This program makes non-competitive operating support available to 501(c)(3) or municipally-based organizations that have arts as the core of their mission. These grants are limited to organizations with an operational history and 501(c)(3) status of two years or more at the time of application. Municipally-based organizations must have a discrete budget and steering committee within the city or county's governance structure.
At the time of the application deadline, all applicant organizations must:
- Operate as a nonprofit as evidenced by current IRS 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status and active registration with the State of Oregon for corporate, non-profit status;
- Operate within a mission that describes the arts as the primary purpose of the organization; arts programming must be the primary focus.
- Show no more than $150,000 in cash operating expenses on the organization’s most recently submitted IRS 990.
- Have been in existence as a 501(c) (3) for a minimum of two years as evidenced by an IRS determination letter.
- Demonstrate a significant history of providing access to ongoing arts programs serving the local community (at least four instances over the past 12 months).
Arts organizations housed in a parent organization (municipal government, higher education, or one of the nine federally recognized tribes) may apply for an exemption to the eligibility requirements related to IRS and State of Oregon nonprofit status. Organizations applying for this waiver must:
- Operate within a mission that describes the arts as the primary purpose of the organization - arts programming must be the primary focus;
- Demonstrate a significant history of providing access to the arts serving the local community (at least four instances over the past 12 months);
- Have been in existence as an agency of local government for a minimum of two years;
- Show a distinct budget of less than $150,000 in cash operating expenses for the most recently completed fiscal year; and
- Maintain a separate art advisory committee or board.
Organizations using a fiscal sponsorship are not eligible to apply.
Small Operating Support funds may not be used for the following: Activities that take place outside the grant’s defined activity dates.
