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About Gresham

Cultural Events Grants

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

2023-24 grant application

Phase 2 of the 2023-24 grant application period is closed. Award notifications will be sent out in February.

Cultural events grant committee meeting materials

Monday, Feb. 12

Grant program details

  • Eligible Activities
  • Grant Cycles
  • Program 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 
Grant Cycles

We are offering two rounds of cultural events grant funding within the 2023-24 budget cycle. The second round is now open and will close at noon on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.

Grant cycle timing

If you applied during the first cycle of funding for an event happening in the first half (Jan. through June) of 2024, we still have your application, and it will be considered for funding in this current phase. If you missed the first deadline, we invite you to apply for funding now. 

Note: Your event must take place between January and June 30, 2024 to be eligible

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.

Program 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

2023-24 Grant Recipients
  • Center for the Arts Foundation | Wednesday Music in the Parks: $7,550 
    This event is an exemplary example of a highly visible event that showcases the Gresham community spirit. Wednesday Music in the Parks provides the opportunity for the Center for the Arts Foundation to bring performing artists from underrepresented communities out into four far-reaching Gresham neighborhoods in celebration of diversity and cultural heritage. Wednesday Music centers on the healing power of live music and personal story­telling. Success as shown in the joy of the performers in their interaction with local residents, together with their many requests to return in summer 2024, tells us this is an important component in outreach and outcomes for many of the underrepresented in our Gresham. […] Music provides the setting for the communities to come together enjoying a family friendly event in unity.

  • Play Grow Learn | Juneteenth Celebration 24: $7,500 
    Juneteenth 2024 is the 159th anniversary of the end of slavery. Recently made into a federal holiday, Juneteenth was for many years unknown outside of Black America. Now this formerly "hidden" festival is part of Black belonging and celebration - something that belongs to Black America but exists now as part of the American tapestry of inclusion. This event will showcase Gresham's cultural richness with over 88 languages alone. We intend to foster unity among people from all backgrounds. On June 19th, 2024, Play Grown Learn will bring 2000 community members together for an 8 hour festival featuring speeches, 50 booths comprising craft vendors, food from different ethnicities, games and social service agencies.

  • Mt. Hood College Foundation | Mt. Hood Jazz Festival: $5,120 
    Over the past 40 years, the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival has become an integral community event in Gresham, a touchstone that reflects the changing dynamics of the city, while continuing to offer cutting edge jazz performances across an array of disciplines. Although Gresham is located relatively close to Portland city center, it has its own distinct history, demographics and growth patterns, which the festival reflects and supports, through its menu of artists, activities, and accessibility.

  • Oregon Human Development Corporation | Farmworker Resource Festival: $5,120 
    The Farmworker Resource Festival is a one-day event bringing together the farmwork community in Gresham to offer resources, provide education, and to foster community cohesiveness. By fostering dialogue and understanding, we aim to build bridges between different communities and create a more equitable and inclusive Gresham. This project will bring together community members, entrepreneurs, service providers, and artists. Offerings will include a vendor section for service providers, a stage for dancers, and activities for children and families. OHDC hopes this festival will lay the groundwork for lasting connections and collaborations. 
2022-23 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.

  • Gresham Center for the Arts Foundation | Music Monday Summer Concert Series and Music Wednesday in the Parks Summer Performance Series: $7,050
    Music Mondays featuring nine concerts. There will be a designated Kid-Zone, offering a variety of activities in a safe environment, allowing some adult time for music listening. Includes four Wednesdays in the Parks concerts in various parks.

  • 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 January.

  • Gresham Japanese Garden | Keeping Culture Alive: $4,640 
    A showcase of Japanese culture, the Japanese community and culturally rich presentations. Koto musical entertainment 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. Shares the culture of the 1950s with history of the songs, clothing, styles and slang.

  • Historic Downtown Gresham Association (HDGA) | Historic Downtown Gresham Third Thursdays Music and Art Series: $2,750 
    A Summer season Third Thursday event series 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.
  • Eastern European music festival
  • Performers at Juneteenth event
  • Island dancers
  • Mural painting
  • Singer at Juneteenth event

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Mail, deliver or email grant applications to:

City of Gresham
Attention: Neighborhood Services             
1333 NW Eastman Parkway 
NeighborhoodServices@GreshamOregon.gov

Questions? Email or call 503-618-2469.

Hear about more opportunities

Contact CommunityEngagement@GreshamOregon.gov to receive info about future opportunities from the City.