Oregon State Capitol Foundation Civics Education Initiative Program: NowAccepting Applications

The Capitol Foundation plans to award up to $50,000 in sponsorships

The Oregon State Capitol Foundation is now accepting applications for the second round of Civics Education Initiative Program sponsorships. With $50,000 in funds available, sponsorships are for organizations with existing or aspiring civics education programs designed to deepen understanding of and participation in Oregon’s state and local governments. Applications are due Sept. 15, 2022, with awards announced after the Capitol Foundation’s Oct. 5, 2022, board meeting.

The Capitol Foundation’s Civics Education Initiative is designed to fund projects and programs that educate adults and students about Oregon’s legislative process, budgeting, executive and administrative functions, governmental history and the essential importance of citizen involvement in all phases of public policy decision-making.

“Earlier this year, our nonprofit awarded a total of $24,000 in sponsorships to the Alliance of YMCAs of Oregon, Classroom Law Project and League of Women Voters of Oregon,” said Judy Hall, Capitol Foundation board chair. “These organizations received funds for the valuable programs and civics education they provide.”

• The YMCA’s program helps teens learn about the democratic system and gives the young adults first-hand experience with parliamentary procedure, legislative committee process, debate, press relations and lobbying techniques.
• The Classroom Law Project brings teachers and K-12 students together with civic leaders, lawyers and policymakers to engage in educational experiences and hands-on activities that demonstrate how our democratic process, legal system and government work.
• LWVOR’s program provides supplemental curriculum materials for students in K-12, higher education and citizenship classes, which can support student mock elections that help teach students the fundamentals of voting.

The Capitol Foundation supports a wide range of programs with sponsorships varying in amounts. Civics Education Initiative sponsorship awards will:

• Expand civics education classroom and extracurricular activities.
• Provide experiences for Oregonians to learn about the fundamentals of Oregon’s government and processes.
• Inspire civic engagement and public service. 
• Support travel costs for youth and adult groups to visit our Capitol when construction of the rotunda, galleria, Governor’s ceremonial office and Senate and House chambers is complete in early 2025.
• Develop and promote exhibits, videos and lectures about Capitol history, local and state government and the Oregonians who made it happen. 
• Conduct research or the advanced study of significant academic topics.

Applicants must have the capacity to deliver the programs proposed and the ability to effectively reach significant audiences. Applications are due by Sept. 15, 2022. If funds remain, the Capitol Foundation anticipates announcing another round of sponsorships in late 2022.

For questions, additional information or to apply for the Civics Education Initiative, go to www.oregoncapitolfoundation.org or email Genoa Ingram, Capitol Foundation executive director, at oscf@oregoncapitolfoundation.org.

For more information about the Capitol Foundation, visit www.oregoncapitolfoundation.org.