Oregon Cultural Trust launches Cultural Ambassador Network to promote cultural giving across the state

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – More than 50 Oregonians have joined forces to launch the Oregon Cultural Trust’s new Cultural Ambassador Network, inspired to promote cultural giving in Oregon.

Inaugural members include Norm Smith, president emeritus of The Ford Family Foundation, Oregon Poet Laureate Emerita Paulann Petersen and former state representative Margaret Doherty, as well as many cultural nonprofit executives and supporters in communities ranging from Astoria, Portland and Jacksonville to Prineville and Wallowa.

The Cultural Ambassador Network empowers dedicated and passionate individuals across Oregon to promote the work of arts, heritage and humanities nonprofits while increasing statewide funding through Oregon’s unique Cultural Tax Credit.

“We know the most effective way to inspire people to donate to cultural organizations and use Oregon’s Cultural Tax Credit – the source of our grant funds for more than 1,650 cultural nonprofits statewide – is word of mouth,” said Cultural Trust Executive Director Brian Rogers. “Hearing from someone you trust about how it works, and how easy it is to do, empowers cultural supporters to make their matching contribution.”

Cultural Ambassadors become conversant in how the Cultural Trust and the Cultural Tax Credit work – with training and support – and share the information in ways that are convenient and comfortable for them. 

Examples of Cultural Ambassador activities include:

• Committing to one-on-one conversations with 10 cultural donors about the tax credit; 
• Encouraging local cultural nonprofits to promote the Cultural Tax Credit to their donors;
• Attending local cultural events to share information about the Cultural Tax Credit;
• Presenting a Trust-provided PowerPoint at cultural nonprofit board meetings or events;
• Talking with tax preparers or CPAs about encouraging clients to use the Cultural Tax Credit;
• Presenting to local service organizations about the Cultural Trust and the tax credit;
• Hosting a social gathering at which Cultural Trust information is shared;
• Connecting with local media to share stories of Cultural Trust funding impact; 
• Connecting the Cultural Trust team to other potential Ambassadors/local thought leaders; and
• Working creatively with the Trust team on unique opportunities for promotion.

All Cultural Ambassadors are recognized on the Cultural Trust website and receive an official Cultural Trust Ambassador name tag, plus information cards and a special gift – a limited-edition Celebrate Oregon! mug.

Those interested in joining the Cultural Ambassador Network should contact Communications Manager Carrie Kikel at carrie.kikel@biz.oregon.gov.

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The Oregon Cultural Trust was established by the Oregon Legislature in 2001 as a unique means to reward Oregonians who invest in culture. Oregonians who donate to a cultural nonprofit and then make a matching gift to the Cultural Trust receive a 100% state tax credit for their gift to the Trust. The Cultural Trust’s  three grant programs fund  five Statewide Partners, 45 County and Tribal Coalitions and qualified cultural nonprofits through competitive Cultural Development Grants.