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Cultural Events Grant Program

  • Grants support meaningful ways to bring us together as a community through cultural events and activities.

    2023-24 grant application

    The 2023-24 grant application period will open in fall 2023.

    • Eligible Activities
    • Grant Goals
    • Grant Examples
    Eligible Activities
    • Performing arts
      • community and professional theater
      • instrumental and vocal music
      • dance
    • Festivals or parades
    • Educational events

    The Cultural Events Grant funds organizations that support direct community participation, including underserved communities, through events and festivals rich in culture, education and heritage. 

    Who may apply: Grants are available to nonprofit organizations physically located within Gresham city limits and to Gresham residents, who have partnered with a qualifying nonprofit.

    Grants up to $7,050.00 will be awarded this fall for use by June 30, 2023.

    Grant Goals

    Gresham is one of the most diverse communities in the state. Supporting cultural events and the people and organizations who provide the vision, brings us together as a community.

    Grant goals:

    • Promote activities that tell and build upon the stories of Gresham as a community.
    • Promote projects that will be visible in the community.
    • Promote projects that support improved outcomes for underrepresented communities and promote diversity/culture/heritage.
    Grant Examples
    • Gresham Ebetsu Sister City Association: “Skosh” a Little Japanese Cultural Program, $500
    • Rockwood CDC: Stories from the Hearth, $3,405
    • Slavic Community Center NW: Slavic Music Series, $4,500

    Who may apply: Nonprofit organizations inside Gresham city limits and Gresham residents, who partner with a qualifying nonprofit.

  • Grant recipients

  • 2022 Grant Recipients
    • East Metro Arts, Culture & Community (EMACC) | Rockwood Playhouse: $2,675 
      A community theater production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, all ages Shakespeare. Non-traditional casting wherein the Rockwood Playhouse will celebrate with all the colors, culture, and diversity of Gresham, centered in the Rockwood community. Six performances in May 2023.

    • Gresham Center for the Arts Foundation | Music Monday Summer Concert Series and Music Wednesday in the Parks Summer Performance Series: $7,050
      Music Mondays will have nine concerts beginning July 3 and ending August 28. There will be a designated Kid-Zone, offering a variety of activities in a safe environment, allowing some adult time for music listening. There will be four Wednesdays in the Parks, July 12 and 26, August 9 and 23.

    • Gresham Historical Society | Gresham Folklife Heritage Exhibit: $5,000       
      An exhibit of art by local culture keepers who practice visual art methods traditional to their cultures. The exhibit will open in September 2023 and remain open through August 2024.

    • Gresham Japanese Gardens | Keeping Culture Alive: $4,640 
      A showcase of Japanese culture, the Japanese community and culturally rich presentations throughout May, June, and July 2023. Koto musical entertainment will take place along with cultural crafts. A hosted Koi expo with Origami, Bonsai and Taiko (drum) demonstrations and activities for all ages and abilities. Hands on Anime art workshops are also part of the cultural programming.

    • Gresham Senior Center | Bring You Socks to Our SOCK HOP: $1,385     
      Family dance event featured as a "Sock Hop" with a sock drive for those in our community in need. We will share the culture of the 1950's with history of the songs, clothing, styles and slang. Event scheduled for April 16, 2023.

    • Historic Downtown Gresham Business Association (HDGBA) | Historic Downtown Gresham Third Thursdays Music & Art Series: $2,750 
      A Summer season Third Thursday event series (June – August 2023) that supports local musical artists and artisans. 

    • Mt. Hood College Foundation | Mt. Hood Jazz Festival: $7,050
      Performances by a diverse selection of professional artists, including large ensembles, trios, vocal, and instrumental jazz with the objective of inspiring students, educators, music programs, attendees, vendors, and supporters. Event is scheduled for May 5-7, 2023 at the MHCC campus. 
    • Gresham cultural events Eastern European Music Festival
    • The community enjoys the Juneteenth cultural celebration in Gresham.
    • The spirit of the islands performance dance at the Gresham Arts Festival.
    • Cultural events community mural painting during I Heart Rockwood festival in Gresham.
    • Juneteenth singer gives a moving performance in Gresham.

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  • Mail, deliver or email grant applications to:

    City of Gresham, Neighborhoods Office  
    Attention: Michael Gonzales            
    1333 NW Eastman Parkway 
    Michael.Gonzales@GreshamOregon.gov

    Questions? Email or call 503-618-2482.

    Hear about more opportunities

    Email CommunityEngagement@GreshamOregon.gov to be added to our community-based organizations’ email to receive info about future opportunities from the City.