As the Chronicle of Philanthropy and others have reported, arts organizations across the country have been especially hard hit by the recession. So, we’re happy to announce that Portland Center Stage was recently awarded two grants from programs specifically designed to help ameliorate the economic downturn’s negative impact on nonprofit arts groups.

The National Endowment for the Arts awarded a $50,000 grant to PCS through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The goal of the Recovery Act program is to “support the preservation of jobs that are threatened by declines in philanthropic and other support during the current economic downturn.” Portland Center Stage also received a $30,000 Oregon Arts Gap Grant from the Oregon Arts Commission aimed at helping to sustain the theater’s operations in the coming six to eight months.

Along with recognizing the NEA and OAC for this needed support, we want to thank our many contributors – businesses, foundations, public agencies and, especially, individual donors – who maintained, and even increased, their giving to Portland Center Stage during 2008/09. Despite the year’s challenges, contributed income actually reached the highest level in PCS’s history, with more than $3.4 million raised. As we embark on an exciting new season, we at PCS share a deep appreciation for the support of our many community partners and a hope that the coming months will bring a brighter economic picture for us all.