The Multnomah County Cultural Coalition (MCCC) is accepting applications for its 2025 Community Cultural Participation (CCP) Grant Program, which provides grants between $1,000 and $3,000 to support community-based cultural events, programs, and organizations. This grant cycle offers funding for events/program support, capacity building/capital investments, and general operating support. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, cultural or neighborhood associations, artist collectives/ensembles, and groups with a declared public purpose. Individual artists may apply as part of a larger organization or ensemble, though individuals alone are ineligible. Applicants do not need to have 501(c)(3) status unless applying for general operating support.

The MCCC focuses its grantmaking on creative communities that have historically been underserved by institutional funding for arts and culture. The priority is given to projects that support diverse communities, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, and other racialized groups, LGBTQIA2S+, immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities, and those living with low incomes. The program also values smaller organizations and those located in rural communities.

Grant applications open on September 30, 2024, and close on November 10, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. PST. Funding decisions will be communicated by January 20, 2025, with checks and agreements distributed in February. Funded activities must occur between January 1 and December 31, 2025, unless an extension is granted due to exceptional circumstances. Applicants are encouraged to attend a virtual information session on October 9, 2024, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. PST, though attendance is optional and will not affect the selection process.

Eligibility for the grant requires applicants to be headquartered in Multnomah County and serve the local population. Nonprofits, LLCs, partnerships, and groups with a common purpose are all eligible to apply, provided the proposed project benefits the public. Fiscal sponsorship is required for organizations without 501(c)(3) status applying for general operating support. For-profit entities may apply for projects that serve the public good, but not for private business expenses.

Applications are reviewed by a panel of MCCC board members and community representatives, with selections based on eligibility, feasibility, and alignment with MCCC’s goals of promoting cultural accessibility, diversity, new activities, and community partnerships. Equity and accessibility are key criteria, with priority given to projects that directly benefit historically underserved communities.

To apply, visit the MCCC grant portal at racc.smapply.org starting September 30, 2024. For questions or assistance, applicants can contact MCCC board members at info@multcoculturalcoalition.org.