As we reach the end of the year, I encourage everyone to open up their hearts and their wallets and give what they can to non-profits that benefit their local community.

If part of your giving this year should run to the arts and culture (and, if you’re reading this, it probably should!) please remember the Oregon Cultural Trust and the amazing tax credit available when you match your arts giving. 

I’m going to let Governor Ted Kulongoski explain it:

 “The arts, heritage and humanities form the rich fabric of Oregon culture. And with a strong cultural climate comes a strong economy and more united communities. Cultural institutions – and the businesses that support them – employ thousands of Oregonians across the state. These institutions also attract visitors from around the world, who spend millions of dollars each year in Oregon communities large and small. As Governor, I have continued funding for cultural agencies whose mission is to strengthen arts and culture in Oregon. This year we made a major reinvestment in culture, history, art, movies and preservation, and now there is opportunity to build on that great success. So, today I urge all Oregonians to invest in our cultural legacy by contributing to the Oregon Cultural Trust.

Every year since 2002, the number of donors to the Oregon Cultural Trust has increased over the previous year as more and more people learn about the benefits of the Trust to Oregon and taxpayers. With the powerful incentive of Oregon’s unique cultural tax credit, 12,000 Oregonians have contributed to the Trust and the permanent endowment has grown to more than $7 million. We want this trend to continue.

Making a contribution is easy – and smart. If you have made a donation to an Oregon cultural nonprofit, your matching gift to the Oregon Cultural Trust qualifies as a state tax credit, a dollar for dollar reduction in the tax you owe, up to $500 for individuals, $1,000 for couples filing jointly, and $2,500 for Oregon corporations. You can see a complete list of qualifying nonprofits and learn more about the tax credit by visiting www.culturaltrust.org. You can also contribute to the Trust online. Or call 503-986-0088.

The Oregon Cultural Trust is Oregon’s way of saying that culture in our communities is important – and that every Oregonian can play a role in supporting it.

Earn your own credit for culture. Make a gift in any amount to the Cultural Trust this year. Thank you.”