Core Support Grants support the core operations of small to mid-sized arts and cultural not-for-profits based in Hillsboro. They are intended to support the core mission of Hillsboro arts and cultural organizations with an annual operating budget of less than $250,000.

Note: Core Support Grants can range from $3,000 to $10,000. Grant requests should be no more than 10% of the applicant’s prior year revenue and may not exceed $10,000 regardless of the budget size of the applicant.  

Core Support Grant Guidelines

• 2024-25 Core Support Grant Guidelines (English)
• 2024-25 Core Support Grant Guidelines (Spanish)

Applications & update grant guidelines for 2025-26 Core Support Grants will be available online in January 2025. 

Grant Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for a Core Support Grant, an organization must:

• Exist as an arts or culture organization based in Hillsboro
• Provide a Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Offer events or activities in Hillsboro
• Provide annual operating budget of less than $500,000
• Provide most recent strategic plan or organizational plan
• Provide a roster of board members
• Have IRS 501(c)(3) status. A letter verifying status may be requested.

Note:  Organizations may apply for a Project Grant, a Core Support Grant, a Performance Series Grant, or all three.

Applications must be submitted by email or received at the Walters Cultural Arts Center by 5 pm on Monday, February 26, 2024. Late applications received after 5 pm on the deadline are disqualified and will not be considered.

We encourage applicants to consult with Cultural Arts staff regarding eligibility.

The Cultural Arts Performance Series Grants offers area performers, performing groups, and arts and cultural organizations the opportunity to become part of the 2023-2024 Performance Series at the Walters Cultural Arts Center.

Recipients will be given a single performance on select dates from October 2023 through May 2024 and receive ticketing, marketing, and production support, as well as net revenue from ticket sales (100% for Hillsboro-based arts and culture non-profits and 80% of ticket sales for all others).

These grants are offered as way to provide support and growth opportunities for our local performing community in an equitable way.

Performance Series Grant Guidelines 

• 2024-25 Performance Series Grant Guidelines (English)
• 2024-25 Performance Series Grant Guidelines (Spanish)

Applications & updated grant guidelines for 2025-26 Performance Series Grants will be available online in January 2025. 

Grant Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for a Performance Series Grant, an organization or individual must present a public performance in the Walters Cultural Arts Center's Performance Series.

Grant restrictions are as follows:

• Performance Series Grants will not be awarded for private events.
• Applicant must be a Hillsboro-based arts and culture nonprofit organization to receive full net ticket revenue from the performance.
• If applicant is not a Hillsboro-based arts and culture nonprofit, 20% of net ticket revenue must benefit a Hillsboro-based arts and culture nonprofit.
• Application must be for an arts and/or cultural performance.

Note:  Organizations may apply for a Performance Series Grant, Project Grant, a Core Support Grant, or all three.

Applications must be submitted by email or received at the Walters Cultural Arts Center by 5 pm on Monday, February 26, 2024. Late applications received after 5 pm on the deadline are disqualified and will not be considered.

We encourage applicants to consult with Cultural Arts staff regarding eligibility.

Project Grants fund short-term or one-time projects for organizations with a budget of less than $100,000, rather than ongoing operational expenses like staffing.  We fund both new and existing projects, such as an annual event. Project grants range from $500 - $3,000, depending on the project and your level of eligibility.

Project Grant Guidelines 

• 2024-25 Project Grant Guidelines (English)
• 2024-25 Project Grant Guidelines (Spanish)

Applications and updated grant guidelines for 2025-26 Project Grants will be available online in January 2025. 

Examples of fundable projects include, but are not limited to:

Community Programs

• Program improvements that increase access to arts and culture for underserved populations
• Performances, music, exhibitions, screenings, readings, or festivals
• Workshops, lectures, demonstrations, master classes, panel discussions, etc.
• Cultural festivals or celebrations
• Youth programming, including in-school and out-of-school opportunities
• Touring Exhibits

Technical Assistance/Capacity Building Goals

• Working with a consultant to develop a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategic plan, funding strategies, marketing plans, or other capacity-building initiatives
• Technology advancement such as: website development, systems development for ticketing, graphic design, or other organizational needs
• Training and software or hardware needed for program production
• Enhance marketing and communications
• Partnerships that support economic and community development efforts

Note:  Organizations may apply for a Project Grant, a Core Support Grant, a Performance Series Grant, or all three.

Funding Levels

Level 1: $0 - $1500

Grant Eligibility Criteria

IRS Non-profit status is not required.

To be considered for a Level 1 project grant, an organization or individual must:

• Apply for a grant that specifically addresses the goal(s) within this document
• Provide a Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Apply for arts and cultural events or activities in Hillsboro with a primary responsibility to serve the residents of Hillsboro
• Provide a budget summary for the proposed activity
• Provide either a roster of Board Members or confirmed project partners, with board or partner roles identified.

Level 2: $0 - $3000

Grant Eligibility Criteria

1. IRS Non-profit status, such as 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) is required.

To be considered for a Level 2 project grant, an organization must:

• Comply with Level 1 eligibility criteria
• Have IRS non-profit status. A letter verifying the status may be requested.

Applications must be submitted by email or received at the Walters Cultural Arts Center by 5 pm on Monday, February 26, 2024. Late applications received after 5 pm on the deadline are disqualified and will not be considered.

We encourage applicants to consult with Cultural Arts staff regarding eligibility.

Grant recipients are required to submit a Community Arts and Culture Grant Final Report within thirty (30) days of the close of the granting period.

You are required to notify the HACC in writing of any changes that occur to key elements of the granted project during the execution of the granted project. If the funded project is not completed by the close of the granting period, you should notify the HACC and submit a Progress Report by the final deadline. Compliance with final reporting requirements is considered when the applicant’s future grant applications are reviewed. Failure to complete the funded project within the granting period could also affect consideration of an applicant’s future grant applications.

Download Report Forms:

• Project Grant Final Report Form
• Core Support Grant Final Report Form
• Progress Report Form 

Submitting Report Forms:

Send completed report form to HACC@Hillsboro-Oregon.gov or mail an original, signed paper copy of this Final Report to Hillsboro Arts & Culture Council, 527 East Main Street, Hillsboro, OR 97123. 

Final Reports should be bound only by staples or paperclips. Grantees who submit a Final Report bound in some other fashion (such as spiral-bound or in a binder or folder) may be asked to resubmit their Final Report.

Acknowledgment of Funding

Community Arts and Culture Grant recipients are required to acknowledge the support of the Hillsboro Arts & Culture Council in marketing materials related to funded activities. Recipients should include the HACC logo on flyers, brochures, programs, advertisements, websites, etc. Recipients will also acknowledge the HACC in press materials related to the funded activities. 

Please note: the HACC logo has been changed since the last grant cycle, so be sure to use the new logo when acknowledging funding.

Recipients are requested to email electronic promotional materials related to the project or activity to HACC staff. Please mail copies of printed materials and media releases/coverage related to the project or activity to:

Hillsboro Arts & Culture Council
Community Arts and Culture Grant
527 East Main Street
Hillsboro, OR 97123

Logo Usage

Granted organizations are required to incorporate the HACC logo into programs, advertisements, and other marketing and promotional materials. If you have questions, contact the HACC directly.

The HACC logo is available in both color and black and white. To download, click the logo below.

When using the HACC logo in printed and electronic materials, we request that grant recipients do not alter the logo in any way. It is not appropriate to change the logo’s arrangement or color palette. Do not distort, stretch, or rotate the HACC logo in any way. Please also ensure that the logo is readable (i.e. not too small, etc.) with adequate white space around it.



If you have any questions concerning the use of the HACC logo, Email Us.  

Reporting Requirements

Grant recipients are required to submit a Community Arts and Culture Grant Final Report within thirty (30) days of the close of the granting period. Recipients are also required to notify the HACC in writing of any changes that occur during the execution of the granted project. If the funded project is not completed by the close of the granting period, recipients should notify the HACC and submit a Progress Report. Compliance with final reporting requirements is considered when the applicant’s future grant applications are reviewed. Failure to complete the funded project within the granting period could also affect an applicant’s future grant applications.

Applicants that were funded in the previous fiscal year are required to submit either a Progress Report or Final Report with their new grant application.

We encourage applicants to consult with HACC staff regarding any questions about the Final Report no less than three weeks prior to the deadline.

2024-25 Performance Series Grants

Boka Marimba for an exhilarating performance of positive-energy marimba music from Zimbabwe by local musicians.

Minidoka Swing Band performing Big Band swing music from the 1940s and 50s presented with the history of how that music provided a lifeline to Japanese Americans incarcerated during WWII.

Oregon Mandolin Orchestra will present a performance focused on living composers and honor the mandolin's Italian heritage and global popularity with beautiful and adventurous compositions by artists from Europe, Japan and the United States.

Portland OR Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society will present two barbershop choruses, PDX Voices and Vocal Summit, performing modern style acapella barbershop as an introduction to the art form.

Sarada Kala Nilayam will provide a performance comprised of nattuvangam (cymbals), mridangams (double-sided drums), and konnakkol (recitation of rhythmic syllables) from the South Indian classical arts genre in a rhythmic call-and-response session.

Tora’dan is a progressive Middle Eastern rock band with lyrics sung in Azerbaijan, Turkish, and Farsi.

2024-25 Project Grants

Oregon Chorale received support for their Emerging Voices Internship Program for choral musicians in local high schools.

Washington County Arts Alliance received a grant supporting the Washington County Artists Open Studio Tour, taking place the third weekend in October.

Westside Quilters Guild received support for their biennial Quilt Show.

The Young Artist’s Club received a grant to provide art supplies for a Maker’s Fair for Mooberry Elementary School students.       

2024- 25 Core Support Grants

The following organizations received core operating support grants to further their organizational missions this year:

Golden Road Arts' mission is to provide students free access to quality arts education. Developing skills and a passion for creativity and art literacy have benefits across the entire curriculum, along with many social and personal advantages. They provide teachers and parents with resources to inspire kids as they progress through elementary and middle school.

Hillsboro Artists' Regional Theatre (HART) is in the business of providing quality theatre and entertainment to the citizens of Hillsboro and the surrounding areas. HART is also dedicated to providing educational opportunities, chances for community involvement through volunteer activity, and support for cultural diversity.

Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra, founded in 2001, provides affordable and family-friendly cultural experiences in western Washington County with three concerts per year. Additionally, 70+/- amateur musicians are given the opportunity to perform.

Influence Music Hall is an organization of creative people dedicated to improving the community’s quality of life by enhancing its art and culture. With a strong focus on building and presenting a regional sense of art and culture, they provide musical performance in an atmosphere of encouragement and opportunity.

Oregon Chorale is an adult choir based in Hillsboro and founded in 1985. The Chorale promotes beautiful, evocative choral singing at the highest level while keeping concerts affordable, accessible, and fun. The Chorale also supports local youth through its Emerging Voices program, music scholarships, and collaboration with local youth choirs.

Rasika was founded in 1999 to present the classical performing arts of India to Oregon audiences. Rasika promotes the music of East India with concerts and through the presentation of educational outreach events to enhance the appreciation and understanding of the culture and traditions of this ancient land.

STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy offers innovative programs for youth where they may develop their own unique creative voice in a supportive environment. STAGES nurtures artistic, intellectual, and character development through an educational theatre arts program that develops confidence, respect, compassion, cooperation, creativity, and critical thinking.

Westside Community Youth Orchestra strives to provide high quality performances as an orchestra for our community, while cultivating artistic growth and excellence of both youth and adult members through enriching orchestral experiences and mentoring among WCYO musicians.

2023-24 Performance Series Grants

Andee Joyce: Rhythm and Autism: A solo musical-comedy performance for people with high sensory sensitivity about growing up autistic amid the 1960s and 1970s pop culture.

Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra: Chamber groups from the Orchestra will perform with the second half featuring Jazz and the Harpist, a small jazz ensemble and vocalist.

Oregon Mandolin Orchestra: A holiday program performance with a broad stylistic range encompassing classical, popular, sacred, and secular music.

Sarada Kala Nilayam/Sweta Ravisankar: Sweta Ravisankar will be offering a solo recital in the South Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam accompanied by live music.

RASIKA: Presenting an Indian classical violin recital featuring highly acclaimed Indian violinist Deepu Nair, accompanied by a percussionist playing the Indian percussion instrument, the mridangam.

Tico Gonzalez Quartet: Highlighting original, traditional, and contemporary Cuban music with a medley of songs and tropical rhythms performed by a quartet of musicians directed by Tico Gonzalez.

2023-24 Project Grants

Bag&Baggage Productions: Relaunch of Unpacking the Baggage, a series of community events including lectures, artist talks, and readings.

Centro Cultural: Marketing support for three community cultural events – Día de los Ninos, El Grito, and Día de los Muertos.

Hillsboro Downtown Partnership: Creation of temporary window murals by twelve local artists in partnership with Downtown small businesses.

Hillsboro Farmers’ Markets: Support for arts and culture performances for the 2023 Market Season.

ICG Innovare Communication Group: Organize, promote, and televise Talento Latino NW, a talent casting featuring a presentation to a panel of judges, televised recordings on Elemento Latino and Telemundo Portland, and performances at the Latino Cultural Festival.

Oregon Chorale: Support for their Emerging Voices Internship Program for choral musicians in local high schools.

Reclaiming Hope Ranch: Arts and crafts sessions in a safe and encouraging environment for kids who have a history of foster care or adoption.

Sarada Kala Nilayam/Sweta Raviskankar: Three-week summer engagement program in Indian classical dance and music, culminating with a performance for the community at HART Theatre.

STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy: Production of Anastasia, the Musical Youth Edition complete with costumes and digitally projected set pieces.

The Blue Athena Group: Creation of a web-based artist directory that supports local BIPOC and ALANA artists.                           

The Young Artist’s Club: Free art supply and take-home art kits for Mooberry Elementary School students.

2023-24 Core Support Grants

HART Theatre: HART is in the business of providing quality theatre and entertainment to the citizens of Hillsboro and the surrounding areas. HART is also dedicated to providing educational opportunities, chances for community involvement through volunteer activity, and support for cultural diversity.

Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra: Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra, founded in 2001, provides an affordable and family-friendly cultural experience in western Washington County with three concerts per year. Additionally, 70+/- amateur musicians are given the opportunity to perform.

Oregon Chorale: The Oregon Chorale is an adult choir based in Hillsboro and founded in 1985 that promotes beautiful, evocative choral singing at the highest level while keeping concerts affordable, accessible, and fun. The Chorale supports local youth through its Emerging Voices program, music scholarships, and collaboration with local youth choirs.

Sequoia Gallery + Studios: Sequoia Gallery + Studios is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting fine arts. They offer a variety of programs and events that teach and display art; provide an environment for interaction and creative ideas; and offer opportunities for artists exhibitions, outreach, and programs.

STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy: STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy offers innovative programs for youth where they can develop their own unique creative voice in a supportive environment. STAGES nurtures artistic, intellectual, and character development through an educational theatre arts program that develops confidence, respect, compassion, cooperation, creativity, and critical thinking.

Tualatin Valley Artists / Influence Music Hall: Tualatin Valley Artists is an organization of creative people dedicated to improving the community’s quality of life by enhancing its art and culture. With a strong focus on building and presenting a regional sense of art and culture, they provide musical performances through Influence Music Hall, all in an atmosphere of encouragement and opportunity.

Westside Community & Youth Orchestra: The Westside Community & Youth Orchestra strives to provide high quality performances as an orchestra for our community, while also cultivating artistic growth and excellence of both youth and adult members through enriching orchestral experiences and mentoring.