage and Humanities 2008-12 before preparing a grant application.
How do I apply for a Project grant?
Grant Guidelines, Application, Frequently Asked Questions and the Cultural Plan are all available for download. For questions or general assistance, contact us at 503-655-0525 or email us.
What is the purpose of these grants?
Cultural Participation Grants address the Funding Priorities described in the Clackamas County Cultural Plan for Arts, Heritage and Humanities, and reflect the Vision, Goals, Strengths and Challenges described in the Plan. This grant is intended for project-based needs.
What type of arts, heritage and/or humanities projects might be eligible for a grant?
The Coalition encourages creative responses to the needs expressed in the County Cultural Plan. While the Plan’s “Actions” will provide a general framework for evaluating proposals, the Coalition is particularly interested in proposals and concepts that offer new ideas and solutions for achieving the Funding Priorities. The Coalition is also interested in proposals and projects that create collaborations and partnerships. Proposals addressing the intersection of Funding Priorities with specific marketing and tourism-related projects are encouraged. Review list of previously funded proposals to understand the range of projects.
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What size grant is offered?
Individual grants will not exceed $5,000. Applicants should not assume proposals will be funded at the full amount requested. Review prior grant awards for more information on range of grants made.
How many grants will be made this year?
Total number of grants awarded will be at the discretion of the Grant Review Panel.
What type of “Youth and Heritage Tourism Attraction” projects would be considered?
If a "Youth and Heritage Tourism Attraction" award is available in the grantmaking cycle, it will be indicated in Funding Priorities. Not all grant cycles include this special award. It will be outlined in the Funding Priorities if it is available.
Heritage tourism attractions are defined as sharing or interpreting a tradition/s of the people of Clackamas County, with attention to unique, entertaining and educational aspects for visitors from other areas. Successful project proposals will enhance an existing tourism attraction or create a new one, and should help Clackamas County to attract overnight visitors. K-12 youth may be involved in creating the attraction, or the attraction may be targeted to visitors in that age range.
The completed attraction must be located in Clackamas County and open to the public during regularly scheduled times. Proposals resulting in permanent or easily-replicable attractions are especially encouraged, although unique and distinctive temporary attractions will be considered, particularly if the attendance draw is significant. Applicants are encouraged but not required to work in partnership with existing youth organizations, educational institutions and heritage organizations in Clackamas County.
How often during the year will grant applications be considered?
Project grant applications are reviewed annually. Special Opportunity Grants are reviewed on a first-come basis as long as their funds available for this program.
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What process does the Cultural Coalition go through to make the grants?
On receipt of the application, the Cultural Coalition will determine if the proposed project meets basic program guidelines. When an application moves beyond this initial screening, it will be considered by a review panel designated by the Coalition, consisting of professionals based outside Clackamas County and Coalition representation. All applicants will be notified of their proposal’s status when the process is concluded.
If I received a grant last year, can I apply for a different project this year?
Yes, the Coalition is happy to report that revised application guidelines have been added to the Plan and individuals and organizations are eligible for application each year grant funds are distributed by the Oregon Cultural Trust.. Applicants must be in "good standing" and all final reports from prior award cycles must be submitted before any future awards are released.
When will grant funds be released to recipients?
Cultural Participation grants are contingent upon receipt of Oregon Cultural Trust allocations to counties. Grant funds will be disbursed as soon as they become available. The project grants are on a calendar year cycle and distribution begins in January of each year.
Can I apply for building repairs or renovations?
Generally not. You may consider applying for the Special Opportunity Grant if your need is not project based and is unexpected or unforeseen. Please contact us if you have further questions about this guideline.
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Can our organization apply for support for its endowment?
No. Because of the limited size of available grant funding we are not considering requests to support endowments at this time.
Can our organization apply for support for general operations?
No. Funding to support general operating expenses will not be considered.
Can an applicant apply for more than one grant in a given funding cycle?
Generally not. We prefer to spread our limited funding among a range of recipients However, if an applicant submits more than one application with projects that can substantially impact different populations or parts of the county, we may consider exceptions.
Our project seems to fit your guidelines, but neither I nor my community group have ever received a grant before. Are we eligible?
Yes. Organizations and individuals that have not received prior grant funding are encouraged to apply.
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I am opening a Clackamas County office for an organization that is headquartered outside the county. Can I apply?
Yes, if your project meets the application criteria.
I don’t live in Clackamas County, but my project is based in the County. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, if your project meets the application criteria.
If I receive an award, what is the deadline to complete the project?
Your project must be completed during the calendar year you applied for (i.e. January-December of the grant cycle year you applied for. Final reports are due within 30 days of completing the project.
What if I have questions not answered here?
Attend the free grant orientation workshop scheduled approximately 1 month prior to the application deadline. You also are welcome to talk with staff at 503-655-0525 or email us.
Do I have to attend a Grant Orientation Workshop?
If you have not attended a Grant Orientation Workshop you must attend prior to making an application. The workshop will give you an opportunity to submit an Intent to Apply and will give you the technical information related to Project Grant Applications.
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