Precipice Fund

The Precipice Fund, administered by the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA) as part of the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts’ Regional Regranting Program, supports unincorporated visual art collectives, alternative spaces, and collaborative projects in Portland, Oregon. Established to provide resources to artist-driven initiatives often excluded from traditional grant opportunities, the program seeks to uplift experimental, innovative, and community-focused projects. The fund emphasizes visual art, while also considering interdisciplinary work that engages with visual art discourse or reflects an expanded understanding of visual art practice. This includes projects in sound or film where the visual art context is evident. For Round 14, applications open on August 22, 2025, and close on October 3, 2025. Two optional informational sessions will be held via Zoom on August 28 and September 18, 2025, to provide guidance on eligibility and application preparation. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in late November, with grantees publicly announced in December. Grant monies will be distributed by January 31, 2026, and projects must be completed and reported on by December 31, 2026. The funding range for Round 14 is between $500 and $5,000 per project, with a total allocation of $60,000. Applicants are encouraged to request only what is needed to ensure broad distribution of funds. While projects may be awarded less than the amount requested, the emphasis remains on supporting the sustainability of Portland’s independent art scene. The fund does not support individual artists, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, or commercial enterprises. Exceptions exist for state-level nonprofits and certain LLCs structured strictly for non-commercial purposes, with final determinations made case by case. Eligibility is limited to collaborative projects involving two to six applicants, with one serving as the Primary Contact. The Primary Contact must reside in Portland or its immediate surrounding areas within Oregon, though collaborators may reside elsewhere. Projects must include a public-facing component, defined broadly by applicants, and must remain rooted in visual arts. Proposals linked to a nonprofit’s core programming, or fiscally sponsored by nonprofit organizations, are ineligible. The fund intentionally supports projects outside conventional funding pathways as part of its mission to provide equity and opportunity for underserved communities. Evaluation of applications will be conducted by a panel of local and national artists and art workers, independent of PICA staff. Selection criteria include artistic strength, public engagement, and feasibility. Projects should demonstrate innovation, experimentation, and the ability to generate opportunities for other artists, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. Accessibility, diversity of audiences, and contributions to the vibrancy of Portland’s art ecosystem are key considerations. Recipients of Precipice Fund awards must maintain financial accountability, submit final project narratives by the required deadline, and provide documentation or updates for public communication channels upon request. Grantees are legally responsible for the outcomes of their projects. Applicants must submit their proposals via Submittable during the designated window. For questions, applicants are encouraged to attend an information session or contact PICA staff directly via email at precipice@pica.org. The program’s physical office is located at 15 NE Hancock St., Portland, Oregon, with general inquiries also possible at 503-242-1419. Projects must be collaborative (minimum of two (2) and maximum of six (6) applicants, with one person serving as the Primary Contact). The Primary Contact must reside in the Portland, Oregon area. For more information, visit PICA.