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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 is open through Sept. 29.

    • Eligible Activities
    • Grant Cycles
    • Our Goals
    Eligible Activities
    • Performing arts
      - Community and professional theater
      - Instrumental and vocal music
      - Dance
    • Festivals or parades
    • Educational events

    Who can apply

    • Nonprofit organizations inside Gresham city limits.
    • Gresham residents who partner with a qualifying nonprofit.
    Grant Cycles

     Our intent is to offer two rounds of cultural events grant funding within the 2023-24 budget cycle. 

    • The first round opened in August.
    • The second round will open in January 2024.

    Grant cycle timing

    While the City will accept all applications, we are prioritizing the first round of awards for upcoming cultural events taking place before Dec. 31, 2023, the end of the calendar year.

    If your event takes place during the first half of 2024 (January through June), we will keep your application for the second round of award consideration.

    The hope is any organization who misses out on the first-round deadline is welcome to apply when the second round opens in January. 

    Program funding

    • The total program funding is $25,200 for 2023-24.
    • The maximum award per recipient is $7,560.  
    • All funds must be used by June 30, 2024.

    Grant funding is approved during the City’s annual budget adoption process.

    Our 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.

    Our goals

    • Support community participation through events and festivals rich in culture, education and heritage. 
    • 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 encourage celebrating diversity, culture and heritage.

    • 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, Neighborhood Services 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.