Oregon Cultural Trust
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE OREGON CULTURAL TRUST
Once in a very long time, people can come together to do something almost beyond imagination. A large and highly beneficial idea can take hold, mobilize diverse people, and the worth of their vision can permeate an entire region. That can happen now in Oregon — in all of Oregon — from Astoria to Fields to Neskowin to Joseph.
The vision is simple and straightforward. Planfully and with careful orchestration, create during the years ahead a true cultural awakening, something that lifts the arts, the humanities and our cultural heritage to a new and pivotal level capable of impacting favorably every Oregonian and strengthening the quality of life in our state.
“Why do this?” A society that promotes opportunity for all people to experience their culture and its roots (the arts, the humanities and their heritage) is a society that develops increased civility and an increased sense of community. Yet some still live with the myth that arts and culture are frosting on the cake.
In fact, they are among the basic ingredients that make the cake the way we want it, the way we enjoy it. Widespread accessibility to and involvement with the arts, humanities and heritage helps mold the Oregon society in which we live. Investment here can provide a positive quality of living dividend.
The Task Force is saying, simply but clearly, the time has come to take a bold step toward molding the future we want for our state, to make culture a partner in the process, and to orchestrate the thinking, human ingenuity and creativity to enhance and expand cultural opportunity and understanding for all.
Charles Walker
Chair, Joint Interim Task Force on Cultural Development
58 cents of every dollar donated to the Trust remains in an interest-bearing endowment. The remaining 42 cents returns to the community as grants, including to our coalition in Washington County.
A donation to the Cultural Trust benefits hundreds of cultural nonprofits every year. It is free to you
and good for Oregon! First make a donation to any cultural nonprofit in Oregon, then match that gift
with a donation to the Cultural Trust. At tax time, get your whole match back. Since 2002 we’ve
given away over $11 million from these donations. Find out more at www.culturaltrust.org
The FY2012 annual report for the Oregon Cultural Trust.
Kimberly Howard, Trust Manager
Oregon Cultural Trust
775 Summer Street NE
Suite 200
Salem, Oregon 97301
phone: 503-986-0088
fax: 503-986-0260
email: cultural.trust@state.or.us
