Sustaining Arts Program (SAP) Grants is sponsored by Business Oregon. Offers operating support to Oregon's arts organizations that provide ongoing, high-quality outreach programs and arts services.

Business Oregon : Sustaining Arts (SAP) Grants : Sustaining Arts Program : State of Oregon Translate this site into other Languages tag, as divs are not allowed in 's --> Sustaining Arts (SAP) Grants The multi-generational cast of Cottage Theatre's 2019 production of "Oliver!"

The Oregon Arts Commission Sustaining Arts Program contributes to Oregon's arts organizations that offer ongoing, sustained, high-quality outreach programs and arts services or artistic programming in the community.

Para asistencia en español, llame al Submit your applications for the FY2027 Sustaining Arts Program (SAP) by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Use the following steps to guide you went submitting your application: Step 1 - Read guidelines to confirm eligibility and fiscal category (Group A or Group B) FY27 SAP Group A Guidelines FY27 SAP Group B Guidelines Step 2 - Prepare application responses and required materials.

All questions are included in guidelines. Note: If you experience any technical issues, contact arts. grants@biz.

oregon. gov Is my organization in Group A or Group B? Groups are determined by operating expenses from your most recently filed tax return.

See below and refer to corresponding grant guidelines and online application category (A or B). Group A – Arts organizations with annual operating expenses Awards range from $1,000 to $3,000 in Group A Group B – Arts organizations with annual operating expenses equal to or greater than $150,000 .

Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000 in Group B In 2026, the Oregon Arts Commission supported more than 350 arts organizations across the state with more than $1. 7 million in operating support grants through the Sustaining Arts Program. This program is core to our work as a state arts agency and we are proud to partner with the National Endowment for the Arts to support so many organizartions through this grants program.

Want to keep up-to-date on everything happening with OAC? The Oregon Arts Commission has final determination on eligibility. The Commission may review eligibility at any time and request more information as necessary.

​Group A - Annual operating expenses of less than $150,000 At the time of the application deadline, all applicant organizations must operate as an arts nonprofit as evidenced by: An arts-focused mission that describes the arts as the primary purpose of the organization; Public arts programming and community engagement throughout the year; Current IRS 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status; and Active registration with the State of Oregon for corporate, non-profit status.

Note: Organizations that operate without their own distinct nonprofit status (e.g. organizations housed within an institution of higher learning, a larger nonprofit, or a federally recognized Tribe) may apply for a waiver for this requirement. See " Eligibility Waivers " page.

Group B - Annual operating expenses of more than $150,000 At the time of the application deadline, all applicant organizations must operate as an arts nonprofit as evidenced by: An arts-focused mission that describes the arts as the primary purpose of the organization; Public arts programming and community engagement throughout the year; Current IRS 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status; and Active registration with the State of Oregon for corporate, non-profit status; and Current Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.

gov. Note: Organizations that operate without their own distinct nonprofit status (e.g. organizations housed within an institution of higher learning, a larger nonprofit, or a federally recognized Tribe) may apply for a waiver for this requirement. See " Eligibility Waivers " page​. Operate within a mission that describes the arts as the primary purpose of the organization; arts programming must be the primary focus.

Show at least $150,000 in cash operating expenses on the organization's most recently submitted IRS 990. To determine an organization's total cash operating expenses, refer to line 17 on IRS Form 990-EZ (total expenses), exclusive of capitol development. Organizations using a fiscal sponsor are not eligible to apply.

Group A - Annual operating expenses of less than $150,000: Awards range from $1,000 to $3,000 and support an organization's full range of arts programming and operations, within the Arts Commission's limitations. Award amounts are determined by available program budget and divided evenly among the number of eligible applications received.

Group B - Annual operating expenses of more than $150,000: ​Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000 and support an organization's full range of arts programming and operations, within the Arts Commission's limitations. Award amounts are calculated annually through a formula that considers 1) organization fiscal size; 2) previous awards (if applicable); and 3) available program budget.

​ Applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness by Arts Commission staff and eligibility readers. Staff may follow-up with clarification questions as needed. Staff calculates funding amounts and presents recommendations to the Commission for review and action.

The Arts Commission determines awards based on number of applications and available grant funds. There are limited resources, and all applicants may not receive funding. The Commission reviews and acts on the funding amounts annually.

Applications must be completed in the online grant system no later than 5:00 pm on the deadline date to be considered for review. Please see Sustaining Arts Program Guidelines​ (Additional Resources at left) for full information about this grant program including all the application questions.

Sustaining Arts​ Program funds may not be used for the following: Events whose primary focus is to raise funds for a non-arts purpose; Services to entities located outside Oregon; ​Activities that take place outside the grant's defined activity dates; or Tuition assistance or scholarships for college, university or other degree-bearing courses of study.

If awarded, your award will likely be funded with Oregon State General Fund and National Endowment for the Arts Funding. There are allowable and unallowable cost associated with federal funds which are detailed in the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and can be found by at the following link CFR Part 200. Below is a summary of unallowable expenses.

Awards to individuals or organizations to honor or recognize achievement (P. L. 111–88, October 30, 2009, Sec.

438 (2)). However, fees for artists or arts organizations who provide services or goods to you under the Federal award are allowable. Compensation to foreign nationals, including travel to or from foreign countries, when those expenditures are not in compliance with regulations issued by the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC Sanctions/National Endowment for the Arts guidelines) are unallowable.

Entertainment (2 CFR 200. 438). Entertainment, including amusement and social activities such as receptions, parties, galas, dinners, community gatherings, etc., and any associated costs including food, catering, alcoholic beverages, as well as costs for the planning, staffing, and supplies, for such, etc., are unallowable.

Specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment but have a programmatic purpose may be allowable if authorized with prior written approval. Funding cash reserve or endowment accounts or instruments is unallowable. Construction, purchase, or renovation costs of facilities or land (National Endowment for the Arts guidelines).

However, costs associated with predevelopment, design fees and community planning, as well as preparing exhibit space, setting a piece of public art, etc., may be allowable. Costs to bring a project into compliance with Federal award requirements (National Endowment for the Arts guidelines) The purchase of vehicles, including but not limited to cars, vans, buses, trucks, sport utility vehicles, etc. (200.

403-5), and National Endowment for the Arts guidelines). Home Office Workspace (2 CFR 200. 465(f)).

Rental of any property owned by any individuals or entities affiliated with the non-Federal entity for purposes such as a home office workspace is unallowable. Costs associated with subawards made to ineligible recipients are unallowable. Prohibited telecommunications and video surveillance services and equipment (2 CF200.

216 and . 471). You may not buy or obtain, nor extend or renew a contract for, covered telecommunications and video surveillance services and equipment that is prohibited by P.

L. 115-232, section 889. Visa costs paid to the U.S. Government (P.

L. 109-54, Title III General Provisions, Sec. 406); however, the cost of preparing material (legal documentation, etc.) for submission is allowable.

The purchase of vehicles, including but not limited to cars, vans, buses, trucks, sport utility vehicles, etc. Allowable or generally allowable. In general, most expenses except those above are allowable for Operating Support and Project Support. However, there are a few principles that need to be considered under Federal CFR, which are below.

​Conferences (2 CFR 200. 432). Costs of conferences (including meetings, retreats, seminars, symposia, workshops or other events whose primary purpose is dissemination of technical information) are still generally allowable, however: Conference sponsors must exercise discretion and judgment in ensuring that conference costs are appropriate, necessary, and managed in a manner that minimizes costs to the Federal portion of the award.

Costs associated with activities that generally occur at a closing meal, or a reception at the end of the working day, are unallowable. These activities also often have alcohol associated with them and/or are of a social nature, which are prohibited under Federal awards (see also Entertainment.) Fundraising (2 CFR 200.

442). A percentage of salaries and fringe benefits for development or fundraising staff, or fees to contractors who raise funds to implement this award/project during the period of performance may be allowable costs. However: Salaries or other costs for general fundraising activities or events, including those for donors, or that benefit the organization as a whole, are unallowable.

Costs associated with activities such as galas or parties, picnics or other community gatherings where food and beverages are provided, are unallowable (see also Entertainment.) Home Office Workspace (§200. 465(f)).

Rental of any property owned by any individuals or entities affiliated with the non-Federal entity for purposes such as a home office workspace is unallowable. Program assistance is available from Tiffany Harker, Arts Education and Grants Coordinator, tiffany. harker@biz.

oregon. gov​ , 971-719-6169. Technical assistance is available from Kat Bell, Grants Officer, kat.

bell@biz. oregon. gov​ or 971-304-5044 prior to the application deadline.

Applicants may also seek feedback after funding decisions have been made. Upon request, Arts Commission funding application materials will be made available in an alternate format such as Braille, large type or on audiotape. For applicants who are hearing‐impaired and require TDD assistance, please call 800-735‐2900.

Spanish-speaking applicants can contact Liora ​Sp​​onko, Senior Program Manager, liora. sponko@biz. oregon.

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