2026 Central Oregon Awardees
Jefferson County Event Complex – Jefferson County Event Complex Infrastructure Improvement Project
$48,000
The project will expand Cowdeo youth rodeo programming and Corwin Arena facility upgrades to increase regional event capacity, improve visitor access, and strengthen tourism-driven economic activity.
Wasco County – Wasco County Fairgrounds Infrastructure Project
$42,500
Wasco County will enhance the Wasco County Fairgrounds by procuring a mobile performance stage and completing lighting, accessibility, and event-area improvements to expand tourism-driven concerts, festivals, and regional community events.
High Desert Food and Farm Alliance – Strengthening the High Desert Food Trail through Inclusive Agritourism
$35,000
This project expands the High Desert Food Trail with development of an Accessibility Edition, inclusive itineraries, and a shoulder-season Accessible Travel Week, connecting visitors of all abilities to Central Oregon farms, food, and agritourism.
Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory – SNCO Accessible Trails & Inclusive Interpretation Initiative
$35,000
SNCO’s Accessible Trails & Inclusive Interpretation Initiative combines ADA-accessible trails, multilingual and audio signage, and a virtual walking tour to ensure visitors of all abilities can enjoy Central Oregon’s natural beauty year-round.
Deschutes Land Trust – Metolius Preserve Trail Accessibility Project
$30,000
This project improves visitor access to Metolius Preserve, creating an inviting place to hike, roll and ride. These infrastructure and trail improvements increase the inventory of accessible trails in the Sisters area for visitors of all abilities.
Sisters Trails Alliance – Expanding and Rating Accessible Trails in Sisters Country
$25,002
Sisters Trails Alliance’s goal is to create the first fully verified accessible adventure trail system in Oregon by rating all non-motorized trails, training volunteers, and expanding adaptive recreation opportunities for people of all abilities.
Ballet Bend – Non-Peak Debut Series at Tower Theatre: Bringing the World’s Best Dance to Bend
$15,000
Bend’s first professional ballet presenting organization will bring nationally and internationally recognized dance to Central Oregon.
BendFilm – Bend Film Festival
$15,000
BendFilm Festival is a five-day independent film event in October including films, filmmaker Q&A sessions, and community events. Funds will support BendFilm’s continued expansion for bringing screenings, conversations, and creative opportunities to audiences in rural communities such as Warm Springs and Madras.
Oregon Adaptive Sports – All-Access Adventure
$15,000
All Access Adventure will deliver signature adaptive outdoor programs from September 2026 through May 2027 for over 100 people with disabilities of all ages and their families, including specific programs for Disabled Veterans.
Think Wild – Crooked River Park Native Plant Stewardship Project
$15,000
Converting a gravel lot into an accessible pollinator garden and outdoor classroom for hands-on learning, community stewardship, and connection to the Crooked River.
ScaleHouse – Celebrating Lived Experience through Art
$14,500
A contemporary arts project featuring two new exhibitions at Scalehouse Gallery in Bend that invite visitors to explore identity, leadership, and migration.
Wake Creative, Inc. – Sketch + Release: Black Artists in Rural Oregon
$10,000
Sketch and Release is a touring multimedia production celebrating Black Oregonians through film, performance, music, and community dialogue. This interactive experience explores identity and future-building across 12 rural and metro venues statewide.