Review the contents of this webpage to learn about organizations on the national, regional, state, and local level – all who explicitly support culture bearers. If you have any questions regarding the opportunities listed below, feel free to contact these organizations directly. If you have additional questions or thoughts, contact Oregon Folklife Network staff by emailing ofn@uoregon.edu. It may take up to 3 business days to receive a reply.
National
The National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts.
Grants for Projects (Organization Level)
National Heritage Fellowship
The NEA National Heritage Fellowships is the nation's highest honor in folk and traditional arts. Each year since 1982, the program recognizes recipients' artistic excellence, lifetime achievement, and contributions to our nation's traditional arts heritage. https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage
>> Feryal Abassi-Ghnaim (2018 Awardee)
Regional (National) Entities
At Creative West (formerly WESTAF), we build equitable systems to support and amplify creative capacity — because creativity is essential to us all.
Grants & Awards – both organizational and individual
Creative West has annual grant award programs that organizations and individual culture bearers can apply to for funding.
Oregon State Level Entities
Much like the state itself, the Oregon Cultural Trust is so much more than it seems. It’s not just an organization, it’s a movement. A movement that inspires Oregonians to embrace and celebrate their culture through arts, heritage and humanities.
Cultural Development Program
Organizational & Professional Development Grants
County & Tribal Cultural Coalition Grants
Find information about these three opportunities at the link below
Our Mission: to enhance the quality of life for all Oregonians through the arts by stimulating creativity, leadership, and economic vitality
Career Opportunity Grants (>> Previous Awardee: Jayanthi Raman)
Regional Arts Councils
County & Tribal Arts Councils
*This organization is a partner of the Oregon Cultural Trust
We preserve our state’s history and make it accessible to everyone in ways that advance knowledge and inspire curiosity about all the people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon.
This is a space that occasionally hosts cultural events. Dr. Kenya Márquez hosted a performance, Wambui Machua participated in a community days event.
Connecting with OHS to host your event or collaboration is a possibility.
*This organization is a partner of the Oregon Cultural Trust
Oregon Humanities connects people and communities through conversation, storytelling, and participatory programs to inspire understanding and collaborative change.
Typically a resource, but funding is unstable right now
Grants (Many are on pause right now)
Fields Artist Fellowship >>Eddie Melendrez is a 2024-2026 awardee
>>Mic Crenshaw was a 2019-2021 awardee
*This organization is a partner of the Oregon Cultural Trust
Oregon Heritage Grant (happens every other year)
*This organization is a partner of the Oregon Cultural Trust
This $3,500 program award recognizes the knowledge and skills of distinguished mentor artists and supports them in passing living traditions on to promising apprentices of the same cultural heritage and community.
Oregon State Libraries
The Oregon Library Presenters Directory is a listing of artists, educators, and presenters for Oregon library audiences. By joining this directory, you may be contacted by a local library to provide a demonstration of your work.
Foundations
Miller Foundation (Provides grants for individual artists and organizations)
>>Creative Heights Grant, Tasi Keener a 2025 Awardee
Regional Entities
County and Tribal Cultural Coalitions Connect with your local coalition to request project funding
Local Arts Agencies in Oregon Find a list of arts agencies that may have opportunities
Local Entities
Consider local arts organizations or event venues, as potential partners who may be interested in supporting your work, or assisting with hosting an event or program.
Your local Museums
For example, Crossroads Carnagie Arts Center in Baker City (with Executive Director, Ginger Savage)
Your local event centers
For example, The Frosty Badger in Ontario (with owner, Lee Newman)
Artist-to-Artist Opportunities
Connect with other Culture Bearers to assist with collaborative projects.
For example, Paradise of Samoa (run by Tasi Keener) received an Oregon Community Foundation grant in 2025. She is looking to partner with Polynesian, Native American, and other First People culture bearers who want to participate in an August festival event. paradiseofsamoa@gmail.com