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Grants FAQs2020-12-30T16:25:02-08:00

Grant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are some FAQs that have been presented to us over the years. We encourage anyone who is interest in a Coalition grant to contact us with additional questions and/or attend our free Grant Orientation Workshop scheduled in September. Check the event calendar for the most current information.

Where does the grant money come from?2020-12-17T00:37:30-08:00

The Oregon Cultural Trust provides an annual award to each of the 45 county and tribal coalitions around the state. This award is made possible because of private private donations made to the Trust.  The allocation Clackamas County receives fluctuates based on the volume of donations made through June 30 of each year.

The Cultural Trust is unique. No other state in the union allows support for qualified cultural nonprofits be be taken as a generous state cultural tax credit when you make a matching gift to the Cultural Trust, up to $500 per individual, $1,000 per married couple and $2,500 per Class-C corporation. For more information about the Trust or the tax credit program visit their website.

How do I apply for a project grant?2020-12-17T00:38:29-08:00

Review the Clackamas County Cultural Plan, Application Guidelines, and Frequently Asked Questions to understand the scope of funding offered by the Cultural Coalition related arts, heritage and humanities projects. For questions or general assistance, contact us at 503-655-0525 or email us.

What is the purpose of these grants?2020-12-30T08:07:21-08:00

Cultural Participation Grants address the Funding Priorities described in the Clackamas County Cultural Plan for Arts, Heritage and Humanities. This grant is intended for project-based needs. Read the Cultural Plan and more about our Grant Guidelines.

What type of arts, heritage and/or humanities projects might be eligible for a grant?2020-12-30T08:05:18-08:00

The funding priorities directly underscore the coalition’s mission, vision, and values. Projects and organizations should focus on supporting/growing local assets and removing barriers to cultural participation. Projects must result in measurable outcomes within at least one priority. The Coalition supports innovative approaches and projects.

How much money can we apply for?2021-09-07T11:42:39-07:00

Project grants range from $500 to $2,500. Micro Grants are capped at $750. Applicants should not assume proposals will be funded at the full amount requested. Review prior grant awards for more information on range of grants distributed.

How many grants will be made this year?2020-12-17T00:40:38-08:00

Total number of grants awarded will be at the discretion of the Grant Review Panel.

How often during the year will grant applications be considered?2021-11-25T14:41:15-08:00

Please refer to the calendar for important dates in the grant review process. Grantees are notified in January, and the awards are distributed in February. Special Micro Grants (also known as Opportunity Grants) are reviewed as they are received on a first-come basis until monies are depleted from the fund.

What process does the Cultural Coalition go through to make the grants?2020-12-17T00:41:48-08:00

Upon receipt of an application, Cultural Coalition staff will review for eligibility and whether the proposed project meets basic guidelines. When an application moves beyond the initial screening, it will be reviewed and scored by a panel which includes arts, heritage, humanities, business and tourism professionals designated by the Coalition. 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 similar project this year?2020-12-17T00:42:22-08:00

Organizations are eligible to apply in consecutive years and must be in “good standing” with the Coalition. This means all requirements in the Award Letter from prior awards must have been fulfilled in accordance with the terms and any final reports have been submitted documenting use of prior awards.

If an applicant has received an award in prior years, they may submit requests for similar programming. However, panelists will be interested in knowing how the program has been improved or changed from prior years to further advance the Goals of the Cultural Plan.

When will grant funds be released to recipients?2020-12-17T00:42:50-08:00

Generally grants are distributed in February of each year. This is contingent upon receipt of fully executed Award Agreement and being in compliance with final report guidelines if an applicant has received an award in prior year(s).

Can I apply for building repairs or renovations?2020-12-17T00:43:31-08:00

If the proposal increases access to arts, heritage, or humanities opportunities it may be considered. Please contact us if you have further questions about this guideline.

Can our organization apply for support for its endowment?2020-12-17T00:43:57-08:00

No. Because of the limited size of available grant funding we are not considering requests to support endowments at this time.

Can an applicant apply for more than one grant in a given funding cycle?2020-12-17T00:45:11-08:00

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. Please call us to discuss before submitting application(s).

Our project seems to fit your guidelines, but neither I nor my community group have ever received a grant before. Are we eligible?2020-12-17T00:45:35-08:00

Yes. Organizations and individuals that have not received prior grant funding are encouraged to apply.

I am opening a Clackamas County office for an organization that is headquartered outside the county. Can I apply?2020-12-17T00:46:17-08:00

Yes, if your project meets the application criteria.

I do not live, work or have a business in Clackamas County, but my project is based in the County. Am I eligible to apply?2020-12-17T00:46:38-08:00

Organizations and individuals located in Oregon with a project that clearly benefits Clackamas County residents, demonstrates strong community support as well as county partnerships may be eligible to apply. Please contact us to discuss further.

If I receive an award, what is the deadline to complete the project?2020-12-17T00:47:08-08:00

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 and no later than January 15.

Do I have to attend a Grant Orientation Workshop?2021-09-06T11:49:09-07:00

If you have not attended a grant orientation workshop we strongly encourage you to attend one prior to making an application. Applicants that come to the orientation usually have more successful applications because the workshop will gives the technical information related to Project Grant Applications. COVID safety concerns may prevent gathering as usual for this workshop which is generally held in September. Please check the grant process calendar for the most current information.

Can a staff person review my application before I submit it?2021-09-06T11:50:27-07:00

If an applicant attends the free grant orientation, they will be eligible to receive a draft application review from staff. The draft must be provided at least two (2) weeks prior to the deadline and be in Microsoft Word format.  If we do not conduct a grant orientation, please contact us for assistance.

What is the definition of In-Kind Support?2020-12-17T00:58:49-08:00

In-kind Definition: Services, material, equipment or labor committed or received at a conservative value that would otherwise be paid from the project budget. Both the donor and the service received should be identified.

In other words, in-kind contributions are goods (wholesale value) or services provided instead of cash for one of your project budget line-items.

Both the revenue and the expense projections should reflect the in-kind contribution. Examples include:

  • Professional services (legal, architectural, engineering, accounting, medical) at a customary hourly rate for your area.
  • Other services (printing, site preparation, fabricating, sub-contractors, publicity) at customary rate for time and materials.
  • Costs for use of machinery (heavy equipment) at customary hourly rate.
  • Volunteer time actually involved in project implementation.
  • Supplies or materials donated by a business or an individual either directly or indirectly.
  • Hours spent in the actual project (for instance, volunteers constructing a stage set), does count as in-kind. Non-skilled volunteer labor such as this would be calculated at the Oregon minimum wage.
  • Labor donated for fundraising activities does not count towards in-kind.

Need more help?
For additional information on how to calculate the value of volunteer time or specific professions visit these websites:

Independent Sector
Bureau of Labor Statistics

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