The Trust guides nonprofit organizations through every level of their development through grants and other resources.
Sectors the Trust is committed to enriching in the Pacific Northwest:
Artistic & Cultural Expression
Civic Engagement & Community Services
Health & Environmental Stewardship
Education & Leadership Development
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The Trust has a wealth of knowledge and experience that can make all the difference to you and your organization.
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August 3, 2016
September 28, 2016
December 12, 2025
December 10, 2025
The Pacific Northwest is a region known for its creativity and curiosity. The Artistic & Cultural Expression area of the Murdock Trust aims to strengthen nonprofits supporting the creative human spirit, honoring diverse cultures, fostering curiosity about the natural world, and setting people up for a lifetime of learning and creativity.
Aspirations for this area reflect the outcomes we hope to see through our investment in arts and culture.
Creativity affirms our shared humanity
Honoring stories builds empathy
Knowledge of the natural world leads to an ethos of caring
Visual Arts · Performing Arts · Media Arts · Artist Residencies · Museums · Informal Education (Zoos, Aquariums, Gardens) · Arts Education · Heritage Organizations
See our Eligibility Guidelines for full details ›
| ACE Sector | Eligible Subsectors | Ineligible Sectors & Subsectors |
| Arts Supporting | Artist Development Arts & Culture Centers & Agencies Field Development Arts Supporting - Other | |
| Gardens | Botanical, Arboretums, Historical | |
| Literary Arts | Literary Arts | |
| Media Arts | Community Broadcasting Public Broadcasting Digital & Film (excluding film festivals) | Film festivals (standalone) |
| Museums & Cultural Heritage | Art Museums Children's Museums Culture History STEM Museums Museums - Other | |
| Performing Arts | Dance Music Theater Performance Centers | |
| Visual Arts | Arts festivals, public art, monuments, nonprofit art galleries | |
| Zoos & Aquariums | Aquariums & Marine Centers Zoos, wildlife centers |
Click on the arrow next to each story title to read more.
Investment in communications staff at the Native Arts & Culture Foundation yielded storytelling impact for the nonprofit and the artists it supports.
Dance schools across the region are bringing performing arts opportunities to communities in innovative and impactful ways.
Dormitory renovations at one of Alaska’s premier residential arts camps helped them welcome more campers and increase program sustainability.
The Seattle Aquarium, Alaska SeaLife Center, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium are using marine education for the common good by helping visitors learn how to care for the sea life around them.
“Arts and culture engage us in experiences that reveal more of the world to us.”
The Trust offers strategic project grants that build capacity for nonprofits in the Artistic & Cultural Expression sector. If your organization is looking to invest in capital growth, equipment and technology, or program and staff, learn more about our grant opportunities.
