[Heritage] Cultural Trust donation deadline nears

[Heritage Info]

Dec. 31 is quickly approaching!  It's time to add up the generous contributions you've already made this year to Oregon culture - the arts, heritage and the humanities - and to make a matching gift to the Oregon Cultural Trust.  By doing both before Dec. 31, a donor qualifies for a 100 percent tax credit to apply to your Oregon state income taxes. 

The Trust website, www.culturaltrust.org, has a list of over 1,100 cultural nonprofits if you are looking for a group to which to contribute.  

Remember that many memberships to cultural organizations count as a charitable contribution - so you can leverage your membership to make a gift to the Cultural Trust now.  So, if you are already a member of OPB, Jefferson Public Radio, The Portland Art Museum, The High Desert Museum, The Oregon Zoo, the Oregon Historical Society and others, make a gift to the Cultural Trust this month!

Check the thank you letter these groups have sent you to confirm what portion - or all - of your membership is tax deductible as this is the amount you can match to the Trust.  

You can make a donation in the following ways:

1.   You can donate by credit card  (Visa or MasterCard) on our secure website at www.culturaltrust.org by clicking on the "donate now" tab.  Call the Cultural Trust at 503-986-0088 to make a credit card donation over the phone.

2.   Mail a check to the Oregon Cultural Trust at :
Oregon Cultural Trust
775 Summer St. NE
Suite 200
Salem, OR  97301

3.   Make a contribution of stock by contacting Shannon Planchon at (503) 986-0086 or shannon.planchon at state.or.us. 

Your contribution will help build a permanent endowment fund to support culture statewide and  provide grant funds to increase access to and excellence in cultural programming. During this past year, the interest off the endowment and other earnings enabled the Trust and its county coalitions to make a record amount of grants to heritage, preservation and history organizations in Oregon.   In addition, you will be adding your name to a growing list of cultural advocates across the state who understand that a strong cultural climate makes sound economic sense and improves the quality of life statewide. 

Help spread the word !  Forward this message to those friends who may not be aware of the generous tax credit available for supporters of Oregon's cultural organizations.  

Jim Cox, the Trust manager, will be happy to answer any questions about the Trust and the tax credit.  Contact him at (503) 986-0089 or james.w.cox at state.or.us.