Lincoln County Cultural Grants

The Lincoln County Cultural Grants are administered by the Lincoln County Cultural Coalition (LCCC), a non-governmental entity that redistributes funds allocated by the Oregon Cultural Trust to local organizations. The Oregon Cultural Trust, established by the state legislature in 2001, is funded primarily through the sale of cultural license plates and contributions eligible for a state tax credit. Each year, it allocates funding to all Oregon counties using a formula based on per-capita calculations and equal county distribution. LCCC manages the application process and disburses grants to support cultural initiatives within Lincoln County. These grants are intended to support organizations and projects that align with the priorities set out in the Lincoln County Cultural Plan. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposals support at least one of three key objectives: improving access to cultural experiences, raising cultural awareness among youth, or facilitating infrastructure improvements related to arts, culture, or humanities. Projects that fulfill these priorities may range from performances and educational programming to equipment purchases and facility improvements that enhance cultural access and engagement. The program provides grants ranging from several hundred dollars up to a maximum of $2,000. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations operating in or primarily serving Lincoln County are eligible to apply directly. Individuals may apply if they are sponsored by an eligible nonprofit organization, and the project meets the objectives of the Cultural Plan. Applicants must demonstrate significant matching support, which may include in-kind contributions, although some level of direct financial investment by the applicant organization is expected. The grant cannot be the sole source of financial support for the proposed project. Applicants are limited to one grant application per calendar year unless acting as a fiscal sponsor for another organization or if applying separately to the Sponenburgh Memorial Trust Grant program for a different project. If an organization wishes to apply for both Lincoln County Cultural and Sponenburgh Trust Grants for the same project, they must submit separate applications. In such cases, each application is evaluated independently, and funds from one program cannot be used to fulfill the matching requirement for the other. Proposals are evaluated based on a set of clear criteria, including alignment with cultural plan priorities, well-defined and realistic goals, originality or innovation, community need and impact, diversity and inclusion practices, clear budgeting with adequate matching funds, and the presence of collaborative partnerships. A grant-review panel convenes prior to the awarding of grants. Applicants are encouraged—but not required—to attend this panel meeting to answer questions about their proposal. Successful applicants are required to have a representative attend an award ceremony and must submit a final project report within one month of the project's completion. Failure to submit a completion report renders organizations ineligible for future funding. The current application deadline is March 6, 2026, and while no pre-application steps are mandated, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the full guidelines and reach out to LCCC with questions or for clarification regarding eligibility and submission requirements.

Demonstrate community support and realistic budget; matching funding should not rely solely on this grant.