New program to promote civics education will grant $50,000 for projects across state

Oregonians interested in learning more about state history and government can apply for a share of $50,000 in grants to use for projects, research and field trips.

The Oregon Capitol Foundation will award the money to any individual or group to use for civics lessons in schools, to carry out an extracurricular activity, a public service project or research project about state government and history. The money can also be used to cover travel costs to the Capitol.

Those interested have until March 31 to submit their applications.

Judy Hall, a board member at the Capitol Foundation and a former secretary of the Senate said they hoped to bring in more people from eastern Oregon, like Pendleton and Baker City.

“We want to attract people from all over the state,” Hall said. “With everything going on in the world, this is really important now.”

The Oregon Capitol Foundation is a 25-year-old nonprofit in Salem that was created to “preserve our Capitol, share its history and engage Oregonians in our democracy,” according to Hall.

The foundation and the $50,000 for grants are funded mostly by revenue from the Oregon Pacific Wonderland license plates. 

The foundation supports Capitol restoration, but has supported education programs in the past, including mock legislative sessions through the YMCA and exhibitions on state history within the Capitol.