With so many organizations trying to keep up with demands for basic needs from the unemployed and others stricken by the economic crisis, it is easy for donors to overlook the needs of arts and cultural organizations.

Yet those inclined to support art, humanities and historical causes throughout Oregon have an “end of the year opportunity” to give and also to receive a tax credit come April, according to Oregon Cultural Trust Chairman and Ford Family Foundation President Norm Smith.

“It encourages people to donate to cultural organizations,” former Umpqua Valley Arts Director Shawn Ramsey-Watson said of the trust. “In the past year, we and all cultural organizations are aware of the fact so many agencies that support basic human needs has to take priority. We support that, but we don't want people to overlook culture and art.”

Any donation to a cultural organization — such as a library, symphony, or the arts center — can be matched and donated to the Oregon Cultural Trust, which in turn grants the money to cultural causes. The donor then receives a tax credit that reduces dollar-for-dollar the amount of taxes owed on the trust donation. For each original gift to an organization, the donor receives a reduction on taxable income.

“There is still time,” Smith said, adding that a wide variety of donations can be matched to the trust. “If you like the preservation of old buildings and homes... help them do their thing.”

For every dollar that comes in, Smith explained, 58 percent goes to the permanent endowment, which is saved for future donations. Forty-two percent is distributed in grants. The remaining small fraction is used to run the trust. Since 2002, the trust has collected $17 million and distributed grants to 669 organizations.

“What is so cool about this program,” Ramsey-Watson said, “is it benefits everyone. The beauty of the trust is that it (helps) us all.”

• You can reach reporter Heather Morse at 957-4208 or by e-mail at hmorse@nrtoday.com.