Oregon Heritage, part of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, is accepting applications for its four grant programs. Separate grant programs offer funding for museums, historic cemeteries, historic building preservation and archaeological projects. These grant programs, such as the one for historic cemeteries, provide small grants for a variety of project and can be a catalyst for additional local support. “The impact of these small dollars has been huge for individual cemeteries and the health of the state’s historic cemeteries as a whole,” notes Diane Elder, chair of the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries. “In one cemetery, a $1,200 grant cultivated 10 new volunteers, a partnership with other local cemeteries and cash donations from families.” The four grant programs include: ï(R) The Oregon Museum Grant accepts applications from museums that meet specific criteria and funds projects related to the care of historic artifacts, education and heritage tourism. ï(R) The Historic Cemeteries Grant is offered for any project that preserves or promotes historic cemeteries. These may include marker repair, fencing, interpretive panels and other activities. ï(R) The Preserving Oregon Grant is focused on historic properties, either archaeological work or preservation of properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. ï(R) The Diamonds in the Rough Grant concentrates on commercial buildings that have been altered or concealed over time. Projects that expose or bring back the historic character qualify for this program. A workshop that provides tips on good project planning and grant writing will take place at 1 p.m. Feb. 18 in Room 124A of the North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer St. NE, Salem. It will also include instruction about Oregon Heritage’s online grant application system. Instruction in using the online system will also be available online. For more information about the grant programs, requirements, deadlines, and the workshop, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact grants and outreach coordinator Kuri Gill at Kuri.Gill@state.or.us or 503-986-0685.
