2025 Arts Build Communities Program

The Arts Build Communities program, offered by the Oregon Arts Commission, provides matching support to arts and community-based organizations. Its core mission is to address local community problems or needs through arts-based solutions, aligning with the broader recognition of art's role in cultural, social, educational, economic, and tourism sectors. The program's strategic approach involves fostering partnerships that enhance arts engagement, access, and involvement within communities, thereby strengthening the arts ecosystem at a local level. The primary beneficiaries of this program are organizations serving underserved communities, including those facing systemic barriers related to geography, race/ethnicity, tribal affiliation, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ability/disability, age (youth and aging people), sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. The impact goal is to increase access to the arts for these populations and to build local capacity for stronger community arts initiatives. Key priorities for projects include demonstrating local capacity building through partnerships, integrating arts and artists with community goals, and focusing on new initiatives, program development, cultural tourism, or the expansion of existing arts and community development projects. Pre-development, design fees, and community planning activities are also eligible for funding. The expected outcome is to strengthen arts engagement and involvement, particularly for underserved communities, through locally-driven arts-based solutions. Measurable results would include the successful implementation of projects that address identified community needs and the establishment of sustainable local partnerships. Grant awards are set at $5,000 for a grant period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Eligibility is extended to units of municipal government (including libraries, schools, and Tribal governments) or nonprofit organizations with current IRS 501(c)(3) status, active Oregon corporate nonprofit registration, and a current Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov.