Community Cultural Participation Grant

The Multnomah County Cultural Coalition (MCCC) offers the Community Cultural Participation (CCP) Grant to support culturally focused events, programs, and organizations rooted in Multnomah County. Designed to promote cultural access and diversity, the CCP Grant aims to fund organizations that foster creative community engagement. MCCC emphasizes equitable distribution of resources to historically marginalized populations, including but not limited to Black and Indigenous communities, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, immigrants, and those experiencing economic or housing insecurity. The grant awards up to $3,000 per recipient and is specifically intended for community-based groups and nonprofit organizations that serve or benefit Multnomah County residents. Eligible applicants include cultural or neighborhood associations, artist ensembles, and incorporated organizations with a declared public mission. Individual applicants are not eligible; however, artists working within qualifying groups may participate through organizational sponsorship. IRS nonprofit status is not required, but applicants must have an EIN registered to a Multnomah County-based entity. For the 2026 cycle, MCCC aims to ensure that 75% of grantees operate with annual budgets under $500,000, with at least 25% under $100,000. The program no longer distinguishes between funding types such as project support or capacity building. Instead, applications are assessed based on alignment with CCP goals, which include cultural accessibility, promotion of diversity, encouragement of new cultural activity, and fostering partnerships. Applications were accepted through the RACC Opportunity Portal (racc.smapply.org), managed by the Regional Arts & Culture Council. The submission window opened October 1, 2025, and closed November 9, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST. The application did not require a full budget spreadsheet but did require a recent profit and loss statement or annual operating budget. Evaluation was conducted by panels composed of board and community members. Panelists assessed applications based on eligibility, feasibility, alignment with CCP goals, equity, accessibility, community impact, and use of funds. Notification of awards is scheduled on or before January 30, 2026, with grant disbursements occurring in Spring 2026. All grant-funded activities must be completed between January 1 and December 31, 2026. Applicants may contact [email protected] with questions. Fiscal sponsors must also be based in Multnomah County and agree to manage the grant if awarded. Past recipients funded for two consecutive years must skip a year before reapplying.

Emphasize public accessibility, community impact, and clear alignment with grant goals; demonstrate understanding of and service to underrepresented communities