Grants for Arts & Culture

INSTRUCTOR INFO

Suzanne Savaria

savaria@pdx.edu

COURSE CRN

• Fall 2025

  • 13607

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Participants in this course will serve as a grantmaking committee, learning about philanthropy in theory and in practice, evaluating applications from arts nonprofits, conducting interviews and site visits, and deciding where to allocate $25,000.00, provided by The Schnitzer CARE Foundation. 

Grantmaking requires curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to build consensus and make tough decisions. Historically, seats at the decision-making table were reserved for a privileged few with financial means, but new voices and diverse experiences are critical for imagining and stewarding an equitable future. 

The work in this course will help to ensure that arts and culture organizations have a place in Oregon. The arts make communities healthy and vibrant. They build connections, affirm dignity, and speak truth to power. They are a critical component of the economic success of many metropolitan areas, and yet they are also critically and consistently under-funded. This course offers students the opportunity to understand the needs of their community and develop a range of skills through grantmaking.

CONTACT INFO

Suzanne Savaria, savaria@pdx.edu