Guidelines and Application

Cultural Opportunity Grant Guidelines

The Lane County Cultural Coalition’s Cultural Opportunity Grant is now CLOSED!

Applications close at 5:00pm on October 15, 2025. No late applications will be accepted. Applicants will be notified of award decisions in December 2025.

2026 Grant Instructions and Application  |  2026 Application Rubric

INTRODUCTION

Cultural Opportunity Grants are funded by the Oregon Cultural Trust and administered by the Lane County Cultural Coalition. Grants are for up to $2,500 for projects taking place between January 1st and December 31st, 2026. While a project may extend beyond these dates, the portion of the project being funded by LCCC needs to occur during the grant period. The intent of this grant program is to:

  • Protect and stabilize cultural resources, creating a solid foundation for the future.
  • Expand public awareness and improving the quality of arts, humanities, and heritage.
  • Increasing access to and use of culture in Oregon.
  • Ensure that Oregon-based cultural resources are strong and dynamic contributors to quality of life in Oregon’s communities.


ELIGIBILITY

Individuals, groups, organizations, educational institutions, public organizations, and for-profit and non-profit businesses are eligible to apply for this grant.

Applicants/organizations may submit only ONE proposal. Lane County Cultural Coalition will only consider one proposal per applicant/organization. If you are considering multiple projects for which to pursue the LCCC Cultural Opportunity Grant and would like feedback from an LCCC board member, please contact laneculture@lanearts.org.

UPDATED FOR FY2026: Lane County Cultural Coalition will only fund an applicant/organization for up to three consecutive years with a required fourth year “off” before considering the same applicant/organization for further funding. This is to ensure that we can fund as many different projects as possible and to encourage organizers to seek diverse funding sources. If you have questions regarding your eligibility for 2026 funding, please email laneculture@lanearts.org.

The following are not eligible for Cultural Opportunity Grant funding:

  • Applicants/organizations who have received LCCC funding for the last three consecutive years (2023, 2024, and 2025)
  • Tuition assistance for college, university, or other formal courses of study.
  • Projects that have already been completed.
  • Grants to offset project deficits.
  • Events whose primary purpose is for a non-cultural cause.
  • Projects or initiatives whose primary purpose is associated with fundraising, such as donor recognition, solicitation, or grant writing.


FUNDING PRIORITIES

Cultural Opportunity Grants provide county recognition and support to significant cultural programs and projects, preserving and enhancing Lane County’s diverse arts, heritage and humanities efforts. LCCC has identified three priorities for funding.  Applicants will be expected to address one of the three priorities with their grant application.  These priorities are:

A) Access: Cultural activities in Lane County will be affordable, accessible and inclusive throughout Lane County.

B) Awareness: Residents of Lane County will have increased knowledge of cultural activities.

C) Education: Encourage cultural education and activities in Lane County.


TO APPLY

Applicants should download, complete, and submit the grant application to laneculture@lanearts.org as a pdf. (If possible, please email all materials as a single pdf).

If you are unable to email your application, you can mail or deliver your complete application to:
Lane County Cultural Coalition
c/o Lane Arts Council
174 East 16th Avenue, Suite 125
Eugene, Oregon 97401


REGARDING GRANT AWARDS

Grant disbursement: Grantees are required to complete and submit a grant agreement, W9, and Communications Partner Plan for the Oregon Cultural Trust in order to receive funds. Awardees are responsible for any tax liabilities connected to their award.
While we make every effort to disburse awards promptly, the exact timing is dependent on arrival of funds from the Trust. This can result in grant funds arriving as late as March. If you have questions or concerns about receiving your awarded funding, please contact laneculture@lanearts.org.

Final reports: Individuals and organizations receiving Cultural Opportunity Grants must complete  a Report on Use of Cultural Opportunity Grant Funds form provided by the Cultural Coalition.  Reports must be submitted within sixty (60) days of completion of the grant project or by December 31 of the award year, whichever comes first. All grantees are subject to audit by the Oregon Cultural Trust.

If you have questions, including if you are looking for a prior year’s form, please contact laneculture@lanearts.org.