Washington County 2016 Community Cultural Participation Grant Opportunity

The Cultural Coalition of Washington County (CCWC) opens its grant cycle on Tuesday, September 1st.  Washington County based not-for-profit arts, heritage and humanities organizations are encouraged to apply for grants to be used during calendar year 2016. Organizations may apply for grants of up to $1,000 or $2,000. To apply for a $2,000 grant, an organization must be a 501(C)3 non-profit.

A strong grant application will address priorities of promoting cultural diversity, developing community and/or cross-cultural partnerships, providing matching-fund or cost-sharing. Proposals should be geared toward a specific event, activity or communication of the organization.

Applicants to this grant program can apply for activities or opportunities that address one or more of these five goals:

1. Public Awareness, Audience Building and Participation: Marketing and promotion
2. Support Existing Cultural Organizations: Professional development and capacity building
3. Increase Public Art Opportunities: Installations with high impact and/or educational purpose
4. Support Cultural and Heritage Learning: Education and cultural learning programs/participation
5. Increase Youth Access to the Arts: School-based arts and cultural opportunities and arts awareness  

The Washington County Cultural Plan, detailed 2016 Grant Guidelines, and application instructions for the Community Cultural Participation grant program are available online on the CCWC website. Application are submitted online only through the Regional Arts & Culture Council’s grant application site.

The grant application period ends October 12th at 5pm. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the grant orientation session scheduled for:

Wednesday, September 9, 2015, 4:30-6:00 pm
Hillsboro Public Library – Main  Library Board Room (second floor)
2850 NE Brookwood Parkway, Hillsboro 97124

The CCWC was established in 2005 to distribute funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust to promote the cultural identity, quality of life and economic vitality of Washington County and its arts, heritage and humanities organizations. The Coalition has distributed over $385,000 in grants to Washington County based organizations over the last 10 years.

The Oregon Cultural Trust was established by the Oregon Legislature to strengthen Oregon’s culture through the establishment of a permanent endowment. The Trust primarily receives funding from the sale of Cultural license plates and from gifts from individuals and businesses through an Oregon State tax credit program. The Trust invests a portion of proceeds from the endowment in annual grants to Oregon counties and tribal groups, funding for statewide cultural agencies, and competitive grants to cultural non-profits. To learn more about the Trust or to make a donation please visit the website.

Announcing a new WCCLS website in September

WCCLS will be launching a new-and-improved website on September 15.  The new wccls.org is:

1. Mobile-friendly.  Over 30% of WCCLS website visitors come by mobile devices.  With the new website, no matter if you’re using a desktop or a mobile phone, content will automatically resize for easy reading.
2. Clean and uncluttered.  The new website was designed by the WCCLS in-house web team, with a focus on simplicity and accessibility.   
3. Easy to navigate.  The web team used input from library users through in-person and online studies (more than 300 responses—thank you!) to make it easier to find the content you need.

No interruption of service is expected, and the online library catalog will not change.  We look forward to serving you better through the new wccls.org!

"Your Own Business" series at Beaverton City Library

Starting Your Own Business: 
Feasibility & Business Plans

Tuesday, September 8, 6-7:30 p.m.
Beaverton City Library Meeting Room A
Registration is optional.

Curious about starting your own business? Learn more about what to consider before taking the leap, as well as some tips for getting started writing your business plan. Presented by Analizza Lambino of the Small Business Administration's Portland District Office and Portland Community College's Small Business Development Center.


Marketing 101 for Small Business
Tuesday, September 22, 6-7:30 p.m.
Beaverton City Library Meeting Room A

Registration is optional. To register call the SCORE office at (503) 326-5211.

This class will provide an overview of marketing basics with an emphasis on low cost marketing ideas including an overview of social media options.